American winters are no fun and games for everyone, and it wasn’t all sunshine for Shane van Gisbergen either. The off-season has begun, and most drivers have gone back home, relaxing and making the most of their well-deserved break. But as an international driver, it’s not that easy for SVG (Shane) to just go home and come back on a whim.

Being from New Zealand, SVG hardly ever gets to go home during the packed NASCAR and Xfinity season schedule. The New Zealand racing star recently shared some thoughts on his struggles with adapting to American winters.

“This time of year sucks”: SVG’s struggles with winters and off-season

In a long conversation with Aussie creators ‘Speedcafe TV,’ Shane van Gisbergen shared insights on his 2024 season and plans for 2025. Meanwhile, his struggles with the American winter stood out. It’s been two years since he made his switch to NASCAR, yet he still finds it hard to adapt to the climate. In the interview, Shane revealed that although the first week following the end of the season felt great, the creeping cold has started to take a toll on him. Being a Kiwi, Shane is more used to a warmer environment. As the off-season progresses, the more restless he feels. “Yeah, apart from that (winters), it’s pretty good, but yeah, I’ve actually been a little bored the last couple of weeks,” he said. For a driver who’s used to a busy, multi-race schedule, a break from racing can only be so enjoyable, one would think.

“It’s pretty brutal racing every week, but it’s awesome,” he continued, revealing how much engaged and content he felt during the regular season. Van Gisbergen explained how the rhythm of racing almost every week of the month gave him a sense of purpose, making the off-season feel absolutely dull in stark contrast. The routine and the schedule commitments made him feel like he belonged, and the constant grind on the track are things he thrives on. When that is suddenly put on hold, life starts to feel a little stationary. Just as he continued, the New Zealand native expressed how the cold and freezing winters have only added more to the off-season misery.

“This time of year sucks here,” van Gisbergen said. He made it quite clear that he feels much better in warmer, more familiar climates, hoping the winters would end soon. However, there is a silver lining as SVG plans to go back to his hometown in Auckland soon.

“Looking forward to getting back”: Shane van Gisbergen’s return to hometown

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SVG has had it enough with the tedious winter break. In a revelation SVG told the interviewers that will be returning to New Zeland soon as he succumbs to his urge to be back to a more familiar climate and a more familiar setting i.e. racing tracks “I’m looking forward to getting back to New Zealand next week,” he shared. The idea of a warmer weather, with familiar faces, and, of course, racing again, has been enough to keep him going.

Shane is planning to participate in the Spring race competitions that will be held in Auckland, going back to the roots for a while and more importantly, “Seeing my dad over there,” he added, expressing how eager he is to reuniting with family. It’s clear that the off-season isn’t just about racing for Shane van Gisbergen—it’s also about reconnecting with his roots and family.

While the winter months may not be kind to van Gisbergen, the upcoming trip to New Zealand offers SVG the chance for some much needed warmth, both physically and emotionally. As he prepares to go and rejuvenate in his own manner, many of his fans would be surely hoping for an even stronger comeback next season. Topping his own record of 3 Xfinity wins and the average finish of 22.9 in cup series.