Shane van Gisbergen Intrepid: Shane van Gisbergen, the three-time Supercars champion, gears up for a bustling 2024 season in the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series, navigating through a packed schedule comprising 40 races. The New Zealander made waves as the first driver in over six decades to seize a NASCAR Cup victory on debut at the inaugural Chicago Street Course event.
In a recent media interaction, van Gisbergen discussed the whirlwind journey since his victorious Chicago race, expressing his excitement and acknowledging the rapid evolution of his racing program. From an initial ten races, his endeavor has now morphed into a full season, encompassing seven Cup races, spearheaded by the Trackhouse team led by Justin Marks and Ty Norris.
“It’s been a massive but exhilarating journeypacking up my entire life from Australia to the United States,” shared van Gisbergen during a Thursday media session, elucidating on the escalated program. “The opportunity to gain significant experience swiftly is the best approach, preparing myself for a potential Cup opportunity in 2025.”
However, beyond the racetrack challenges, van Gisbergen faces the daunting task of resettling his lifesecuring housing, obtaining a visa, acquiring a social security number, setting up a bank account, and even procuring a driver’s license.
Navigating the diverse 2024 season, van Gisbergen’s packed schedule involves participation in the complete 33-race Xfinity schedule alongside seven Cup races. The races encompass a blend of tracks, from superspeedways to intermediate and road courses, promising an array of challenges.
Yet, amid the anticipation, van Gisbergen harbors trepidation concerning his superspeedway ventures. His debut at Daytona International Speedway for Xfinity and subsequent oval debut at Talladega Superspeedway loom as pivotal events, inciting both excitement and uncertainty.
“I’ve been studying intensively, but superspeedway racing is entirely different from my past experiences,” remarked van Gisbergen, acknowledging the unique challenges ahead.
Grateful for the warm welcome extended by fellow NASCAR drivers, van Gisbergen expressed gratitude for the camaraderie and guidance offered by seasoned professionals like Kevin Harvick. He noted Harvick’s advice on safety measures, emphasizing the potential for impactful collisions and the need for utmost caution.
The 34-year-old racer remains open to potential additions to his 2024 schedule beyond the announced races. While confirming his focus on NASCAR by skipping the Daytona 24, he hinted at potential Truck Series involvement or additional track experience to better prepare for future endeavors in the Cup Series.
Reflecting on his aspirations, van Gisbergen drew parallels to Marcos Ambrose, recognizing the formidable transition ahead. Drawing from Ambrose’s journey, he anticipates a steep learning curve during his Xfinity tenure, aiming to emulate the seasoned racer’s success upon entering the Cup Series.
In the pursuit of success, van Gisbergen anticipates leveraging the expertise of his teammate, A.J. Allmendinger, to further refine his skills across different racing disciplines.
Amidst his preparations, van Gisbergen remains focused on utilizing the off-season to familiarize himself with tracks, augmenting his learning through simulation platforms. His decision to commit to the full Xfinity season with Kaulig Racing aligns with his objective to gain experience, especially within the playoffs, while gradually honing his oval racing proficiency throughout the year.
The New Zealander remains steadfast, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, underscoring the significance of accumulating invaluable track time and experience, looking forward to the rigorous yet rewarding journey ahead in the NASCAR realm.
Also read: Shane Van Gisbergen Racing Schedule: Xfinity, Cup Series, and Midweek Sprint Cars Unveiled
Our Reader’s Queries
What kind of car does Shane van Gisbergen drive?
With his impressive track record in the Supercars Championship, he has become a household name. He recently drove the No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 car for Triple Eight Race Engineering, leaving a lasting impression on fans and competitors alike. As a three-time Supercars Champion, he has secured driver’s titles in 2016, 2021, and 2022, cementing his status as one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history.
Who are Shane van Gisbergen parents?
The salary of a NASCAR driver varies depending on their level of experience and success. The top earners in the industry can make an annual salary of $111,000, which breaks down to a monthly pay of $9,250. Those in the 75th percentile earn an average of $86,000 per year, or $7,166 per month. The average salary for a NASCAR driver is $78,621 annually, or $6,551 per month. Drivers in the 25th percentile earn a yearly salary of $50,000, or $4,166 per month.
