Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR journey took an unexpected turn, transforming one of Australia’s top V8 Supercars talents into a rising star on the American racing circuit. From his early days as a celebrated touring car champion to a record-breaking debut in the NASCAR Cup Series, van Gisbergen’s path highlights how international drivers are increasingly making their mark in the U.S.
From Australian Touring Cars to International Ambitions
Shane van Gisbergen earned a reputation as a dominant force within Australia’s V8 Supercars Championship, capturing three titles and multiple Bathurst 1000 victories. Despite this, NASCAR was not originally part of his career plan. He briefly followed the sport during Marcos Ambrose’s participation but stopped watching after Ambrose left. His interests once leaned toward Formula 1, though he found the physical demands of open-wheel racing daunting due to body size expectations.
“My weight was my enemy in open-wheel racing. Most drivers look like they should be 14 years old.”
— Shane van Gisbergen, racing driver
How Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 Sparked Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Entry
The turning point in van Gisbergen’s career came in 2022 when Trackhouse Racing launched Project 91 under the leadership of Justin Marks. The project aimed to attract elite racing talent from around the world to select NASCAR events, with names such as Kimi Räikkönen and Kamui Kobayashi joining for special appearances.
Curiosity grew for van Gisbergen, prompting him to reach out via former NASCAR Cup driver Boris Said.
“I put out feelers through former NASCAR Cup driver Boris Said,”
— Shane van Gisbergen, racing driver.
“Boris knew Justin and sort of started the conversation.”
— Shane van Gisbergen, racing driver
Justin Marks soon offered van Gisbergen an intriguing opportunity:
“There’s a new race happening in 2023 on a street track that I think you’d be perfect for,”
— Justin Marks, Trackhouse co-owner. After bringing sponsors on board, van Gisbergen committed to running the inaugural Chicago street race in the Cup Series.
Making History in Chicago
The 2023 Grant Park 220 was a natural fit for van Gisbergen, whose street-course experience from Australia gave him a critical advantage. Despite limited preparation—only one practice session—he started third and adapted rapidly to the Next Gen car on the challenging city course. Backed by Enhance Health, Quad Lock, and WeatherTech, he managed fierce competition and changing weather, leading nine laps and ultimately holding off Justin Haley and Chase Elliott to secure victory. This win was unprecedented, marking the first time in six decades that a NASCAR Cup Series debutant finished first on their maiden attempt.
Van Gisbergen’s Ascent in the NASCAR Ranks
The unexpected triumph in Chicago propelled Shane van Gisbergen into a new phase of his racing life. No longer a guest participant, he soon transitioned to full-time competition. By November 2025, he had collected six NASCAR wins, proving versatility not just on street circuits but on ovals as well. Key performances included two top-10 starts in the current season and a notable top-10 finish at Kansas Speedway, which further underlined his adaptability and determination.
In 2025, van Gisbergen became the full-time driver for Trackhouse’s No. 88 Chevrolet, joining established racers Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez. His breakout season was capped by winning NASCAR’s Rookie of the Year award, making him the first international driver to do so since Juan Pablo Montoya.
A Global Talent Redefines NASCAR’s Landscape
Shane van Gisbergen’s journey from the circuits of Australia to NASCAR’s spotlight exemplifies how the sport now offers meaningful opportunities to global talents. With support from notable entities like Justin Marks, Boris Said, and major sponsors, his rapid rise showcases NASCAR’s openness to international influence. As van Gisbergen continues to compete alongside top names such as Chase Elliott and Justin Haley, his story inspires future drivers who may also seek to bridge racing cultures from around the world.
