Shane van Gisbergen’s full-time commitment to the NASCAR Cup Series in America throughout 2025 has pushed his racing abilities, especially on oval tracks, but the packed schedule is leaving him with almost no opportunity for alternative ventures. Despite his eagerness to explore other motorsport experiences, van Gisbergen has found that the long season, spanning 37 to 38 weeks, makes it nearly impossible to engage in additional racing interests before both American and Australasian race calendars draw to a close for the year.
During an interview with Speedcafe in December, van Gisbergen shared his wish to diversify his racing calendar but acknowledged he cannot fit more in at the moment.
“I’d love to go do some races there, and you know, cuz it’s pretty shut down here in America this time of year,”
he stated—referring to New Zealand as a possible destination for future races.
He elaborated on the seasonal differences and his longing for downtime back home.
“The winters are harsh, and I would love to get home and spend more time in the summer. [It] would be good,”
van Gisbergen explained. However, when asked about participating in iconic offseason events like the 24 Hours of Daytona or the Chili Bowl, he gave a straightforward no, prioritizing recuperation and remaining energy for his main NASCAR commitments with Trackhouse Racing.
Prioritizing Recovery and Family Over Offseason Racing
Van Gisbergen revealed that he had a solid chance to compete at the 24 Hours of Daytona but turned it down, underscoring how challenging that time of year is and how much he wants to focus fully on his primary team. This decision points to a deliberate approach in managing his energy, even if it means turning away attractive racing opportunities. Although navigating these compromises can be tough, van Gisbergen approaches them with a sense of optimism, focusing on the long-term benefits for his career and personal well-being.
Finding Joy Amidst the Grind
The previous year saw van Gisbergen compete for 36 consecutive weeks, clinching victory in five events and rightfully taking some time off afterward to recover from the strain. The effects of the relentless schedule have left him both exhausted and appreciative of the rare moments of relaxation.
Reflecting on his break, van Gisbergen described his brief period of rest:
“I think I had a week and a half where I was like, ‘Yep, get some energy back.’ It was good to relax and then I’m now I’m being bored,”
he shared, demonstrating the complex emotions racers can feel when racing is momentarily put on pause.
He further explained how his post-season downtime played out:
“You know, I don’t really have much racing planned or much to do. I redid my garage and did a bit around home in the sim room and stuff. I’m like, ‘What do I do now?’ Like, I really love the racing here and love the routine of it, but also the variety.”
With not much action on the track, van Gisbergen has found himself missing the consistency and challenge of weekly competition, even though he values the occasional chance to recharge.
The ever-shifting nature of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, along with the variety packed into each week, has grown on van Gisbergen. The alternating tracks and frequent preparation meetings offer a dynamic lifestyle he increasingly enjoys. While adding more race wins would provide extra excitement for the coming seasons, van Gisbergen is optimistic about what the future holds as he looks forward to new opportunities, both in America and back home in New Zealand.
