NASCAR Update: All-Star Disappointment for Shane van Gisbergen After Trackhouse-Kaulig Alliances Fails the Kiwi

It was previously confirmed that Shane van Gisbergen was one of the first 18 drivers set to duke it out in the $1 million NASCAR All-Star Race. Thanks to his electrifying debut win in Chicago last July, SVG had made himself eligible for this mid-season exhibition. However, recent updates reveal a change in plans: Trackhouse Racing and Kaulig Racing have now confirmed that Shane van Gisbergen will not be competing in the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Shane van Gisbergen suffered due to the number of charters in the team

Drivers get into the big-ticket All-Star Race by either winning a points event in 2023 or 2024, being a past All-Star Race winner who’s still racing full-time, or being a NASCAR Cup Series champ who’s still on the full-time circuit. On April 24, 2024, NASCAR dropped the names of drivers who clinched a spot for the upcoming All-Star Race. This roster includes hotshots like A.J. Allmendinger, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Chris Buescher, Kyle Busch, William Byron, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Michael McDowell, Tyler Reddick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Daniel Suarez, Martin Truex Jr, and Shane van Gisbergen.

But as mentioned, with Shane van Gisbergen’s teammates Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez already in the lineup for the All-Star Race, tossing in a third car for Shane van Gisbergen would’ve been a bit of a juggle for the team. SVG rocks the Xfinity Series full-time under a joint effort with Trackhouse Racing. Then there’s A.J. Allmendinger, who’s stepping up for Kaulig Racing. He’s one of the two, alongside Gisbergen, who’s not a full-timer in the Cup Series but has grabbed an All-Star spot thanks to his win at the Charlotte Roval last year.

Shane van Gisbergen has a busy schedule with six more Cup Series races on his 2024 calendar, including the Charlotte 600 right after the All-Star Race. That’s already a tight schedule without adding another high-stakes event to the mix. Plus, it’s probably for the best that he’s not stretching himself too thin, especially as he’s mourning the loss of his mom.

The #97 driver currently deals with his mother’s loss

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Shane van Gisbergen, the #97 Xfinity driver, is currently grappling with the deep loss of his mother, Karen Wallace. Just a day ago, he shared the somber news of his mother’s passing. According to her obituary, “Wallace, Karen Debra. Passed away on 15th April 2024, aged 64 years. Much loved wife of Rob van Gisbergen. Loved mother of Shane and Lauren. A service to celebrate Karen’s life will be held at Manukau Memorial Gardens Chapel…”

Gosbergen’s mother, Karen, was a frequent figure at the racetracks, often seen celebrating in Victory Lane whenever Shane van Gisbergen won a race, becoming a familiar and beloved presence to Supercars fans. Beyond the track, she was an immense source of support for Shane, bolstered by his father’s racing background.

During this tough time, it’s a small comfort that Shane has the support of his family, keeping him company away from the pressures of racing.