Shane van Gisbergen, a standout in the world of stock car racing, faced unexpected technical trouble during his latest endurance outing in New Zealand at the sixth edition of the SADDA race, an event that has become a fixture during the NASCAR offseason. Although his return stirred excitement among fans and drivers, his run in the annual grassroots competition was unfortunately cut short by an early radiator failure.
The SADDA, which began as a modest birthday paddock gathering, now attracts prominent names like van Gisbergen and enjoys a reputation for high-energy racing among both notable entrants and local amateurs, all driving budget-friendly vehicles. Shane, who both organizes and participates in the event, focuses on fostering a competitive but fun atmosphere, featuring a combination of sprint heats and a demanding three-hour endurance finale.
Van Gisbergen approached the weekend with serious preparation, leading his #97 car to dominant victories in the sprint heats. However, the much-anticipated endurance main event saw disaster strike as a radiator issue forced his team out of contention early. Reflecting on the day, van Gisbergen shared images and recapped his experience, saying,
“Awesome day at our 6th SADDA race. Fun day with everyone. We had a rocket of a mini getting the win in the heat races but unfortunately the radiator exited the chat early into the 3 hour race. Try get the 1nz back next year 😀”
– Shane van Gisbergen, Driver.
The high profile of the SADDA race has been enhanced by past participation from internationally recognized motorsport figures such as Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson and Trackhouse Racing teammate Ross Chastain, placing it firmly in the larger racing spotlight. This most recent appearance for van Gisbergen came shortly after he was seen enjoying dirt bike pursuits during his break from NASCAR.
SVG Prepares for Next NASCAR Challenge With Car Number Change
Looking ahead, Shane van Gisbergen is shifting gears toward his next NASCAR campaign during a period of significant transition. Trackhouse Racing has officially announced that for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, he will pilot the No. 97 Chevrolet, a number that holds personal significance throughout his Supercars, open-wheel, and two-wheeled exploits across Australia and beyond. In tandem, Connor Zilisch is set to join the team, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet full-time.
Signaling the upcoming new chapter, van Gisbergen recently shared a photo of his new blue No. 97 car, showcasing its Red Bull branding and marking this pivotal career moment on social media:
“Great to be back in a @redbullusa 9️⃣7️⃣ 😀”
– Shane van Gisbergen, Driver.
The switch to No. 97 underscores his return to familiar territory as he enters his sophomore Cup Series season, buoyed by the momentum of a 2025 rookie year in which he secured five race victories. The anticipation continues to build, with the 2026 NASCAR season opener at Bowman Gray set for February 1, promising another exhilarating chapter in van Gisbergen’s racing journey.
Looking Forward for Shane van Gisbergen and NASCAR Fans
Shane van Gisbergen’s journey from grassroots New Zealand events like SADDA to the grand stage of NASCAR reflects his dynamic presence in international motorsport. His strong performances and willingness to take on new challenges, from local endurance heats to major Cup Series transitions, keep fans engaged and eager for each official Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR update. As the new season nears and the motorsport calendar resets, all eyes will remain fixed on SVG as he strives to add more victories—and perhaps a championship—to his impressive racing legacy.
