In the heart of the intense battle for the 2023 Supercars championship, Shane van Gisbergen remains resolute, chasing down series leader Brodie Kostecki without wishing misfortune on his rival. The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 witnessed van Gisbergen, the reigning Bathurst champion, take charge on Friday, setting the pace for the weekend’s competition.
Despite his dominance in previous seasons, van Gisbergen entered 2023 without leading the championship at any point, a stark contrast to his back-to-back championship victories in 2021 and 2022. This year, the championship chase has been fiercely contested, with Kostecki, Will Brown, Chaz Mostert, and Cam Waters being the prominent contenders. Astonishingly, only Kostecki, Brown, Mostert, and Waters have sported the coveted orange numbers in 2023, symbolizing the championship leader.
Van Gisbergen’s season has been marked by fluctuations in his championship position, ranging from a 44-point deficit after Sydney to a significant 172-point gap after Tasmania. His average
deficit stands at 117 points, indicating the season’s roller-coaster nature. Despite his challenges, van Gisbergen, who is set to transition to NASCAR in 2024, remains focused on performing at his best in every race.
Reflecting on the ongoing championship battle, van Gisbergen acknowledged the closeness of the competition and emphasized his determination to stay at the front and accumulate as many points as possible. While hopeful for a chance in the upcoming races, he recognized Kostecki’s substantial lead. Van Gisbergen’s determination was evident as he clocked the fastest time during Friday’s practice, setting the stage for an exhilarating ARMOR ALL Qualifying session on Saturday.
Amid unpredictable weather conditions and evolving track dynamics, van Gisbergen and his competitors faced challenges during the practice sessions. Despite the hurdles, van Gisbergen expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their adaptability in the face of changing circumstances. As the anticipation builds for the championship showdown, Supercars enthusiasts can expect a fierce battle on the Gold Coast circuit during the upcoming races. The ARMOR ALL Qualifying session on Saturday promises to be a pivotal moment in this thrilling season.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
The team recently made a public announcement stating that the 23-year-old is leaving for personal reasons. They emphasized that the decision was not caused by the team’s impending takeover by Erebus.
Is Shane van Gisbergen in a relationship?
Van Gisbergen has been romantically involved with Jessica Dane, daughter of SVG’s former team owner. Their relationship has been in the public eye since van Gisbergen’s Bathurst victory in 2022. Although their romance has been confirmed by Wide World of Sports, the couple has chosen to keep the specifics of their relationship private.
Where did Shane van Gisbergen grow up?
Growing up in Auckland, New Zealand, Shane’s childhood was filled with thrilling experiences of racing ATVs on natural terrain motocross tracks and a Quarter Midget on speedway ovals. These early years of his life were spent honing his skills and passion for racing, which would later become a defining aspect of his life. With a natural talent for speed and a love for the adrenaline rush, Shane’s childhood experiences laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the world of motorsports.
Who is the youngest driver to win a v8 supercar race?
Feeney has snatched the record from Scott McLaughlin, who is now at risk of losing his title as the youngest-ever Supercars race winner. McLaughlin was only 19 when he claimed victory at Pukekohe in March 2013, while Feeney was just 10 years old at the time. With Feeney’s impressive feat, McLaughlin’s record is now in jeopardy.
