Supercars Star Shane van Gisbergen Unwinds Massive Cultural and Technological Shift With His NASCAR Move

The Supercars champ and NASCAR rookie Shane van Gisbergen faced his first DNF at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway last race. After 3 races down in the Xfinity Series Schedule, the Kaulig Racing driver now sits at position 16th in the Xfinity Series Standings.

The New Zealand native came into the NASCAR world last season. SVG premiered in the Chicago Street Race and won on his debut, setting a new benchmark in NASCAR history. With his debut win, he became the first New Zealander to win a race in the Cup Series.

The American racing community highly appreciates SVG’s shift to NASCAR. Shane van Gisbergen’s rising popularity has earned him spots on popular podcast shows like Stacking Pennies and Dale Jr. Download. However, his recent appearance with the legend Kevin Harvick in the Happy Hour podcast has revealed a lot about his understanding and perspective on the American racing style.

From Kiwi Tracks to American Ovals: Shane van Gisbergen Analyzes Australian vs. American Racing

In a recent episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour Podcast, Shane van Gisbergen joined for an enlightening chat about his shift from Supercars to NASCAR. Kevin Harvick kicked off the conversation by delving into the differences between racing cultures in Australia/New Zealand, and the United States. He highlighted the more open and collaborative nature of teams down below compared to the secrecy often found in Europe.

SVG chimed in, reminiscing about his early days at Triple Eight Racing, where he experienced firsthand the shift towards a more team-oriented approach. “At first, it was Stone Brothers,” he recalled. “We all sort of did our own thing, kept a lot within ourselves.” But with Triple Eight, everything changed. “The team worked much better together,” SVG explained, “You gotta be everyone else before you focus on your own teammates and beating them.”

As the conversation delved into the realm of technology, Shane van Gisbergen expressed his astonishment at NASCAR’s extensive reliance on simulation and data analysis. “And that’s blown me away here, especially with no practice. How much they rely on the simulation here and what you see.” he elaborated, emphasizing the crucial role of simulation. SVG went on to highlight the hidden marvels behind the scenes, noting, “It’s unbelievable, the level of technology here, which is a shame, it’s kind of hidden. The fan doesn’t get to see it, but yeah, it’s very, very impressive. The tech here.”

Kevin Harvick echoed Shane van Gisbergen’s sentiments, underscoring the sophistication of NASCAR’s tech centers and war rooms. He said, “I think about it when a lot of people, they watch an F1 race and they’re like, oh my gosh, I can’t, I can’t believe the technology and everything that’s happening, and they’re putting numbers and different things all over the place. And then people like you come in here for the first time and are blown away,” stated Kevin. “The tech centers that all the manufacturers have and the war room that people have…watching the race and figuring out everything that’s going on.” 

As the discussion continued, SVG reflected on his ongoing awe at the intricacies of NASCAR technology. “I’m still blown away by it,” he admitted, highlighting the ongoing learning process in his NASCAR journey.

SVG’s Reflections on His Early Exit at Las Vegas

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In a chat with FrontStretch, Shane van Gisbergen shared insights on his shortened stint at Las Vegas Speedway. On being asked what broke in the car, SVG candidly replied, “Something in the engine, we dropped a cylinder.” Reflecting on the missed opportunity, SVG expressed disappointment, saying, “Just starting to get rolling and feel what it was like… Shame we didn’t get the focused Health Chevy further up.” 

Despite the setback, he acknowledged the value of the laps he managed, stating, “It was good… just trying to get comfortable, get a rhythm, learn how it all works.” While disappointed, SVG remained optimistic, noting, “I just needed to be out there doing more laps so that’s a shame but there’s another race next week.”

Regardless of failures, SVG maintains a cool demeanor and an optimistic approach, displaying dedication and determination as he explores NASCAR.

Read More: Supercars Star Shane van Gisbergen’s Talladega Nights Verdict Divides the NASCAR Fandom

Amidst cultural and technological shifts, Shane van Gisbergen remains unfazed, drawing comparisons between Australian and American racing landscapes. His adaptability and professionalism shine through, showcasing why he’s not just a Supercars champion but a promising contender in NASCAR.