Justin Marks claims Shane van Gisbergen’s Chicago and Indy results are insufficient for a full-time Cup seat

Shane van Gisbergen’s shift towards full-time NASCAR seems on hold, as Trackhouse Racing’s owner, Justin Marks, emphasizes the need for a calculated approach. Marks’ strategic outlook hints at a potential delay until 2024 for van Gisbergen’s next NASCAR adventure. 

The three-time Supercars champion, Shane van Gisbergen, is gunning for his fourth championship title in the ongoing season. Presently, he holds the third position in the rankings, trailing behind Kostecki by a margin of 53 points. Justin Marks believes the Kiwi driver is unlikely to be behind the wheel of ‘Project 91’ between “now and the end of the supercars season.” 

Shane had one of the, if not the greatest, debuts in the modern history of NASCAR in June in Chicago. He then returned to the IMS race, where he finished an impressive 10th. Despite these achievements, Marks emphasized that a more strategic approach is necessary. Marks said, as reported by NBC, “We have to be very, very calculated and intelligent about how we build a program for him.” He believes that “it doesn’t make sense to just win the Chicago race, come run 10th (at Indy) and then just go Cup racing full-time.”

Marks outlines the need for careful planning, especially for demanding races like Darlington and Dover, along with longer events at Charlotte and Bristol. According to Marks, “Those are lifts for someone who’s never done that kind of thing before.” He added that they “have to be really smart about how we build the program around him.” He highlights that Trackhouse is committed to the NASCAR Cup Series and collaborating with partners to shape the program.

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Justin Marks sees the financial side of bringing in Shane van Gisbergen

Van Gisbergen is currently one of the most versatile drivers and eyes a packed 2024 schedule, potentially encompassing ARCA, Truck, Xfinity, and Cup races. His eagerness to try various cars and tackle different types of ovals is evident in his words, “I think I just have to do everything.” He further added, “I got a lot to learn. I need to try all different cars (and) all different types of ovals.”

Marks acknowledges the financial aspect, stating, “It’s expensive to do all this stuff.” However, he underscores that supportive partners, like Enhance Health and others at Trackhouse, are enthusiastic about the program and its promotional value. He emphasizes that the focus is on building a mutually beneficial platform for partners, while van Gisbergen hones his skills.

The Trackhouse Racing’s owner appreciates the diverse representation in NASCAR, including Formula One, sports cars, and Supercars. He reflects on the international appeal of racing and the growing interest in NASCAR. Marks states that there are indeed intriguing endeavors underway for the upcoming year. He aspires to contribute value to sports and enhance NASCAR’s global significance. He finds personal satisfaction in this pursuit, as his enthusiasm encompasses all forms of racing. 

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