In July, van Gisbergen made history by winning a Cup race in his debut at the Chicago Street Race. This led the three-time Supercars champion to transition to NASCAR, where he will compete full-time in the Xfinity Series and run at least seven Cup races in the 2024 season.
Van Gisbergen kicked off his 40-race NASCAR journey by participating in the ARCA Menards Series test at Daytona International Speedway. Despite his experience at the track, he faced the challenge of the 2.5-mile oval layout. Running with Pinnacle Racing Group in the season-opening ARCA race at Daytona, he focused on technical preparation and safety measures.
Reflecting on the oval experience, he acknowledged the technical aspects and emphasized the unique sensation of G-forces in the corners. As a self-described “full rookie,” van Gisbergen found the preparation to be essential for comfort and safety.
With over 500 starts in Supercars and numerous achievements, including three Bathurst 100 wins and success in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, van Gisbergen is no stranger to motorsport success. Despite his impressive resume, the move to NASCAR was fueled by the relaxed and enjoyable racing atmosphere in the United States, especially after his positive experience at the Chicago Street Race.
Van Gisbergen, emphasizing the “enjoyment factor,” highlighted the relaxed and fun nature of American racing, contrasting it with the evolving landscape in Australia. The desire for change and a new challenge led him to step outside his comfort zone after dedicating over 16 years to Supercars.
Despite already securing a Cup win, van Gisbergen remains realistic about the challenges ahead in his NASCAR career. He adopts a mindset of continuous improvement and learning, recognizing the uncertainties on oval tracks while expressing confidence in his road course performance. Looking ahead, he approaches the NASCAR journey with an open mind, understanding that the true test lies on the track itself.