Shane van Gisbergen prepares for Summer Shootout series, marking a major chapter in his ongoing rivalry with Scott McLaughlin as both transition from dominating Australian circuits to competing in US Legend Cars. Their anticipated clash begins this June at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, with dedicated fans and motorsport insiders eager to witness how their rivalry unfolds on American soil.
Australian Rivals Bring Their Competition to America
After years of competition in the Australian Supercars scene, van Gisbergen and McLaughlin are set for their first direct contest in a US series. The duo, representing Team SSR and driving cars prepared by Joe Ryan Race Cars, will participate in the Cook Out Summer Shootout Series across June and July weeknights. Each car sports the iconic numbers from their Supercars days – van Gisbergen in No. 97 and McLaughlin in No. 33 – reinforcing their storied history for new audiences in the United States.
Van Gisbergen previewed the cars and their involvement on social media, drawing immediate attention and enthusiasm from the motorsport community.
“Going to have some fun in the legends this summer!”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver. His excitement sparked responses among fans and fellow drivers alike, further fueling anticipation for the event.
Drivers and Fans React to the Upcoming Showdown
The racing community and supporters quickly joined the conversation as van Gisbergen and McLaughlin prepared for their US debut. Teammate Daniel Suarez weighed in humorously on van Gisbergen’s switch to the compact race cars, stating,
“I can’t believe you fit in that thing!! I was thinking of a convertible for you mate.”
—Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Racing. Meanwhile, rising NASCAR star Rajah Caruth expressed admiration for their scaled-down machines, showing the breadth of excitement the rivalry brings to different generations of drivers.
Fans, too, embraced the new chapter in this rivalry, as one enthusiast remarked,
“So, we spent all those years watching you two duke it out against each other for yall to team in, *checks notes*, Summer Shootout? Here for it, let me subscribe to the Patreon.”
—Fan. The collective anticipation signals just how compelling this pairing remains, regardless of the racing stage.
Origins and Legacy of the van Gisbergen-McLaughlin Rivalry
The fierce competition between Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin defined a generation of Australian motorsport. Over approximately 250 Supercars contests from 2013 to 2020, McLaughlin achieved 56 wins and three championships, including triumph at the 2019 Bathurst. Van Gisbergen matched this with 37 wins, the 2016 championship, and victory at Bathurst in 2020. Fans and industry experts have long debated who stands as the sport’s true icon, a question that remains without a definite answer despite years of thrilling contests.
This move to the Cook Out Summer Shootout holds added meaning, as it is known as a grassroots proving ground for young talent. Notably, Bubba Wallace, now a NASCAR standout, once competed in and returned to the Summer Shootout, emphasizing the series’ developmental pedigree. For van Gisbergen and McLaughlin, their transition to American racing has also deepened their friendship, reflecting personal growth beyond professional rivalry. Fans can look forward to seeing how these seasoned competitors settle their rivalry and where their collaboration might lead next in the world of motorsport.
