Shane Van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion, made a remarkable debut in NASCAR by winning the Cup race at the inaugural Chicago Street Race last July, becoming the first driver in over 60 years to achieve such a feat. This victory prompted the 34-year-old New Zealander to transition to NASCAR full-time this season, driving for Kaulig Racing in both the Xfinity and Cup series.
Van Gisbergen’s Xfinity season has shown glimpses of promise, with notable finishes including third place at Atlanta and sixth at Phoenix. Despite his limited experience on oval tracks, he currently sits 15th in the series standings, remaining in contention for a playoff spot.
Acknowledging the challenges of his debut season in NASCAR, Van Gisbergen remains optimistic and committed to continuous improvement. He views the current stretch of races, including stops at challenging tracks like Dover and Texas, as opportunities for growth and adaptation to the unique demands of NASCAR competition.
One of Van Gisbergen’s strengths has been his consistency in finishing races, completing nine out of ten Xfinity races this season. However, he aims for better performances, particularly in securing top 20 finishes and eventually contending for wins as he gains more experience.
Looking ahead, Van Gisbergen sees his performance in the Xfinity series as crucial to his aspirations of joining the Cup series full-time in 2025. While winning a race would secure him a playoff spot, he remains focused on improving his results across different types of tracks, including road courses and ovals, to solidify his position in NASCAR.
Ultimately, Van Gisbergen’s competitive drive and dedication to learning and improvement fuel his ambitions in NASCAR. While he acknowledges the importance of achieving milestones like making the playoffs, his primary focus remains on honing his skills and positioning himself for success in the Cup series and beyond.