NASCAR remains a global heavyweight in stock car racing, but recent insights from Australian driver Will Brown have illuminated significant Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR supercar differences that affect drivers switching between the two series. On the eve of his second Cup Series start in the United States, Brown highlighted just how these technical distinctions impact international competitors hoping to thrive on American tracks.
New Experiences for Will Brown in the NASCAR Cup Series
Will Brown stepped into the NASCAR spotlight after Shane van Gisbergen’s 2023 move to American racing, taking over his seat at Triple Eight back in Australia. Since this transition, Brown and van Gisbergen have maintained a strong professional relationship, with van Gisbergen often serving as a supportive mentor. This camaraderie extended to Brown’s American debut for Richard Childress Racing in 2024, underscoring the tight-knit connection between Supercars and NASCAR’s growing community of international drivers.
Before tackling Chicago’s Grant Park 165, Brown used social media to draw comparisons between his Kaulig Racing NextGen car and Australia’s Gen 3 Supercar, noting how these variations shape a driver’s initial impressions and adaptation periods in NASCAR. These distinctions can explain both early struggles and swift successes among international drivers in American racing, depending on individual adaptation to new formats and vehicle designs.
Brown emphasized that, despite similar aesthetics, the fundamental differences between the two cars pose unique challenges. The absence of functional doors in the NASCAR NextGen car stood out to him, forcing drivers to climb in through the window rather than using traditional doors as they would in a Supercar. Such changes demand quick adaptation and can add up for those accustomed to different routines in their home series.
The Australian racer also discussed disparities in seating positions, suggesting that every detail, from cockpit arrangement to personal comfort, can influence a driver’s focus and performance during long and technical races, especially in urban settings like Chicago.
I just wanted to talk about some of the key differences between the supercar back at home, the Gen 3 car, and the car at NASCAR.
—Will Brown, Driver
Breaking down a *couple* differences between a @nascar cup series car and our @supercars – I’m no engineer but as a driver hopefully this can give you a bit more insight in to the cars! Both are fun to drive that’s for sure! pic.twitter.com/dqE44Phhvh
—Will Brown (@will_brown87), Driver
Comparing Technology and Driver Controls
Among the most noticeable technical gaps Brown encountered was in the in-car systems. According to him, the Supercar in Australia feels more advanced inside, particularly the steering wheel. Drivers enjoy an array of buttons on their home steering wheels, including line lockers and controls for various dashboard pages, plus, notably, a dedicated drink button for in-race refreshment. These features highlight the comfort and convenience engineered into Australian vehicles, designed for driver control and adaptability during demanding events.
The Supercar is probably a little more sophisticated inside. The steering wheel has a lot more buttons on it. We have line lockers, we can change our pages, and we have our drink buttons.
—Will Brown, Driver
One surprisingly comparable element was the rearview arrangement. Brown noted both vehicles employ a similar camera system for visibility behind the car, offering at least one familiar touchpoint for drivers transitioning between series. This area of similarity can ease the transition process, even as other elements require steep learning curves.
Shifting Mechanics and Aerodynamic Contrasts
Will Brown’s technical review also covered major mechanical differences, focusing on the way each car shifts gears. In NASCAR’s NextGen car, he explained, drivers must “lift” in order to change gears successfully, whereas the Australian Supercar includes a gearshift cutback that simplifies the process—drivers simply pull the lever upon seeing the signal without having to lift off the throttle. The time difference here is more than just technical trivia; an inefficient gear change can mean the loss or gain of position, especially in tightly contested races where every fraction of a second counts.
For the gearshift here, you actually have to lift to allow it to change gears. We have a gearshift cutback at home. So we just pull it when we see the red light, and you don’t have to lift.
—Will Brown, Driver
Brown also pointed out the divergent approaches to aerodynamics between the two series. While Australian Supercars often have certain parts of their aero package deliberately reduced to enhance competition quality, NASCAR NextGen cars use a flat four configuration. These technical strategies directly impact how drivers overtake, defend, and experience the race, with many in the paddock agreeing that some changes back home have led to more dynamic and exciting contests.
I believe the racing has been a lot better back at home. Over here, they have a flat four.
—Will Brown, Driver
Merging Technologies and Driver Adaptation
Interestingly, Brown underscored a growing convergence between the two types of racecars. Both now share modular repairs, with repair “clips” enabling teams to fix and return cars to competition more quickly after incidents—an increasingly crucial factor given NASCAR’s rigorous and punishing race calendar. This technical harmonization reduces the overall gap between the series, leading to increased crossover opportunities for drivers looking to expand their horizons beyond national boundaries.
These shrinking differences, according to Brown, are encouraging more Supercars drivers to try their hand at NASCAR, with hopes of a smoother adaptation curve. For Brown and van Gisbergen, this dynamic played out in real time during their competition at the Chicago Street Course for the Grant Park 165, where their friendly rivalry pushed each to new levels of performance. As Brown noted,
“the two were focused on competing more than helping each other,”
highlighting the competitive spirit balanced by mutual respect that characterizes this new era of international racing exchanges.
The conversation around Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR supercar differences is expected to continue evolving, especially as more drivers transition between the two motorsport powerhouses. With racing luminaries such as Brown, van Gisbergen, and other notable figures moving between series, both American and Australian fans can look forward to exciting on-track rivalries, deeper technical innovation, and a broader appeal for two of motorsport’s most influential platforms. The tightening gap between NASCAR and Supercars not only raises competition but also broadens the landscape of stock car racing as a whole, impacting teams like Triple Eight, Richard Childress Racing, and Kaulig Racing in their pursuit for global recognition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit Supercars?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes he made the correct choice by leaving Supercars to chase a NASCAR career. This year, he’s starting his first full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing after spending 15 years in Supercars.
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen leave Supercars?
A. I am leaving V8 Supercars because of personal reasons that I prefer not to share publicly. I plan to return home to New Zealand and currently don’t have any set plans for what comes next.
