Shane van Gisbergen‘s NASCAR road course debut set the sport ablaze two years ago with an unprecedented victory, but he now warns that Will Brown faces a far more challenging entry as preparations ramp up for the next Cup Series race in Chicago. As experienced drivers improve their skills on road circuits and the competition deepens, Brown steps into an environment shaped by van Gisbergen’s own triumph and the rapid evolution of Cup Series racers.
From History-Making Win to Rising Competition
In July 2023, New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen astonished motorsport fans by winning the rain-delayed Chicago Street Race, outpacing established NASCAR Cup Series competitors in a memorable debut performance. His remarkable display of adaptability and technical skill highlighted the stark contrast between the Supercars background and NASCAR’s traditional stock car racing culture. The landscape, however, has shifted rapidly.
Since van Gisbergen’s lightning-quick adaptation, NASCAR’s schedule now features more frequent road course events, including a debut at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. These additions have given series regulars ample opportunity to hone their road racing abilities. Notably, Chris Buescher triumphed over van Gisbergen at Watkins Glen in 2024, and Alex Bowman clinched victory at the 2024 Chicago Street Race. Top drivers are testing themselves in unfamiliar territory, reducing the element of surprise for international entrants.
Will Brown, the current Triple Eight team driver in Australia and successor to van Gisbergen, faces this harder reality as he prepares for his own Cup Series experience. His prior attempt at Sonoma Raceway was marred by a technical issue, dropping him down to a disappointing 31st finish, despite having shown strong pace behind the wheel of the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro. Undeterred, Brown is approaching his second NASCAR attempt with more meticulous preparation and support, while being mindful of the increased level of competition.
Shane Van Gisbergen Reflects on Emerging Challenges
Although Will Brown is a proven street circuit winner in Australia, claiming victories in venues such as Townsville (2023) and executing a remarkable last-to-first performance at Adelaide (2024), even his mentor remains cautious about expectations for Chicago. In an interview with Steve Letarte, van Gisbergen emphasized the heightened difficulty now facing rookies:
“It’s going to be hard, you know, it’s not everyone’s first time there anymore. It’s only a short practice. So it’s going to be difficult for him. But if he could maybe get into the top ten on speed in qualifying, that would be an excellent result. Then the racing, he’ll see what it’s all about. But he’s a very good, capable driver. So he could surprise a few people. But you just never know, the series is so competitive and everyone’s so good. It ain’t gonna be easy for him, but he’s a quality driver, so could spring a result.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Previously, van Gisbergen provided hands-on assistance by spotting for Brown during his Sonoma debut, but this year the dynamic will be different as both drivers compete against one another:
“I actually spotted for him when he raced Sonoma last year. I was trying to help him a bit, but this year, there’s no help because we’re competitors.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Even with these competitive shifts, van Gisbergen still has confidence in Brown’s equipment, especially given the strong showing of Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series:
“I know that Kaulig can put a really good car together. Even though it’ll be a third extra car there, the car will still be capable of a great result.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Brown Strategizes for Success Amid Pitfalls
Learning from his tough experience at Sonoma, Will Brown acknowledges the unique demands that NASCAR road courses present, especially on pit road. While Supercars drivers excel at technical street circuits, adapting to NASCAR’s pit procedures remains a hurdle for international competitors:
“The big thing for me is to not get a penalty on pit road. For me, we press a button that limits us to 40km/h and the crew do not run out in front of the car.”
—Will Brown, Supercars driver
Preparation for his latest attempt involves more than just seat time. Brown has sought advice from industry veterans like former Triple Eight boss Roland Dane. Dane’s guidance helped shape Brown’s braking technique as he transitioned from left-foot to right-foot braking, a critical nuance in NASCAR:
“I was 18 in the Dunlop Series and was left-foot braking then, and he (Roland Dane) sort of recognized me. He said he would not sign me unless I right-foot braked. There has only been one person who was quite successful left foot braking, and that was Fabian Coulthard. Shane does an amazing job at what he does, modulating the clutch, but pretty much everyone is a right-foot braker. I have looked at a lot of footage from Chicago last year and when they (NASCAR drivers) go for the down change you can hear the rears chattering. Hopefully you can use the clutch to modulate that and allow you to have more stability into the corner and better tire life.”
—Will Brown, Supercars driver
Brown’s diligent, analytical approach illustrates just how much more is required today compared to when van Gisbergen stormed onto the scene. With new venues, rising domestic talent like Chris Buescher and Alex Bowman, and a clear focus on vehicle setup, Brown’s challenge is not just about quick adaptation but comprehensive mastery.
The Stakes for Will Brown and the Evolving NASCAR Road Course Landscape
As anticipation grows, questions remain: Can Will Brown defy the odds and replicate Shane van Gisbergen’s extraordinary debut, or has the fast-developing skill set of Cup Series racers closed the gap for international competitors? Brown’s technical skillset, intensive preparation, and practical advice from veterans give him invaluable tools for this comeback.
Ultimately, Brown’s Chicago run will be measured not only by his finishing position but by his ability to adapt and excel in a NASCAR world transformed by the likes of van Gisbergen and fortified by its own rising road course stars. With Kaulig Racing supporting his bid and a determined approach on and off the track, Brown stands at the threshold of a race that could define his international credentials. Whether or not he emerges with a podium, his performance will shape perceptions of Supercars drivers’ potential in America’s most competitive motorsport series.
The outcome in Chicago is poised to show just how steep the climb has become since Shane van Gisbergen first left his mark, but Brown’s preparation and resilience signal that every corner of this legendary road course will matter in the next chapter of NASCAR’s global evolution.
