The three-time Supercars champion became the first driver in more than 60 years to win a Cup race in his debut when captured the victory in the inaugural Chicago Street Race last July driving for Trackhouse Racing.
The win served as the instigator for the 34-year-old Kiwi to make a permanent move to NASCAR competition this season, where he is running a full Xfinity schedule and partial Cup schedule, both with Kaulig Racing.
Van Gisbergen’s debut season in Xfinity has had some bright moments – a third-place finish at Atlanta and sixth at Phoenix – and he currently remains in the playoff hunt sitting 15th in the series standings.
While that may be considered good for a driver who has little previous oval track experience, van Gisbergen is looking for more, especially as he hopes to move full-time to Cup in 2025.
Shane Van Gisbergen, Kaulig Racing, WeatherTech Chevrolet Camaro
Photo by: Nickolas Wolf / NKP / Motorsport Images
“Yeah, it’s been pretty tough. It’s been really good though – a lot of fun, a lot of learning and I’m loving racing every week and a different challenge every week,” van Gisbergen said Friday at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, site of his next Xfinity race on Saturday.
“This stretch of races is probably wha