The shift from supercars to NASCAR is never easy, with unexpected twists and turns at every spot. For Shane Van Gisbergen, it was much easier for him to handle the 7,500 RPM engines and cars. Gisbergen made it to the epitome of success when he hit the victory position at the Cup Series with his debut in 2023. It was right after the Chicago Street Race glory that he was able to add more to his forte. 

Being a three-time supercar champion, the shift to NASCAR was sudden for Gisbergen. The year 2025 however holds a lot of anticipation for the driver given that he will be starting his new full-time career with a poignant name in the field. 

Gisbergen talks about his innate passion for supercars

For most drivers, one of the ultimate dreams is to achieve a stance at Formula One. After all, the kind of fame that follows a Formula One driver is often coveted and a dream for all. However, Shane Van Gisbergen has been quite clear about how Formula One has never been his forte and not an arena that he has envisioned. And this is clear with his NASCAR records.

His forte so far have been the road course tracks, since they usually require more downforce than conventional NASCAR tracks. Despite the three road course wins at Portland, Sonoma, and Chicago, his statistics do not look very impressive when it comes to short tracks.

Speaking of how Formula One was never a part of his goal, he said, “I started in Supercars in 2007. I don’t know if it was ever a case of realizing I had the ability, but it was always my dream to do it. It’s all I ever wanted to be. When I was about 12, I started racing, and I just wanted to race supercars. We always used to go to watch Supercars, and I never really… like, I watched F1, but I wasn’t really a massive fan. All I wanted to do was Supercars”.  Gisbergen’s record in the Supercar Championship Series has been indeed promising where he has already accounted for 81 wins in the 508 starts he has made till now. To add to that, he has also accounted for 176 podium places and 48 pole positions.

After his seemingly promising run at Supercars, he has now taken a turn at NASCAR. Post his 2024 debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, Gisbergen is now up for a full-time 2025 run. The New Zealand native will be seen rocking an 88 Number Chevrolet car for the Trackhouse Racing. Speaking of how unique NASCAR is as a sport, Gisbergen said, “No matter where you are in NASCAR on the track. You always seem to be racing someone, and I was having a blast. Just. That’s why I knew just wanted to make it work and be in the Cup Series next year”. 

While Formula One never captured Shane Van Gisbergen’s interest, his lifelong passion for supercars paved the way for a remarkable career in the sport. Now, with his sights set on NASCAR, Gisbergen is ready to embrace the unique challenges of the Cup Series and make his mark in 2025.

Gisbergen will be sporting the iconic No. 88 car

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The No. 88 car has been iconic when it comes to NASCAR, given how it was the ultimate choice for the legendary Dale Earnhardt Jr. His latest stint as a full-time NASCAR driver will kickstart the 2025 season with Trackhouse Racing.

The iconic #88, once driven by Dale Jarrett in the NASCAR Cup Series from 1996 to 2006 and later by Dale Earnhardt Jr. during his tenure with Hendrick Motorsports from 2008 to 2017, is making a comeback. After an eight-year hiatus, the number will return to the Cup Series in 2025, with Shane Van Gisbergen behind the wheel.

Speaking of how he feels about driving the iconic number, Gisbergen said, “It’s pretty cool. The other one who was before Dale Earnhardt Jr. was Dale Jarrett, so that’s two pretty big drivers. Having Dale Earnhardt Jr. text me the day before we announced it about how cool it was and how he hopes we represent it well and stuff, nothing like a bit of pressure there, but pretty cool to have that. Obviously, would’ve loved to have raced with 97, but 88 is a special number”. 

Gisbergen’s new run in the 2025 season will witness him driving along with teammates like Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain. With the legacy of the #88 car adding weight to his journey, Gisbergen is set to carve his chapter in NASCAR history alongside teammates Daniel Suárez and Ross Chastain. Embracing both the pressure and prestige, he’s ready to uphold the number’s iconic status in the 2025 season.