NASCAR Insider Unsure as Richard Childress Opens Up Doors for Shane Van Gisbergen’s Long Time Rival

In the world of NASCAR, decisions made by team owners can make or break a driver’s career. Recently, Richard Childress, the owner of RCR, has raised a few eyebrows in the racing community. Childress is opening the door for Shane van Gisbergen’s rival. A V8 Supercar standout will compete in multiple Cup Series races next year. While this move has generated excitement, it has also sparked skepticism from NASCAR insiders.

After Shane van Gisbergen grabbed victory in his first-ever NASCAR start in the Chicago Street race, the community went crazy at the race result. Coming from the same racing series as Kiwi sensation Shane van Gisbergen, Chevrolet has a new driver driving the No. 33 for RCR. The 25-year-old made his NASCAR debut earlier this year at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and in a field of 39 cars, he managed to qualify in an impressive P11 on the challenging road course layout.

Richard Childress is more than willing to let Shane van Gisbergen’s opponent run for RCR in 2024

Richard Childress Racing is eager to welcome Brodie Kostecki back for multiple Cup races next year. During a recent episode of the GoPRNLive, show host Brett McMillan asked Lewis Frank if this was a good decision on the part of Richard Childress. However, Frank expressed doubts about this decision. Frank pointed out that history has shown that the transition from Australian road racing to NASCAR’s oval tracks can be a formidable challenge.

Brett pointed, “Brodie Kostecki, who we saw in Indianapolis running for RCR… Now his manager is saying that the Australian who runs in the Australian Supercross series… that he could run up to three races in the Cup Series next year. And I think RCR, again interested in having him up here running there as well.”

Lewis Frank mentioned previous examples like Marcos Ambrose and Sam Hornish Jr., who faced difficulties adapting to oval racing. He emphasized that while Kostecki’s road racing skills are commendable. Oval racing requires a unique skill set and a significant adjustment. “Yeah, I wonder… again switching, we have seen a couple of people who have come from road racing. Have made a great… have made a decent I guess I won’t say great because no championships. But it takes a very special driver. As when you spoke to SVG or Kostecki at Indy. You know, the Super V8 cars, they’re similar but it’s not the same as a cup car.”

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“And to make this transition is not very easy, and I recalled Marcos Ambrose, and I said well JTG was a smaller team back then. And RCR is actually on the upward swing. So three races… okay there are plenty of road races now in the Cup. But you know, it’s a long way to go from part-time fill-in to… and it’s so challenging to change from the road racing to the ovals. I’ve seen it, Dario didn’t make the transition so well, and Sam Hornish Jr you know. That to me he just didn’t make the transition, And this guy ran ovals and beat Pensky in a smaller team car in IndyCar. So, should be interesting. But, it’s a big step so we’ll have to see about what happens with people who come over from the only road course experience”, Frank added.

In another recent development, RCR found itself facing penalties after last weekend’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. The #3 team, driven by Austin Dillon, was penalized by NASCAR for tire infractions during the race.

RCR pit crew members were suspended for the tire mishap in Texas

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NASCAR suspended crew members Josh Sobecki and Michael Johnson from Austin Dillon’s team. The suspension came following an incident where the #3 car lost a wheel at high speed on Lap 42, resulting in a crash and a 36th-place finish for Dillon. The suspension means that Sobecki and Johnson will be eligible to return to action at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 15.

The safety violation falls under Section 8.8.10.4.C in the NASCAR Rule Book. Specifically related to tires and wheels. It pertains to the “loss or separation of an improperly installed tire/wheel from the vehicle during the event.” This rule underwent a change before the 2023 season. Leading to two-race suspensions for pit crew members involved in such incidents.

Commenting on the tire failure that ended his race prematurely, Austin Dillon expressed his frustration. He described how the wheel and tire blew off as he accelerated down the backstretch. “Coming off the flat and getting up to speed, I was a little free. I didn’t know what it was and then halfway down the backstretch, our wheel and tire blew off when we got to the center of the corner… It stinks, but it’s been the way our year has gone.”

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Do you believe Kostecki can successfully make the transition to NASCAR’s ovals? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.