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Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Journey: From Supercars Domination to Oval Learning Curves

Publisher by Publisher
December 26, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Journey: From Supercars Domination to Oval Learning Curves

Oct 12, 2024; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane Van Gisbergen (13) celebrates with NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) after winning the pole for the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

 “Expect the unexpected.” Those words seem to sum up Shane van Gisbergen’s whirlwind transition from Supercars dominance to the challenging world of NASCAR. The Kiwi sensation, known for his three Supercars championships and jaw-dropping versatility across motorsports, has embarked on a bold journey to conquer the ovals, road courses, and drafting venues of America’s favorite stock car series. But while he’s dazzled fans with his raw talent, SVG has admitted that this new chapter hasn’t been without its hiccups.


From Chicago Glory to Oval Growing Pains

SVG burst onto the NASCAR scene in July 2023 with a historic victory at the Chicago Street Race, becoming the first driver in over 50 years to win a Cup Series race on debut. That achievement cemented him as a natural on road courses and a driver to watch. Throughout his Xfinity Series stint, he bagged wins at Portland, Sonoma, and Chicago, showcasing the prowess he honed during his Supercars career.

However, SVG’s transition to short tracks and oval racing has been more of a learning curve. Despite his road course success, the Kiwi driver has struggled to crack the top 10 on ovals and even endured a 34th-place finish in Iowa. Adapting to NASCAR’s unique challenges has tested him, from understanding the intricacies of drafting to adjusting his approach to longer oval stints.

Adding to the challenge was a crew chief shuffle mid-season. On the Cup side, he worked with Travis Mack, but his Xfinity journey saw a change from Bruce Schlicker to Kevin Walter, adding another layer of adjustment to his rookie experience.


“It’s Not Easy, Being a Race Car Driver”

In an interview with Aussie sponsor Quad Lock, van Gisbergen opened up about the emotional highs and lows of racing in a completely new arena:

“It’s not easy, being a race car driver. It’s really fun, it’s a pretty special job, but it can be tough too, you know. There are periods… the wave of how you’re going is pretty rough sometimes.”

Despite the challenges, SVG remains committed to keeping things fun. Growing up in a supportive family, van Gisbergen learned to treat racing as both passion and play. NASCAR’s relentless schedule—offering redemption from one week to the next—has helped him embrace this perspective.

“You just remember why you started. I always enjoyed racing with my dad… in NASCAR, you have a bad week, and then you have another race next week. You get over it pretty quick and move on.”


A Champion’s Versatility

Shane van Gisbergen’s talent isn’t confined to a single racing format. Over his 17-year Supercars career, SVG not only clinched three championships but also tackled a diverse array of motorsports challenges:

  • GT3 Cars: Winner of the Bathurst 12 Hour (2016)
  • Production Cars: Winner of the Bathurst 6 Hour (2021)
  • Rally Cars: Placed third in the World Rally Championship debut at the 2022 Rally New Zealand

His bold decision to leave Supercars was fueled in part by his dissatisfaction with the Gen 3 cars, which he believed stifled driver input. On the Dale Jr. Download, SVG called the racing in Supercars “boring” and praised NASCAR for its all-out, adrenaline-fueled action:

“I came here [to NASCAR] and the race is just a hustle the whole time, you’re driving flat out. That’s what I love.”


Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

As SVG gears up for his full-time Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing in 2025, the motorsports world will be watching closely. His versatility, determination, and ability to adapt are already evident. While short tracks and ovals remain areas for improvement, his drive to excel—and to have fun while doing it—could make him a standout in NASCAR’s competitive field.

With his sights set on the 2024 Cup schedule and a renewed focus on mastering every aspect of stock car racing, Shane van Gisbergen’s journey is shaping up to be one of NASCAR’s most compelling stories. From road course dominance to oval redemption, SVG is just getting started.


SVG’s Key NASCAR Highlights So Far

  • Historic debut victory at the 2023 Chicago Street Race
  • Three Xfinity wins in Portland, Sonoma, and Chicago
  • Transitioned to full-time Cup racing with Trackhouse Racing for 2025

Will SVG add NASCAR glory to his already illustrious racing resume? One thing is certain: he’s not here just to participate—he’s here to win. Watch out, NASCAR—SVG is in town.

 

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