Shane van Gisbergen, renowned for his achievements in Australian Supercars, is adapting to the NASCAR Cup Series through innovative learning experiences, most recently by delving into Legends car racing. In an ongoing effort to refine his competitive edge, van Gisbergen’s participation in the 2025 Cook Out Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway is significantly advancing his NASCAR learning, offering fresh perspectives and practical skills for intense racing formats.
Gaining Valuable Insights in a New Racing Arena
Legends car racing is known as a vital foundation for aspiring drivers looking to develop and sharpen their racing techniques. For van Gisbergen, now representing Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, entering this domain provided an opportunity to engage with rising talents and veterans alike. He took part in the annual Cook Out Summer Shootout, a high-profile series attracting young drivers eager to make their mark on the world of motorsports at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
During his appearance on the Stacking Pennies podcast with Corey LaJoie, van Gisbergen detailed how his Legends car journey began with encouragement from Bubba Wallace, a prominent driver for 23XI Racing. Van Gisbergen, Wallace, and fellow racer Scott McLaughlin teamed up to compete against a field filled with eager young competitors. Their camaraderie extended beyond the track, with friendly wagers such as having the last-place finisher buy dinner.
Key Lessons from Competing with Future Stars
Reflecting on the demanding competition and the unpredictable restarts in Legends racing, van Gisbergen shared one of the essential takeaways from the series:
“You learn a lot. So, you have to choose yourself. The restarts are crazy. The restarts are just like Martinsville. You know, if you choose the outside, you can gain a row, but you have to get down as quick as you can … And then also keep in your head, like if someone hits you, you can’t just snap and get angry at that guy. You’ve got to kind of get your momentum going. It’s been fun learning that.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
For van Gisbergen, mixing with up-and-coming drivers—sometimes even being chased around the circuit by determined teenagers—offered valuable practice in composure and adaptability. Compared to the pressures and tensions of the Cup Series, this experience fostered fresh strategies for maintaining focus and resilience, even when tempers run high or adversity strikes during competition.
Victory and Milestones at the Summer Shootout
The finale of the Cook Out Summer Shootout took place on July 29, where van Gisbergen showcased his rapidly growing skills on American ovals. He qualified third for the Pro Legends A-Feature, lining up behind contenders Jake Bollman and Tyler Reif. In a tightly contested 25-lap race, van Gisbergen crossed the finish line just 0.417 seconds ahead of the runner-up, securing his first-ever oval win in the United States. This triumph adds a significant milestone to his career and strengthens his learning path in NASCAR’s demanding environment.
With such experiences now part of his repertoire, van Gisbergen is poised to integrate these lessons as he continues racing for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. The foundational techniques and mindset gained from Legends car racing, especially while learning from experienced drivers like Bubba Wallace and facing the raw determination of younger competitors, are expected to boost his confidence and performance in future Cup Series races.
