Shane van Gisbergen, three-time Supercars Champion, has transitioned from his home turf to NASCAR. Also referred to as SVG, he is the first New Zealander to win a race in the Cup Series. He celebrated his debut win in the last season driving the No. 91 for Trackhouse Racing in the 2023 Grant Park 220 in Chicago. But as SVG embarks on this new journey, the Supercars Championship unfolds without him in Australia. After 17 years, he finds himself on the sidelines for the first time.

Despite the challenges, SVG is not deterred. ‘It’s a shame to miss out,’ yes he admits, but his eyes are firmly on the road ahead of NASCAR speedways.

Shane van Gisbergen Acknowledges his shift to NASCAR

Shane van Gisbergen is at a turning point as he makes his transition from the Supercars Championship to NASCAR. Reflecting on his journey, SVG acknowledges the weight of his decision. Despite the familiarity and camaraderie of the Supercars circuit, he embraces the challenge of NASCAR wholeheartedly. Watching his former colleagues from afar, SVG feels a twinge of nostalgia but remains resolute in his conviction. 

“I watched practice 1 that was on at a decent hour. And It was a weird feeling. Like it’s been 17 years of driving out the pitlane with all those people. So yeah. It was a shame to miss it! But, I guess, you know, I had fun. I feel like I belong here [at NASCAR]. I feel like I’ve definitely done the right thing for my career,” affirmed SVG.

The allure of NASCAR’s competitive landscape and the thrill of racing in a new environment overshadow any feelings of longing for his past endeavors. SVG’s debut performance in the Xfinity Series, particularly his commendable 12th-place finish at the United Rentals 300, serves as validation for his career transition. As he navigates the early stages of his NASCAR journey, SVG’s confidence in his decision only strengthens, affirming that he is on the right path to success and fulfillment in his racing career.

“Something I have to accept” – 3-time Supercars Champion is still a rookie for NASCAR

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Shane van Gisbergen’s shift to NASCAR has been intense, marked by a challenging weekend at Daytona. Despite his Supercars Championship background, he faced a steep learning curve in the Xfinity and ARCA races, encountering multiple crashes. Reflecting on the experience, he acknowledged the unique racing style and mindset required in NASCAR, where the risk of crashes is high. 

During the pre race press conference of this week, van Gisbergen talked about his past weekend as a whole and said, “I got involved in seven crashes, and only one was my fault, really. But I just tried to analyze every one [of the crashes], and of the six I got involved in, I couldn’t figure out a way I could have done things differently.”

“It’s just the style of that racing and something I have to accept. You have to run the risk of getting that good result, but you’re probably going to get into a crash. It’s an amazing mindset to go racing with. Something I’ve never had to do before. Go into a race thinking it’s 50/50, whether you’ll crash or you won’t. It’s pretty different.”

As a rookie, he’s focused on achieving consistent results, aiming for top-15s and top-10s while adapting to the unpredictable nature of NASCAR races.

He emphasized the importance of studying and seeking advice, but highlighted the difference between preparation and the reality of racing at high speeds in a pack, where aerodynamics drastically affects handling. Despite the challenges, he noted the durability of NASCAR cars, which can withstand significant damage and continue racing—a testament to the toughness of the sport.

Read More: Shane Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Struggles Reiterates the Significance of William Byron’s Exceptional Success