Shane Van Gisbergen’s Xfinity Series Secret: Shane Van Gisbergen, the accomplished road course specialist, has been making waves in the Xfinity Series with his remarkable adaptability and relentless pursuit of perfection. In a pre-race press conference, the driver of the number 97 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet shared his insights on practice performance, the challenges of the newly repaved track, and the significance of his recent victory in Portland. With a blend of humility and confidence, Van Gisbergen detailed his approach to mastering the intricacies of the track and his commitment to supporting fellow drivers, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of racing.
Shane Van Gisbergen Discusses Practice Performance
In a pre-race press conference, Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the number 97 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, reflected on his performance during the Xfinity Series practice session. Known for his prowess on road courses, Van Gisbergen expressed his enthusiasm for the track’s challenging layout. The appreciation for the track’s complexity was evident in his confident demeanor as he discussed his strategy.
“It’s a proper driver’s track with the elevation and risk management through turn one and down the hill in the fast section.” – SVG
During the practice session, Van Gisbergen demonstrated his ability to adapt and improve with each lap. He noted that he initially held the fastest lap time for most of the practice. However, towards the end, other drivers, including Parker Kligerman, temporarily surpassed his time.
“We were a little bit late putting our new tires on, which allowed a couple of guys to jump up before us.” – SVG
Despite this, Van Gisbergen reclaimed the fastest lap by the end of the session, showcasing his skill and determination.
Van Gisbergen emphasized the importance of understanding the limits of the Xfinity car and how the tires responded to the track conditions. Each lap provided valuable data, helping him fine-tune his approach and improve his performance.
“Just trying to learn the limits of the Xfinity car and how the tires work, and yeah, just got better and better every lap.” – SVG
Reflecting on the session, Van Gisbergen expressed confidence in both his car and his abilities. He acknowledged that there was still room for improvement but was optimistic about the progress made. “There’s more to come from the car and myself as well to try and get the lap better, but yeah, all in all, we were pretty competitive all practice,” he concluded. This positive outlook set a strong foundation for the upcoming qualifying sessions and race.
Adapting to the Repaved Track
Van Gisbergen also discussed the recent repaving of the Sonoma Raceway, providing insights into how it impacted his driving strategy. Comparing the new surface to his previous experience during a wheel force test a month earlier, he highlighted significant differences. “The car is completely different in the way it achieves its speed, the way it brakes and drives, and obviously the gearing as well,” he explained. This adaptation process required a reset in his approach to maximize performance on the repaved track.
Shane van Gisbergen did the Cup wheel force test (car with several sensors on it to gather data) at Sonoma (that also means he can't substitute or do anything Cup here this weekend). What he said about inside Turn 11 wall and the new pavement during Xfinity practice Friday. pic.twitter.com/LPpOC4q9Sh
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 7, 2024
The track’s repaving introduced a fresh set of challenges, which Van Gisbergen navigated with precision. He noted that his prior familiarity with the track layout was beneficial, especially since he had already learned the surface during the wheel force test. “Knowing the layout of the track is a real help,” he stated, emphasizing that this knowledge provided a strategic advantage. However, he also recognized the need to adapt quickly to the new conditions and leverage this familiarity effectively.
Van Gisbergen’s experience with the track’s new surface allowed him to refine his approach and improve his lap times consistently. He highlighted the importance of understanding how the tires interacted with the repaved surface, which was crucial for maintaining optimal grip and control.
“Just tried to reset but certainly knowing the layout of the track is a real help having been here before.” – SVG
Looking ahead to the qualifying sessions and the race, Van Gisbergen expressed confidence in his ability to continue adapting and improving. He acknowledged that the repaved surface added an extra layer of complexity but remained optimistic about his chances. “Hopefully we keep that momentum going into qualifying and tomorrow,” he concluded. This positive outlook, combined with his meticulous preparation, positioned him well for the challenges ahead.
Reflecting on the Season and Playoff Implications
Coming off a victory at Portland, Van Gisbergen reflected on the significance of securing a spot in the playoffs. This win was a pivotal moment for both him and his team, marking a turning point in their season. “It’s been an amazing week,” he said, highlighting the emotional and strategic impact of the victory. This success provided a much-needed morale boost and reinforced their commitment to continuous improvement.
Van Gisbergen acknowledged the challenges his team faced throughout the season, noting the difficulties in achieving consistent results. Despite these challenges, the team remained focused on learning and improving. “This year has been a little bit difficult for us as a team results-wise,” he admitted. However, the recent victory underscored their progress and potential. Van Gisbergen’s dedication to learning and adapting was evident in his reflections on the season.
The Portland victory not only secured a playoff spot but also alleviated some of the pressure on Van Gisbergen and his team. This relief allowed them to focus on further refining their strategies and performance. “Now there’s a little bit of pressure off for me,” he noted. Understanding the car better and knowing what was needed on a road course were crucial factors in their continued success. This win provided a solid foundation for future races.
Van Gisbergen expressed gratitude for the support from his sponsors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relationships and delivering results. He highlighted the contributions of Quad Lock, who had supported him since his time in Australia, and WeatherTech, their main sponsor. “Hopefully we can get one for them too this week,” he said, expressing his commitment to performing well and acknowledging the critical role sponsors played in their racing endeavors.
Challenges and Strategies for the Race
Addressing the unique challenges of the track, Van Gisbergen discussed the newly installed wall at turn 11 and its impact on race strategy. Navigating this turn posed significant difficulties due to limited visibility. “It’s pretty difficult not being able to see around the corner, how low we sit in the cars,” he explained. This challenge required a careful balance between speed and safety, emphasizing the need for precise control and timing.
Van Gisbergen suggested alternative safety measures, such as AstroTurf, to enhance the track’s safety without compromising its complexity. “AstroTurf is normally good so it’s not advantageous cutting it too much and probably safer than having a concrete wall like that there,” he proposed. This recommendation reflected his thoughtful approach to track safety and his experience in dealing with various track conditions.
Observing the variations in the track surface grip, Van Gisbergen noted that the weather conditions could further impact the track’s behavior during the race. He mentioned the presence of more patches compared to a month ago and the changes in grip levels. “There are some more patches than when I was here a month ago and definitely some variations in grip level,” he said. These observations showed the dynamic nature of the track and the need for adaptability.
The anticipated hot weather added another layer of complexity to the race, with potential implications for tire performance and overall track conditions. Van Gisbergen anticipated that the increased car activity over the weekend would test the track’s durability. “It’s meant to be quite hot with the Sun out so hopefully it holds up,” he noted. This awareness of environmental factors highlighted his comprehensive approach to race preparation and strategy.
Supporting Fellow Drivers and Mentoring Roles
Van Gisbergen shared his excitement about spotting for fellow driver Will Brown on Sunday, highlighting his supportive role within the racing community. Despite initially declining the request, he eventually agreed to help, showcasing his willingness to mentor and assist other drivers. “He asked me and initially I said no, but he kept asking,” Van Gisbergen recounted. This collaboration reflected his commitment to fostering talent and supporting his peers.
Their partnership extended beyond spotting, with Van Gisbergen and Brown engaging in simulator sessions and strategy discussions. These collaborative efforts aimed to enhance Brown’s performance and provide valuable insights. “Will’s been asking questions all week, I went and sat in on a simulator and threw some ideas out there,” Van Gisbergen explained. This mentoring role underscored his dedication to sharing knowledge and contributing to the success of fellow drivers.
Van Gisbergen also expressed pride in the growing presence of international drivers in the series, acknowledging their contributions to the competitive field. He emphasized the high skill level required to compete in the series and the challenges newcomers faced. “I told those guys these drivers aren’t useless,” he said, highlighting the respect and recognition for their talents. This perspective reinforced the importance of realistic expectations and continuous improvement.
Reflecting on the broader impact of his mentoring role, Van Gisbergen noted the potential for inspiring future generations of drivers. His support for drivers like Will Brown and others highlighted the significance of mentorship in motorsports. “If both of them get around the top 10 or even in the top 10 that would be amazing,” he stated, setting achievable goals and encouraging steady progress. This commitment to nurturing talent and creating a collaborative racing environment showed his leadership within the racing community.
News in Brief: Shane Van Gisbergen’s Xfinity Series Secret
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming race, Shane Van Gisbergen’s meticulous preparation and strategic insights have positioned him as a formidable contender. His reflections on practice, the season’s challenges, and the nuances of the repaved track reveal a driver deeply committed to excellence. Moreover, his supportive role within the racing community underscores his leadership and dedication to fostering talent. With a playoff spot secured and a clear focus on continuous improvement, Van Gisbergen is set to navigate the complexities of the race with the same precision and determination that have defined his career.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is the New Zealand driver in Nascar?
A. New Zealand native Shane van Gisbergen, who captured a win in his Cup debut last year in Chicago, discusses his current season as he prepares for the race at COTA.
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