In 2016, Shane Van Gisbergen joined the Red Bull Ampol Racing team and has showcased plenty of success since. Amassing 3 Supercars Championship titles, the #97 Chevrolet driver left no stone unturned to prove his worth in motorsports.

Months after emerging victorious in his debut NASCAR race, SVG has officiated his entry into stock car racing as a Trackhouse Racing driver and will part ways with his long-time Austria-based sponsor. However, in order to make sure that he triumphs at NASCAR, Red Bull has given an unconventional goodbye gift to Van Gisbergen, which is truly one-of-a-kind.

Red Bull’s “perfect” gratitude for Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane Van Gisbergen was under contract with Red Bull Ampol Racing until the end of 2024. However, his prowess to ace the world of NASCAR didn’t go unnoticed by the team, following which they decided to release him before the termination of the contract so that he could get overseas exposure.

As a parting gift, the Austrian energy drink giant gifted their legendary driver a headset and a controller for his racing simulator, wherein SVG can polish his skills and have fun at the same time. Content by his sponsors’ parting gift, the Camaro ZL1 driver expressed his thanks on X and wrote, “Thanks @redbullau for the going away present New headphones and controller are perfect for the sim.” 

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It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that the NASCAR world is awaiting SVG’s entry with bated breath. Even though Shane reaped noteworthy success in Supercars racing, he couldn’t resist the allure of NASCAR and gave a shot at the Chicago Street Race. From then on, the gate to the most popular American Motorsport opened up for him.

Shane Van Gisbergen’s debut triumph and entry in NASCAR

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SVG laid his hands at NASCAR for the first time during the 2023 Chicago Street Race and, to everyone’s surprise, emerged victorious against the likes of Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and Kyle Busch.

However, victory didn’t come easy for the 34-year-old debutant. After the race was shortened from 100 laps to 75 owing to inclement weather, Justin Haley was seen leading the race. However, on lap 71, SVG surpassed Haley and, despite a late caution and a two-lap overtime, the Auckland native managed to hold off his lead and clinch the title. Witnessing his dominant display over the top NASCAR drivers in the very first race, Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks saw SVG’s potential and officiated terms with him, paving the way for his full-time NASCAR career.

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Van Gisbergen’s knack for motorsports and relentless pursuit of excellence has pushed him beyond borders, where he will get to have a great headstart into his 2024 stock car racing career. Do you think SVG could prove to be a force to be reckoned with, just like he did at the Chicago Street Race?