NASCAR Cup Series star Shane van Gisbergen, known for his strong performances in both the Xfinity and Cup Series, has disclosed that he almost left motorsport entirely after experiencing a breakdown with a former team and becoming entangled in legal disputes. This revelation highlights the intense and conflicted journey of van Gisbergen, who despite reaching the top levels of NASCAR, once considered walking away from the sport following turmoil earlier in his career.
Turbulence and Transition in van Gisbergen’s Early Career
Before making his mark in NASCAR, van Gisbergen built a successful legacy in Supercars, securing championships in 2016, 2021, and 2022. The 36-year-old’s transition to full-time NASCAR competition began in 2024 with the Xfinity Series, leading to his Cup Series debut in 2025. In the current season, he has already celebrated victories in high-profile races, including events in Mexico City and Chicago.
Despite the recent accomplishments, van Gisbergen has spoken candidly about a challenging period in his early career. After completing his sixth Supercars season in 2012, the driver from New Zealand found himself at a crossroads. Reflecting on that time, he said,
“In 2012, at the end of that year, I was out of racing. I wanted to stop, and I sort of did stop,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, as told to The Athletic.
Family Support and Team Changes Amid Legal Difficulty
At that critical point, van Gisbergen was driving under Stone Brothers Racing. However, the team faced a shift in ownership that led to uncertainty and a direction he did not agree with. The resulting fallout brought legal battles and public scrutiny, pushing van Gisbergen close to quitting motorsport. The troubled circumstances forced him to reassess his future in racing, but encouragement from his family played a crucial part. According to van Gisbergen, his father motivated him to continue, prompting a team switch despite the legal entanglements. He acknowledged the ordeal:
“And then Dad really convinced me to keep going, and we changed teams. It was a big legal s**tfight, and I ended up joining another team. It was really bad publicly, but I was able to just knuckle down and focus on my driving.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, as told to The Athletic.
Bouncing Back: Triumph After Turmoil
Once van Gisbergen joined Tekno Autosports, the move quickly paid off. He secured eight wins with the team over three seasons, including a debut victory in Adelaide. Overcoming the persistent legal distractions, he managed to refocus on his racing.
“There was so much outside noise and legal s*** going on, and then I went out and won the first race with a new team. So it was really cool to just go out there and push through that. It was messy, but great.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, as told to The Athletic.
Sticking to his racing ambitions proved vital. Van Gisbergen later joined Triple Eight, where he won his first Supercars title in his debut season with the team in 2016, and added two more championships before making the switch to NASCAR at the end of 2023. These achievements illustrate how perseverance through personal and professional setbacks led him to reach the heights of international motorsport competition.
Ongoing Impact on NASCAR and Future Prospects
Now a prominent figure in the NASCAR Cup Series, Shane van Gisbergen’s earlier trials have influenced his racing mindset, underscoring the value of resilience and determination. His recent NASCAR victories in Mexico City and Chicago, coupled with his experiences during legal disputes and team transitions, make his journey particularly compelling. Other NASCAR personalities such as Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch have recently faced their own challenges, highlighting the unpredictable and emotionally charged environment of top-level racing. As van Gisbergen continues to compete, his ability to overcome adversity may serve as inspiration for emerging drivers confronting the pressures of professional motorsport.
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