Shane van Gisbergen’s latest NASCAR triumph carried a personal weight that extended far beyond the victory lane celebrations. The win at Watkins Glen came during a year marked by loss and distance from his family, particularly his father, Robert, known affectionately as “Cheese.” For van Gisbergen, who has been away from New Zealand while pursuing his NASCAR career, sharing the moment with his father at the track was more than just a highlight—it was a rare and deeply meaningful connection in a challenging season.
Key Highlights
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Van Gisbergen wins at Watkins Glen during an emotional year.
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Father Robert joins him in the United States for the next three races.
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Robert has faced the loss of his wife, sister, and mother in recent months.
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Victory sets new record for most NASCAR Cup Series rookie wins.
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Trackhouse Racing places all three cars in the top 10 for the first time.
A Season Marked by Personal Loss
The 2024 NASCAR season has tested Shane van Gisbergen far beyond the demands of racing. His father, Robert, has endured a devastating stretch, losing his wife, his sister, and his mother in quick succession.
“It’s been pretty difficult. He lost his wife, my mother, and then his sister and then his mum a month or so ago. It’s been a really rough run for Dad. It’s hard to support him when I’m on the other side of the world. That’s probably why I’m the most homesick. Then my sister has moved away as well, so he’s kind of by himself all of a sudden. I try and talk to him every day. To have him here – like he was almost in tears, too – it’s really special to share that because we’re a long way from home.” – Shane van Gisbergen
Before moving to the United States, Robert was a regular presence in the Supercars paddock. Now, with the travel demands of NASCAR, father and son are often separated for long stretches. The next few weeks offer a rare chance for them to be together at Richmond and Daytona.
Chasing Results with Family at His Side
Van Gisbergen says having his father along for the upcoming races adds motivation heading into the final stretch before the playoffs.
“It’s obviously something to dream about winning on an oval, and superspeedways I’ve had some pretty good moments there. Last year I think Talladega… Kaulig was a smaller team, Dad was on the front row of the pit box helping with the strategy or talking with Travis Mack on the strategy. You know, he loves it. I’d love to have a good result with him the next couple weeks. He’s driving the bus for me with his friend Jason to those races. I’ll probably drive to Daytona with them, and it’ll be a good time like we used to do.” – Shane van Gisbergen
The win at Watkins Glen also marked the first time his dog joined him in victory lane, making the occasion even more personal.
Record-Breaking Rookie Season
With his latest triumph, van Gisbergen set a new record for the most NASCAR Cup Series wins by a rookie. The victory also gave Trackhouse Racing its first event where all three cars finished inside the top 10.
“That’s why I moved here, and that’s why I guess Justin [Marks, Trackhouse Racing CEO] believed in me and he knew I could do this. I’ve changed my life to come and do this, and to come and make true of what everyone believed in me and to execute myself and get everything right, it’s why I go racing. As I said, sharing it with those people and seeing how much it means to the guys who work every week so hard on the car and their pit stops, yeah, it’s so cool. It means the world to everyone. Next week we’ll see the guys at the shop who did all the prep work, too, and I love the team environment, and it was a great day for the team. We had all three in the top 10 for the first time for Trackhouse. It’s huge.” – Shane van Gisbergen
While van Gisbergen admits the reality of such wins often hits later, this one carried an immediate impact.
“It normally hits me on the plane ride home or 4am after a few beers. I try to reflect on it, but I also try and get to the next week pretty quick, as well. I’ll try not to tweet at 4am. But I do nowadays, maybe I’m too old, or getting old, but I try and reflect and take in the moment a bit more. Today was really special. I’ve never had my dog in Victory Lane before and my dad as well. He hasn’t been able to travel all year being sick. To have him here for the next three weeks and have a win with it, it’s just really cool to have that moment.” – Shane van Gisbergen
News in Brief: Shane van Gisbergen’s Father’s Loss
Shane van Gisbergen’s Watkins Glen win came in a season filled with personal challenges, including his father Robert’s recent losses of his wife, sister, and mother. The New Zealander celebrated the victory with Robert at the track, marking their first extended time together in months. With the win, van Gisbergen set a new rookie record for most NASCAR Cup Series wins and led Trackhouse Racing to its first event with all three cars in the top 10.
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