Shane van Gisbergen Thrives in NASCAR Cup Series as Rookie Year Progresses
Shane van Gisbergen is making significant strides in his inaugural NASCAR Cup Series season, showcasing his talent with two wins in the last four races, including events in Mexico City and Chicago. These victories have not only secured his place in the postseason but have also propelled him to be the winningest foreign-born driver in Cup Series history. With three wins in his first 33 starts, he is the fastest since Jimmie Johnson to achieve such success.
Van Gisbergen’s transition to NASCAR follows a celebrated career in Australian Supercars, prompting him to embrace the challenges of stock car racing. “It justifies, or backs up, why we’ve done it,” he stated regarding his performance. “Justin [Marks] looks like the smartest guy here after me locking into the playoffs, especially how dismal it looked early in the year.”
Despite the early setbacks on oval tracks, where he averaged a 30.44 finish through the first nine races, van Gisbergen has improved to a 22nd average over the last seven oval contests, with a best finish of 14th at the Coca-Cola 600. “He’s obviously very patient with me and knows that I’ll get there,” he remarked about his team principal, Justin Marks.
The driver emphasized the learning curve associated with ovals compared to road courses, acknowledging that comfort and experience play critical roles. “This year is comfortable and I’m learning so much more,” he noted.
Looking ahead, van Gisbergen is poised to compete for a third win at Sonoma Raceway, a feat that could further solidify his impressive rookie campaign and demonstrate his adaptability across different racing disciplines.
