Shane van Gisbergen marked his 36th birthday far from home this weekend, celebrating the special day at Kansas Speedway by doing exactly what he loves most—racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite the distance from New Zealand, van Gisbergen embraced the unique setting, sharing his enthusiasm for competing at one of the sport’s most challenging and fast-paced venues. As a rookie in the Cup Series, his determination and love for motorsport have propelled him into the NASCAR spotlight, creating waves both on and off the track.
Building on years of global racing success, Shane van Gisbergen arrived in NASCAR with a resume that already includes three Supercars championship titles and a second-place podium at the 24 Hours of Daytona GTD Class. His previous experience at Kansas Speedway, where he raced the #97 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series last year and finished eighth, set the stage for his return as a full-time Cup driver. These experiences have provided him a strong foundation as he adapts quickly to the demands of NASCAR racing in the United States.
This weekend, van Gisbergen’s No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro will sport vibrant new colors under the SafetyCulture banner, featuring a striking violet base with blue and yellow accents, signaling both a fresh start for the 36-year-old driver and the continued growth of his partnership with Trackhouse Racing. After climbing from a 37th-place starting position to 22nd at Texas Motor Speedway just last week, he expressed hope and confidence to maintain momentum heading into Sunday’s AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway, scheduled for May 11 at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Team dynamics have played a major role in Shane van Gisbergen’s successful rookie campaign. Racing alongside Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez, van Gisbergen spoke about how the trio
“works a lot closer together by giving notes to each other,”
and also highlighted his role in sharing unique insights for road courses. As Trackhouse Racing’s newest member, he continues to adapt, adding valuable knowledge to the team and learning from his experienced teammates. The collaborative effort is especially important as the #88 Chevrolet is the organization’s third charter, recently acquired from Stewart-Haas Racing.
Shane van Gisbergen’s reputation as a strong road course competitor, underscored by his win in his Cup Series debut on Chicago’s street track two years ago, has only strengthened his determination to succeed in NASCAR’s varied disciplines. As fans look ahead to the Kansas race and beyond, van Gisbergen’s journey offers a compelling narrative—one driven by passion, international experience, and the relentless pursuit of victory. The impact of his presence in the Cup Series continues to grow, inspiring not only his team but thousands of fans eager to see what the future holds for this remarkable driver.
