Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR dogs have quickly become stars in their own right, providing comfort and companionship as the New Zealander adapts to a new racing life in the United States. Bringing his canine friends, Ronald and Steve, across continents has helped van Gisbergen stay grounded while competing in NASCAR, especially as he continues to navigate life away from his father and homeland.
Settling In with Familiar Faces Far from Australia
Since his move from Australia, where he was already a notable figure in Supercars, Shane van Gisbergen has embraced his NASCAR journey wholeheartedly, making a fresh start stateside. Choosing to bring one of his beloved pets along has offered a vital connection to home, easing the homesickness brought on by distance from family and the many adjustments required by life in American motorsports. His canine companions are regulars on his Instagram feed, often featured alongside images of race cars and triumphant moments at tracks like Watkins Glen.
The Story Behind Ronald’s Journey to NASCAR
After a significant NASCAR Cup Series win at Watkins Glen, van Gisbergen shared more about his dog Ronald during NASCAR’s The Day After interview. He recounted how the decision to get Ronald was made before they even considered a move to the United States.
“So, we got him (at the) start of ’23 in Australia and had him. Got him that year. He was, I think, five-six months old when we got him. We were looking at getting a dog for a while, and then we didn’t plan to move to the States at that point. Got him and then we loved him and thought we can’t leave him behind, so we bought him with us,”
—SVG, NASCAR driver.
Sharing Ronald’s adaptation to life on the road, van Gisbergen added:
“He’s an amazing dog. He’s almost three now, but yeah, really cool. Take him to quite a few races, and that was the first time we had him in victory lane. So, really, really cool to have him there,”
—SVG, NASCAR driver.
A Unique Name with a Personal Touch
The story behind Ronald’s name highlights the playful side of van Gisbergen’s personal life. Van Gisbergen credits his girlfriend, Jessica, with choosing the name, explaining that she enjoys giving human names to their pets. He finds it entertaining to call them out and believes the names genuinely fit their personalities, adding a sense of fun and charm to their unconventional pit crew.
Steve: The Other Member of the Team
While Ronald often steals the spotlight, van Gisbergen’s other dog, Steve, also features prominently in his journey. Whether lounging in the back seat or watching the highway during long drives, Steve is as much a part of van Gisbergen’s NASCAR adventure as any teammate, offering loyal companionship both at home and on the road. Their presence has made the racing lifestyle more enjoyable and has fostered a sense of normalcy amid the high-speed demands of professional motorsport.
Shane van Gisbergen’s decision to keep his dogs close during his NASCAR tenure not only brings comfort but also infuses his life and career with moments of lightness and joy, demonstrating how important a support system, whether human or canine, can be far from home. As his journey in American racing continues, Ronald and Steve are sure to remain an enduring, beloved part of his story.
