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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice & Qualifying Aug 12, 2023 Speedway, Indiana, USA Shane van Gisbergen stands in his pits before practice and qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Speedway Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Indiana USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarcxLebrykx 20230812_gma_lb1_0006 | Image Credits: Imago
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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Practice & Qualifying Aug 12, 2023 Speedway, Indiana, USA Shane van Gisbergen stands in his pits before practice and qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Speedway Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Indiana USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarcxLebrykx 20230812_gma_lb1_0006 | Image Credits: Imago
In 2024, NASCAR fans will witness one of the most anticipated driver debuts. Shane van Gisbergen will be back behind the wheel of a Trackhouse Racing car for a handful of races. However, fans of the Kiwi driver were thrilled that he would also get more gigs in the Xfinity and the ARCA Series. In the build-up to the ARCA debut, the V8 Supercars champion is preparing hard for it.
Later on January 12th and 13th, he will take part in an ARCA test at the Daytona International Speedway. He won’t be alone, as Marco Andretti is also taking part in the test, albeit with a different team. According to reports, van Gisbergen is driving for the Pinnacle Racing Group, though his crew chief has yet to be confirmed. Last year, Pinnacle Racing Group fielded Luke Fenhaus, Connor Zilisch, and Carson Kvapil. In addition to that, Shane Huffman was the crew chief for the three drivers. However, it is unclear whether he will return to the team to partner Shane van Gisbergen.
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SVG will do ARCA test Jan 12-13 at Daytona driving with Pinnacle Racing Group (Chevy team that had Luke Fenhaus among its drivers, Shane Huffman crew chief). Marco Andretti will do the test as well, with Cook Racing Technologies (which won the 2023 West owners title).
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 5, 2024
Shane van Gisbergen became an overnight sensation in NASCAR
At the Chicago Street Course, van Gisbergen stunned the entire community when he scored an unexpected victory. This was a driver who was competing in his first-ever NASCAR Cup race, and at a brand-new track to boot. What probably worked in his favor was that he must have been used to street races in V8 Supercars. Additionally, NASCAR Cup cars and V8 Supercars aren’t too dissimilar to each other.
READ MORE: Despite His Fear, Shane van Gisbergen’s Extra Practice Could Provide Him an Edge at the Daytona 500
Another point in his favor was that the Cup drivers were competing on a street track for the first time. So all he had to do was adapt quicker to the car and get the lay of the land, quicker than anyone else. Fortune also smiled on him when the heavens opened and the drivers’ already tough jobs were made much harder.
What to expect from the Kiwi driver in 2024?
As per reports, van Gisbergen is expected to compete in four NASCAR-sanctioned series. Aside from his Cup Series commitments, he is also running a few Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA races. Of course, since he wants to be competitive and not just make up the numbers, he is taking this gig very seriously.
Much like Kyle Larson is also training for his Indy 500 debut, Shane van Gisbergen wants to be treated as a serious contender. Naturally, one cannot expect him to repeat his Chicago feat, but he should at least be in the thick of the action. Additionally, it is unclear which races he will compete in, aside from road courses.
WATCH THIS STORY: Richard Childress Welcomes Shane Van Gisbergen’s Rival: A NASCAR Insider’s Perspective
