Shane van Gisbergen, originally from New Zealand, has already built an impressive career in Australian Supercars with three championships, 80 race wins, and 176 podiums across more than 500 races, including three victories at the Bathurst 1000. Despite this notable success, he chose to take on a challenging new path by entering NASCAR in the United States in 2023, marking a significant Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR transition that has drawn attention worldwide.
Since his NASCAR debut, the driver known as SVG has rapidly made a name for himself as one of the top road course specialists in the series. He claimed his first NASCAR Cup win at the Chicago Street Race in 2023 and has amassed nine road course victories, including five in the Cup Series—four of which came this season—and four more in the Xfinity Series. His growing dominance on American tracks has elevated his profile both in New Zealand and Australia.
Legacy of Australian Drivers in NASCAR Before van Gisbergen
Shane van Gisbergen is not the first Supercars driver from Australia to try NASCAR racing in the U.S. Marcos Ambrose, another Australian racing icon, paved the way with a lengthy and successful NASCAR tenure, becoming the first Australian to win at the Cup Series level. Ambrose transitioned from Supercars to NASCAR, spending nearly ten years competing stateside before returning home, where he eventually retired from professional racing and opened a lodge in Tasmania.
Van Gisbergen’s current success has raised curiosity about whether more drivers from Australia and New Zealand might soon follow his example by taking their talents to NASCAR’s American circuits.
Prospects for Further Australian and New Zealander Drivers Entering NASCAR
On the Dale Jr. Download podcast, hosted by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Shane van Gisbergen addressed the possibility of others from Down Under joining NASCAR in the U.S. He acknowledged how demanding such a transition can be, underscoring the importance of strong support and commitment from team leadership. Referring to team owner Justin Marks, van Gisbergen noted the significant efforts made to facilitate his move across the globe.
You obviously got to have someone with commitment, like what I’ve had in Justin (team owner Justin Marks). I’m extremely thankful for in how much he’s committed, uprooting me from home, getting me out of my contract, flying me over here. It’s a big thing to do.
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR driver
Despite the challenges involved, van Gisbergen highlighted the enthusiasm many young Australian and New Zealand drivers have to follow his path. Among them is Broc Feeney, who was van Gisbergen’s teammate and is excelling in Supercars, while showing keen interest in NASCAR by frequently engaging with oval racing, iRacing simulations, and following NASCAR closely.
There’s a lot of young guys there. There’s a guy who was my teammate, Broc Feeney, who is killing it in Supercars. He loves it (NASCAR). He’s on the ovals all the time on iRacing and watching all the ovals, texting me all the time. I think he would be really good and I’ve been trying to get him into a road course race with Kaulig (Racing), now that they’ve got some spare seats. I think he would be a really, really good guy to bring over.
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR driver
Another driver eyeing NASCAR opportunities is Cam Waters, who has already competed in some truck series races despite facing initial struggles. Van Gisbergen believes that with time and adjustment, Waters could perform well.
Cam Waters has come and did some truck races. He’s struggling, but with time he would be good. He’s a massive talent as well. Yeah, it’s a big commitment to bring someone over and I hope someone else tries it.
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR driver
The Impact of van Gisbergen’s Transition on Australian and New Zealand Motorsports
Van Gisbergen’s journey from Supercars champion to a NASCAR star exemplifies a growing connection between Australian and New Zealand motorsports and American racing leagues. His rapid adaptability and victories on road courses showcase the potential for drivers from this region to succeed internationally. This growing trend has already encouraged several other racers, including Brodie Kostecki, Will Brown, and Jack Perkins, to explore opportunities in the U.S.
With more road course events scheduled this season, van Gisbergen continues to build momentum, inspiring younger generations and contributing to a shift in the racing landscape. His story underscores the importance of determination, access to supportive teams, and willingness to embrace new challenges for ambitious drivers worldwide.