“Makes It Tough” – Shane Van Gisbergen Admits to Added Pressure for Ringers Because of Him

In a whirlwind of high-speed twists and historical turns, Shane Van Gisbergen, the Aussie ace of the Supercars circuit, has set his sights on conquering a new racetrack: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fresh off his triumphant NASCAR debut victory on the rain-soaked streets of Chicago, van Gisbergen is poised to make his oval debut in spectacular style. And he’s not alone.

In a recent episode of the ‘Dale Jr Download’ podcast, a captivating discussion emerged around the scorching success of SVG in Chicago. Co-hosts Dale Earnhardt Jr and Mike Davis, along with the guest star himself, delved deep into the captivating narrative of how Van Gisbergen’s triumph is igniting an intense fire under his fellow competitors.

Pressure Cooker: SVG’s Triumph Puts Peers on the Hot Seat

Ever the insightful provocateur Mike Davis kick-started the conversation by laying down the pressure question: Does Shane’s resounding victory at the Cup race in Chicago pile on the pressure for his peers, particularly Brodie Kostecki and Kamui Kobayashi? The consensus was that Van Gisbergen’s foray into the Supercar Series has undeniably elevated the stakes. His victory wasn’t just a win; it was a thundering declaration that sent shockwaves through the racing cosmos.

“I guess there’s expectation like you come in and win a race, you’re expected to do well at the next one. So makes it tough, I guess, on those guys because Brodie’s ahead of me in the championship, so he’s a good driver. He’s going to be, you know, they’ll be expecting him to do pretty well. But how we go, we have no idea.”  SVG replied.

Gisbergen further added, “This track going to be tough like the street circuit was perfect for me. No one knew it. I race Street tracks a lot or is here. They’ve been here for the last three years. I think this race has been going for. They know they got a lot more information about it. It would be tough, and we only have 20 minutes of practice. It’s gonna be difficult.” 

Van Gisbergen’s thunderous entry onto the NASCAR Cup Series stage in Chicago was nothing short of historic. Battling through rain-soaked streets, the Australian sensation powered his way to an electrifying victory, etching his name into the annals of racing lore. The victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement—a declaration of his arrival on the NASCAR scene.

READ MORE: Shane Van Gisbergen Reveals Why He Is Stepping Away From Supercars Championship

But that was not all. The Chicago Street course winner had much more to add about his fellow international racers. He also spoke about his transition from supercars to NASCAR.

Simulators and Speed: The Dynamic Duo of Shane Van Gisbergen and Kostecki

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Van Gisbergen’s journey is far from solo. Brodie Kostecki, the current Supercars championship leader, is joining the ranks of NASCAR’s elite alongside his friend and fellow racer. Set to debut on the same iconic track, Kostecki is a force to be reckoned with, driving for Richard Childress Racing in their part-time entry.

The camaraderie between the two drivers is palpable. Van Gisbergen’s excitement about racing alongside his longtime friend shines through as he shares, “It’s awesome.” The duo’s bond goes beyond the track, with Van Gisbergen revealing they frequently go head-to-head on simulators. Their friendship adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming race as they merge their talents in pursuit of victory.

Transitioning from Supercars to NASCAR has been an eye-opening experience for van Gisbergen. “That just opened my eyes to how it all works, how the garages are, how the teams operate, how it’s so relaxed, but when it’s go time, the switch is flipped and it’s intense.” Gisbergen’s infectious enthusiasm for American racing culture shines through as he describes it as “really cool,” a sentiment echoed by fans and fellow racers alike.

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With Van Gisbergen and Kostecki at the helm, the track is set ablaze with the promise of high-octane battles and heart-stopping maneuvers. The Australian invasion of American racing continues, and all eyes are on the electrifying duo as they carve their names into the hallowed asphalt of Indy’s oval.