“I have dreamed,” Supercars legend Shane van Gisbergen set to make NASCAR Cup debut at Chicago

Shane van Gisbergen is one of the most successful racing drivers in the Supercars championship history.

“I have dreamed,” Supercars legend Shane van Gisbergen set to make NASCAR Cup debut at Chicago

Shane van Gisbergen (Image via NASCAR)

Shane van Gisbergen, a famous racing driver in the Supercars championship, will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the Chicago Street Course race. The event is scheduled for July 2nd, and it will be the first time this season that NASCAR will run on the Chicago streets. The three-time Australian Supercars champion will drive the No.91 for Trackhouse Racing. 

Van Gisbergen will enter with sponsorship from Enhance Health and Quad Lock, who will serve as an associate sponsor. The 34-year-old has three Supercars Championship wins in 2016, 2021 and 2022. He is ranked the fourth most successful racing driver in Supercars history. Van Gisbergen won the dignified Bathurst 1000 in 2020 and 2022 alongside another multiple championship-winning Supercars driver, Garth Tander. 

The New Zealand native spoke about his dream to race in NASCAR. Van Gisbergen said, “I can honestly say I have dreamed about an opportunity in NASCAR, but really never thought it would become a reality. I can’t wait to get to the States to meet everyone and prepare for Chicago. It’s NASCAR’s first time on the streets of Chicago, so in some ways, everyone will be a rookie like me.”

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Shane van Gisbergen claims his NASCAR debut will be a huge challenge

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Shane van Gisbergen’s Trackhouse Racing car (Image via Motorsport.com)

He added, “But I don’t underestimate that it’s going to be a huge challenge.” Van Gisbergen understands the challenges but will undoubtedly be prepared for them as he is a risk-taker. Veteran Darian Grubb will be Van Gisbergen’s crew chief, so the latter is safe. Grubb has 23 Cup Series wins and is the 2011 Cup title winner with Tony Stewart. 

Project 91 program by Trackhouse Racing aims to expand globally. They intend to bring international racing drivers to NASCAR. Last season, former Formula 1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen debuted with them at Watkins Glen, and he also drove this year at COTA. Trackhouse Racing debuted in 2021 and has three wins so far. Two of their three victories last season were at road courses. Ross Chastain won in COTA, and Daniel Suarez took the victory at Sonoma Raceway. 

Team owner Justin Marks explained that the American fans might not know much about Shane van Gisbergen. However, he claims anyone from Australia, New Zealand, and that part of the world will say Van Gisbergen is “one of the most talented drivers on the planet.” Marks believes everyone will be impressed with his new driver as he is used to street racing in heavy cars.

Van Gisbergen will attend the Nashville race on June 25th and spend his week preparing for the Chicago street race. He stated there is plenty to learn about the cars and the races. However, Van Gisbergen is preparing for everything though he claims the learning curve will be steep. He is honored to have the opportunity to race in the Cup Series. 

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