Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR success is influencing a new generation of Supercars drivers from Australia and New Zealand to consider making their mark in the United States, as SVG’s recent rise has demonstrated tremendous opportunities for Australasia’s top racers. After securing multiple championship titles in his home region, van Gisbergen’s transition to NASCAR is igniting hopes and ambitions among other talented drivers eyeing a similar move.
From Australasian Champion to NASCAR Star
Before his U.S. racing journey, Shane van Gisbergen already stood out as a dominant figure in Australian Supercars, tallying three championships, 80 race victories, 176 podium finishes, and winning the renowned Bathurst 1000 three times. Rather than following the old saying to “Go West, young man” for fame and fortune, van Gisbergen chose to head east across the Pacific, bringing his skills to one of America’s biggest racing stages.
Since making his NASCAR Cup debut in 2023, SVG has rapidly built a reputation as one of the sport’s premier road course drivers. He won his very first Cup race at the 2023 Chicago Street Race, and has since amassed nine wins, all on road courses—five in the Cup Series, with four coming this season and one race still remaining, and four more in the Xfinity Series. These accomplishments have elevated his status to that of a celebrated figure both in New Zealand and in Australia.
Opening Doors for Fellow Supercars Drivers
Van Gisbergen’s success is not just a personal milestone—it has encouraged more racers from Australia and New Zealand, such as Brodie Kostecki, Cam Waters, Will Brown, and Jack Perkins, to test their ambition in the high-profile world of NASCAR. The visible impact on the community back home has turned SVG into a hero and a source of inspiration for both established drivers and aspiring talents wishing to follow his path.
Australian Pathfinders in NASCAR: The Marcos Ambrose Precedent
Marcos Ambrose was the first significant Australian Supercars driver to pave the way in NASCAR, enjoying a long and productive tenure after beginning his career Down Under. Ambrose spent almost a decade in the U.S., returned to Australia to rejoin Supercars, and eventually stepped away from motorsport, later establishing a lodge in Tasmania. His journey set a precedent for drivers like van Gisbergen and highlighted both the attractions and challenges of competing abroad.
SVG’s NASCAR Success Inspires Emerging Talent
After winning his fourth Cup race of the season at Watkins Glen, van Gisbergen discussed the future of international drivers in American stock car racing during an appearance on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast. When asked whether his own NASCAR triumphs could attract more talent from the region, van Gisbergen acknowledged the significant commitment required to replicate his journey.
“You obviously got to have someone with commitment, like what I’ve had in Justin (team owner Justin Marks). I’m extremely thankful for in how much he’s committed, uprooting me from home, getting me out of my contract, flying me over here. It’s a big thing to do.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Despite the difficulties, SVG sees growing interest among young Supercars drivers, particularly those eager to test their abilities in American races. He named Broc Feeney, a current Supercars standout, as someone who shows promise and enthusiasm for the NASCAR scene.
“There’s a lot of young guys there,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Van Gisbergen specifically highlighted Feeney’s frequent participation in simulated oval races and his ongoing conversations about opportunities in the U.S., expressing hope to help him secure a road course entry. He also recognized other emerging talents like Cam Waters, who has already tried his hand at truck racing in America.
“Cam Waters has come and did some truck races. He’s struggling, but with time he would be good. He’s a massive talent as well. Yeah, it’s a big commitment to bring someone over and I hope someone else tries it.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
The Ripple Effect of SVG’s Achievements
Shane van Gisbergen’s continued accomplishments in NASCAR are reshaping perceptions among Supercars drivers in Australia and New Zealand, encouraging others to consider the leap to American racing. As SVG points out, however, success in the U.S. demands resilience, support, and an unwavering commitment to adapt and thrive in a new environment. The growing interest from drivers like Broc Feeney and Cam Waters suggests the next wave of Trans-Tasman racers may soon follow van Gisbergen’s trail—potentially expanding the international footprint of NASCAR and further strengthening the racing link between Australasia and the U.S.
