For Australians and Kiwis, one person cracked the NASCAR code—Marcos Ambrose. He popularized NASCAR in Australasia and inspired many to walk the same road as him. However, his exit from NASCAR was detrimental to the sport because the sport fizzled down there. 

Shane Van Gisbergen, native to New Zealand, discloses how Ambrose’s exit contributed to the roar of engines fading in the region. While one might think that their land of origin is what ties them together, there is something else as well. 

Shane Van Gisbergen is walking the Marcos Ambrose path

In a fascinating twist of fate, Shane Van Gisbergen and Marcos Ambrose share a common thread. Both started their racing career in the world of Supercars, where they clinched their championship titles. However, while Ambrose trailblazed to NASCAR largely on his own, Gisbergen had the guidance of a mentor—none other than Ambrose himself. 

The mentoring definitely seems to have had an impact, as SvG is making strides in the NASCAR world. He even became the first driver in more than 60 years to win a cup race on his debut! This happened last July for Trackhouse Racing in the inaugural Chicago street race.

In a recent conversation with the media ahead of the Darlington race, the media asked SvG about NASCAR’s reach in Australia and New Zealand. Gisbergen mentioned how the sport died down when Ambrose retired. Ambrose had a flying career in NASCAR. His career started blossoming when he moved to Richard Petty Motorsports. During his time with the team, he dominated Watkins Glen International twice. 

In the same interview, he mentions how he feels about the revival of the sport in the region, and how he is going through exactly what Ambrose did 15 years back. He said, “Hearing about people waking up early on a Monday or Sunday morning to watch my races or the cup races now is really cool. And yeah, Marcus has gone through exactly what I’m going through 15 years ago, so the transition is definitely not easy.”

In a sport where foreign stars are rare, he sure is carving a place of his own. For SvG, Ambrose is not just a mentor but also a friend. And guess whom he called first when the Darlington opportunity came up?

Van Gisbergen on having a mentor and a friend in Ambrose

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Although Gisbergen may not have a full-time seat in the topmost category, he is running a full Xfinity schedule and a partial cup schedule now. In the upcoming Darlington race, he is all set to honor his mentor and friend Ambrose. 

According to Van Gisbergen, when he got news about the opportunity, he first called Ambrose and what better—Ambrose was over the moon over the news. “When Shane called to show me the throwback paint scheme I was humbled and thrilled to see it. I have fond memories of my time in NASCAR and being part of the Petty racing family. I feel privileged to have experienced NASCAR just like SVG is now.”

So Van Gisbergen is all set to flaunt the decade-old paint scheme from 2011 Heluva Good. This is when Ambrose stole the win from Brad Keselowski at the final corner to bag his second consecutive triumph at Watkins Glen.  “It’s like one of the best NASCAR road course race finishes ever. I watched that race live I remember the finish, how awesome it was, and then the buzz,” the racer said.

While pioneers like Ambrose paved the way many others SvG and the rest are also looking to do the same. What do you think? Will SvG have a permanent seat for the cup series next season? Let us know!