Shane van Gisbergen has had an eventful and somewhat surreal life since July, and he is now embarking on a new chapter as the NASCAR season kicks off. In July, van Gisbergen made a name for himself as a NASCAR invader when he raced on the streets of Chicago with Trackhouse Racing. He then achieved his first NASCAR victory in the same event, propelling him into a full-time driver position. This transition happened swiftly after his summer appearance, as van Gisbergen made the decision to leave Australia and Supercars in pursuit of a fresh challenge.
Reflecting on this career shift, van Gisbergen expressed his excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. He acknowledged that stepping outside of his comfort zone and embracing uncertainty is a thrilling experience. He wonders how he will adapt to racing on ovals and fitting in with the NASCAR community. Van Gisbergen is eager to see how he will fare in this new environment.
Van Gisbergen has secured a full-time ride in the Xfinity series with Kaulig Racing and will also participate in seven Cup series races with the same organization. Kaulig Racing and Trackhouse Racing are collaborating to support van Gisbergen’s endeavors. Despite being contracted for another season with Triple Eight, van Gisbergen’s desire to explore his options in NASCAR led to an amicable parting of ways.
As van Gisbergen made his second appearance in the series at Indianapolis, his involvement in NASCAR progressed significantly. Initially, it seemed he would only make limited starts in both the Xfinity Series and Cup, but the support from sponsors and partners grew, resulting in an expanded plan. In December, van Gisbergen’s comprehensive racing schedule was announced, which includes participation in NASCAR national series races, as well as various late model and other events.
Van Gisbergen admitted that he felt a bit stagnant in his previous racing endeavors and sought a new challenge to reignite his passion. He is committed to giving his best effort and striving for success in NASCAR. With his experience and age, he hopes to bring valuable insights to the table. While he acknowledges that mistakes are inevitable, he aims to strike a balance between showcasing his talent and avoiding recklessness.
The Daytona International Speedway will serve as the first test for van Gisbergen. He will be competing in both the ARCA Menards Series and the Xfinity race. The racing style in NASCAR is completely foreign to him, and he gained a taste of it during a recent ARCA Menards test in Daytona. Van Gisbergen expressed his uncertainty about what to expect but mentioned that Kevin Harvick has been providing valuable advice on safety and awareness. However, he is aware that the hits he may experience on the track will be substantial. Van Gisbergen acknowledges the unique challenges of NASCAR racing and emphasizes the importance of placing his car strategically and surviving until the end.
Van Gisbergen reviewed footage of previous ARCA Menards races at Daytona and noticed the potential for significant crashes. When asked if he had watched those races, he chuckled, acknowledging the unpredictability and chaos that can unfold on the track. The field will consist of drivers with varying levels of experience, including van Gisbergen, who will be participating in the event for the first time. He understands the need to stay alert and expects random crashes and unpredictable maneuvers from other drivers. While it may seem exciting, van Gisbergen recognizes the potential dangers that come with it.
According to the Source racer.com