Since moving to the United States to pursue his NASCAR career, Shane van Gisbergen has quickly established himself within the racing community. Although he sometimes feels homesick due to his father’s absence, he has found comfort and familiarity by bringing along one of his beloved pets from Australia, helping him stay connected to home during this major life change.

The Story Behind Ronald’s Journey Across Continents

Van Gisbergen’s Instagram features not only racing action but also frequent appearances by his dogs, especially Ronald. After winning the NASCAR Cup at Watkins Glen, Shane discussed Ronald during NASCAR’s The Day After interview, sharing how the dog joined his family and accompanied him overseas.

So, we got him (at the) start of ’23 in Australia and had him. Got him that year. He was, I think, five-six months old when we got him. We were looking at getting a dog for a while, and then we didn’t plan to move to the States at that point. Got him and then we loved him and thought we can’t leave him behind, so we bought him with us,

SVG explained.

Ronald, now nearly three years old, has been a loyal companion at many races, including making a memorable appearance in victory lane for the first time following a significant win.

He’s an amazing dog. He’s almost three now, but yeah, really cool. Take him to quite a few races, and that was the first time we had him in victory lane. So, really, really cool to have him there,

Shane added.

Personal Touches: Ronald and Steve’s Endearing Presence

The name Ronald was chosen by Shane’s girlfriend, Jessica, who enjoys giving their pets people’s names, finding it both amusing and fitting to their personalities. Besides Ronald, Shane often shares moments with another dog named Steve, who is frequently seen relaxing in the car or watching the road while traveling from race to race.

How Shane’s Pets Reflect His Racing Journey

Shane van Gisbergen’s pets play an important role in his life as he continues to make his mark in NASCAR. Ronald and Steve not only provide emotional support but also symbolize the connection between his life in Australia and his current journey in the United States. Their presence offers warmth and grounding amid the fast-paced world of stock car racing.