Shane van Gisbergen, the Kiwi sensation who stormed into the NASCAR spotlight with a stunning debut Cup Series win at the 2023 Chicago Street Race, is taking no shortcuts on his journey to full-time competition in 2025. With his unique blend of Supercars dominance and newfound NASCAR experience, SVG is proving he’s more than ready to mix it up at the sport’s highest level.
Mastering the Dirt: SVG’s Racing Roots
Preparation is everything for van Gisbergen, and he’s turning to his dirt racing roots to sharpen his skills. Returning to his hometown of Auckland, New Zealand, SVG recently piloted the No. 97A United Truck Parts Sprintcar at Western Springs Speedway. Competing against top-tier dirt racers, van Gisbergen delivered impressive performances, securing podium finishes in both Heat 2 and Heat 3. Reflecting on the event, SVG shared his excitement:
“Missed this!! What an awesome track,” he wrote on Instagram.
Dirt racing is no novelty for SVG. In late 2022, he made his Sprint Car debut and scored his first victory just weeks later. Now, as he prepares for a full-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign with Trackhouse Racing, he’s fine-tuning the skills that could make him a formidable competitor on any surface.
Trackhouse’s Master Plan
Justin Marks, CEO of Trackhouse Racing, has meticulously crafted SVG’s 2024 schedule to ensure a seamless transition to Cup racing. SVG will compete in a mix of Xfinity, Craftsman Truck, and grassroots events, including dirt and late-model races. Marks emphasized the importance of this approach:
“It’s about learning how to be a circle track driver in the States. We’re setting him up for success in 2025.”
SVG’s adaptability has already earned him comparisons to NASCAR’s elite dirt racers, including Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell. Both Larson and Bell credit their dirt racing backgrounds for giving them a competitive edge in stock car racing—a path SVG is clearly following.
SVG Meets F1: A Crossover for the Ages
Adding a unique twist to his NASCAR journey, SVG recently introduced F1 stars Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson to American dirt racing. The pair joined van Gisbergen and Trackhouse Racing’s Connor Zilisch at Cotton Bowl Speedway, where they tested their mettle on a dirt oval.
The contrasting styles of the two F1 drivers fascinated SVG.
“Yuki just got in and drove. He was out of control. Liam was more analytical, trying to figure it out. It was very interesting to watch,” SVG remarked, noting that he could relate more to Lawson’s calculated approach.
Can SVG Be NASCAR’s Next Big Thing?
Shane van Gisbergen is clearly leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series debut. From his grassroots racing efforts to mentoring F1 drivers and competing in the Xfinity Series, SVG’s dedication is evident.
The question now is whether his diverse skill set and adaptability can translate into consistent success at the sport’s highest level. If his early performances are any indication, van Gisbergen’s rivals should brace themselves for a Kiwi invasion.