Shane van Gisbergen is set to debut a vibrant and symbolic NASCAR livery at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend, highlighting his New Zealand heritage. Although the event is nearly 7,000 miles from New Zealand, the new design allows van Gisbergen to honor his roots while competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, making the Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR livery a standout feature for fans and spectators alike.
Design Highlights: Silver Fern and Southern Cross
The paint scheme, created in collaboration with Jockey and Trackhouse Racing, boldly showcases the silver fern and the southern cross, both important national symbols from New Zealand. Several red stars adorn the car as well, uniting recognizable imagery that resonates with van Gisbergen’s identity and home country.
“We have our friends at Jockey back on the car, and amazingly, they let me have some influence on the design,”
said van Gisbergen in a video through Trackhouse Racing.
“Of course, I went New Zealand-themed. Amazing to have the silver fern on it … pretty cool looking race car.”
— Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
“Obviously, I’m a little biased. Got the red stars of my country and I think it looks pretty tough. Pretty stoked to represent New Zealand as much as I can, and thanks to Jockey for letting me do that. I was pretty speechless when I first saw this car.”
— Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Season Progress and Performance
After being eliminated from the NASCAR Cup playoffs during the Round of 16, van Gisbergen remains determined, currently ranked 12th in the overall championship standings. His momentum is strong, coming off his fifth victory of the season last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, where he won by more than 15 seconds. This achievement ties him with Denny Hamlin for the highest number of wins among drivers in the series this year.
Breaking Through on Ovals and Notable Achievements
Primarily known for his prowess on road courses, van Gisbergen earned his first top-ten finish on an oval track at Kansas Speedway recently. This milestone contributed to him securing the 2025 NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year honors, a significant recognition for any new driver transitioning to the series.
Looking Ahead at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Van Gisbergen’s previous results at Las Vegas show ongoing progress on oval circuits. The last time the NASCAR Cup Series visited Las Vegas, he began the race from 28th and finished 34th due to a crash. In his performance one year earlier at the same venue, he started with Kaulig Racing and finished 29th. As his adaptation to ovals continues, many expect him to improve these results, leveraging his increasing experience and determination.
What This Livery and Season Mean for SVG
The unveiling of this special livery is a symbolic moment for van Gisbergen and demonstrates his pride in representing New Zealand on an international NASCAR stage. As Shane van Gisbergen continues to adapt and excel in the series, the new paint scheme not only celebrates his heritage, but also signals his growing impact among top NASCAR drivers this season. With future races ahead, all eyes will be on SVG to see if he can build on his successes and achieve even greater results.
