Shane van Gisbergen, known for his dominance in V8 Supercars, has openly acknowledged his lack of enthusiasm for the Australian championship, stating his transition was pivotal in rejuvenating his racing passion. His Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR career switch has been highlighted by a rapid ascension, clinching his third victory and a place in the Playoffs, which has polarized fans and experts alike.
Transition from Supercars Icon to NASCAR Standout
After a remarkable tenure in the Australian V8 Supercars series, Shane van Gisbergen startled the motorsports world by leaving the championship he had ruled in recent years. The New Zealand racer decided to join NASCAR with Trackhouse Racing, a decision initiated amid skepticism about how his skills would translate to the American stock car style. Despite initial reservations both from the community and the team, van Gisbergen quickly found his rhythm. Achieving multiple race wins, he displayed an immediate affinity for NASCAR’s Next-Gen cars and the competitive American environment.
Playoff contention seemed like a distant hope early in the season when van Gisbergen struggled adapting to the unique demands of stock car racing. But his win at the Mexico City race was a turning point, locking him into the season’s Playoffs and quieting critics of Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks’ decision. The Playoff system itself has sparked debate, with some questioning its fairness and the readiness with which newcomers can secure a spot. Nonetheless, his performance has validated his potential among NASCAR’s best, emphasizing his adaptability and competitive edge.
It justifies, or backs up, why we’ve done it and why Justin [Marks] believes in me. Justin looks like the smartest guy here after me locking into the playoffs, especially how dismal it looked early in the year. We all kept that belief.
—Shane van Gisbergen, speaking to Racer.com
Reflections on Leaving Supercars Behind
The 36-year-old has reflected candidly about his career switch, confessing his aversion to racing in Australia and disliking the driving experience of Supercars machinery. Van Gisbergen has compared those years unfavorably to his current enthusiasm for NASCAR, describing his transition not just as a professional leap but as a return to loving motorsport itself. Next-Gen stock cars, he notes, have been a revelation, making each weekend at the racetrack enjoyable, and reaffirming his decision to embrace a new challenge in the United States.
I feel like I made the best decision ever. I was really hating racing in Australia. I hated driving those cars. Now, I’ve never had so much fun racing, going to the racetrack every single weekend. I really love what I do,
—Shane van Gisbergen
Growing Prowess on NASCAR Ovals
While van Gisbergen’s road course and street circuit experience from his Supercars background favored him in several NASCAR races, adapting to ovals has been his toughest challenge. Speedways and superspeedways exposed early gaps in his comfort and familiarity, but progress has been evident throughout the season. Trackhouse Racing’s commitment to supporting his growth, coupled with van Gisbergen’s own determination, has resulted in steady improvements with each event.
His recollection of the Southern 500 at Darlington illustrates this journey. After struggling during his debut at the storied oval, and with setbacks such as damaging his car in practice and facing a poor qualifying position, van Gisbergen nonetheless improved consistently over the course of the race. This incremental progress, he believes, signals his increasing aptitude on oval tracks—long considered one of the biggest hurdles for road racing specialists crossing into NASCAR.
When I went back to Darlington this year for the second time, I struggled there in the Southern 500 (in 2024), but in the race this year, I bent the car in practice, so we qualified badly. But in the race, we just got better and better as we went.
—Shane van Gisbergen
The Broader Significance and What Lies Ahead
Shane van Gisbergen’s journey from New Zealand’s Supercars legend to an emerging force in the NASCAR field has caught the attention of racing fans and industry insiders worldwide. His story underscores both the risks and rewards of major career shifts in motorsport, with his partnership with Trackhouse Racing and the support of Justin Marks proving pivotal. As he navigates the second half of his NASCAR season, van Gisbergen remains a driver to watch, balancing expectations with the continued drive to prove himself against road course experts and oval track veterans alike.
The debate surrounding his playoff qualification will likely persist, fueling discussions about the inclusivity and format of NASCAR’s championship. Yet, van Gisbergen’s ability to adapt, persevere, and excel in a new arena highlights both his talent and the evolving global reach of the NASCAR series, spotlighting stars like Kyle Busch, Alex Bowman, and others as benchmarks to chase.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes leaving Supercars to chase a NASCAR career was the correct decision. This year, he starts his first full season in the second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing after spending 15 years in Supercars.
Q. How much did Shane van Gisbergen win in NASCAR?
A. Shane van Gisbergen raced a Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing and won his first race in Chicago in 2023. He later claimed victory at the first Cup race in Mexico City and won again in Chicago. With these three Cup victories, he is now the most successful foreign-born driver in NASCAR Cup Series history.
