Despite Testing His Versatility, Shane van Gisbergen Avoids This Challenge Ahead of His Full-Time NASCAR Debut

Shane van Gisbergen is all set to compete in his first full-time NASCAR schedule with Kaulig Racing in the 2024 Xfinity Series. The 34-year-old, who once dominated the Supercars Championship series back home in New Zealand, will now lock horns against America’s finest drivers. It’s not only the Xfinity Series challenge awaiting him, as he will also feature in at least seven Cup Series races with Trackhouse Racing.

SVG has already been making noise with his exploits during the 2023 season. In a historic moment, he became the first New Zealander to win a Cup race on his debut at the Chicago street course. Van Gisbergen has displayed great adaptability to the challenge presented, but Kaulig’s No. 97 has strayed away from the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona event.

Shane van Gisbergen explains why he won’t feature at the 24 Hours of Daytona

The 24 Hours at Daytona is not the event that SVG is eager to try his hands on. With the Xfinity Series schedule along with the Cup races, the Kiwi driver feels that he needs to get his prep done before the season starts. Not to forget, the guy had to move his home from New Zealand to the United States, and that in itself can be consuming.

Shane Van Gisbergen has opted to review the NASCAR experience and is focused on the challenges that are in his hands. Speaking on the NASCAR live podcast on Spotify, he said, “I’d not like to do the 24 Hours the Rolex. I thought it would be better to focus on the challenges I got ahead. So it will be a lot of simulated time and watching a lot of tape, SMT stuff. Just tryna review what it’s like, tryna understand what I’m in for those first few weeks.”

SVG has been wise in choosing to go with simulation and understanding the tricks of the trade with SMT. The Kiwi driver also spoke about how time is of the essence and he wanted to make the most of it in prepping for the next couple of months. “It would be a lot of sim time(…) Because mid-February is gonna roll around pretty quickly and once it starts I’m racing every week and it will go by just like that so I gotta as much prep I can do for the couple of months.”

Read More: NASCAR Kiwi Speedster Breaks Down the Struggles of Uprooting His Life and Moving to America With His Family 

SVG will be pulling in a double shift at Daytona as he will also compete at the ARCA Menards Series opener on February 17.

SVG will have a double-duty Daytona season opener

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The ARCA Menards Series will get the ball rolling for the 2024 season with its 61st consecutive race at the Daytona International Speedway. Interestingly, on the same day, February 17, the Xfinity Series will also kickstart the season at the same venue, leading to a doubleheader. This means that the Kiwi driver will have to put in a double shift as he is competing in both series.

Shane van Gisbergen will be driving an entry prepared by Pinnacle Racing Group for the ARCA event. The car number and sponsorship details are yet to be revealed and are expected to be announced soon. Apart from putting in a double shift on February 17, the 34-year-old will also participate in the ARCA ARCA series test races that are scheduled for January 12–13.

In addition to the ARCA race at Daytona, Shane van Gisbergen has a total of 40 races scheduled across the Cup and Xfinity Series in 2024.

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