Shane van Gisbergen to make oval debut in Truck Series race at IRP
Everyone knows that he can tear up the road courses and all of the twists and turns, but can Shane van Gisbergen learn to master ovals? One of the things that makes NASCAR so difficult, besides the intensely long season, the heavy cars, and the talent in the field – ovals. Ovals racing is not something that everyone does around the world, but for American stock car racing it is the basis the sport was built on.
Of course, Shane van Gisbergen came to America for the Chicago Street Race. In his first ever NASCAR start, driving on the wrong side of the car, SVG took the checkered flag. It was an amazing moment to watch and he’s coming back for more.
Before SVG takes on the Indy Road Course in the Trackhouse Racing Project 91 car, he will get some more NASCAR experience. He’s hopping in the No. 41 Chevy Silverado for Niece Motorsports and WWEX Racing. For the Indy Road Course, SVG will have Supercars peer Brodie Kostecki racing in the field as well.
This further solidifies his ties with Trackhouse and Ross Chastain. Niece Motorsports has close ties with those drivers and that Cup organization. Indianapolis Raceway Park will make sure he learns on the job.
“The weekend will certainly be a challenge,” van Gisbergen said in a press release. “I’ve seen the trucks race on television and know it’s very competitive and that I’ll have to learn on a short track at IRP. I’m used to doing doubleheaders in Supercars, but this will be a little bit different. I’m honored to join Niece Motorsports and thrilled at getting a chance to climb in a truck.”
Shane van Gisbergen is taking this NASCAR thing to the next level.
Shane van Gisbergen coming to NASCAR in 2024
It is all but decided at this point that SVG will be a Cup Series driver next year. The only question that remains is what team will he suit up for? There are a lot of teams that would love to have him, and only a few that will have the capability to land him. One has to imagine that Trackhouse Racing is the top destination.
However, it would be fun to see Shane van Gisbergen shopped around a bit. He’s a Chevy driver and I’m not sure he’s looking to change that. So that takes out teams that would be fun, like 23XI Racing, and moves them out of the picture.
One has to think that Kaulig Racing will take a shot on SVG. Justin Haley is moving on to Rick Ware Racing, so they will have a spot open. That complicates things with their pipeline drivers such as Austin Hill who are waiting for their opportunity in the Cup Series.
Whatever happens, you know that van Gisbergen is serious about NASCAR. He’s already getting himself out onto an oval race track, a short track at that, and is getting much needed experience. Don’t count SVG out. He has rally experience and dirt racing experience that might come in handy on the asphalt oval.
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