Shane van Gisbergen reveals he is using Denny Hamlin’s Talladega race footage to learn ‘lottery’ Superspeedway racing

Shane van Gisbergen is set to make his Superspeedway debut in 2024.

Shane van Gisbergen reveals he is using Denny Hamlin’s Talladega race footage to learn ‘lottery’ Superspeedway racing

Shane van Gisbergen and Denny Hamlin (Via IMAGO)

The 2024 season will mark the full-time NASCAR debut of the three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen. He is set to race in over 40 races next season with a Trackhouse Racing development contract. Gisbergen will race for the title in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing and will drive in selected Cup races.

One of the major challenges that is ahead of him in NASCAR is the ovals and especially the Superspeedways, which are infamous for chaotic races. SVG is investing his time in learning how to race in the high-speed long ovals, as his 2024 debut will come at Daytona, the most famous Superspeedway in the world.

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The Trackhouse driver pointed out that he is using video clippings of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin from Talladega to explain how to control the pace and survive the field. Hamlin is one of the best reference points he could have, as the 23XI Racing co-owner is three times Dayton 500 winner and among the elite few to secure consecutive wins at the Florida track.

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...There was a Denny Hamlin onboard from last year’s Talladega race where he had to come back through the field. I’ve been studying that, just kind of seeing how it all work…watching that, it’s been like a high-speed chess match, but also the lottery in some ways.
SVG said, as reported by NASCAR.com.

Shane van Gisbergen’s debut weekend will be hectic

Gisbergen is in for one of the tightest schedules of his career on the NASCAR full-time debut weekend because of rule. The Kiwi driver at the moment is not eligible to race in the Xfinity season opener in Daytona since he has zero Superspeedway experience.

Shane van Gisbergen at Chicago in his No:91 Trackhouse Chevy (Credits: @shanevg97/Twitter)
Shane van Gisbergen at Chicago in his No:91 Trackhouse Chevy (Credits: @shanevg97/Twitter)

To become eligible for the event he has to race in the ARCA season opener event that is just hours ahead of the Xfinity event. This means he has to drive two different cars without a significant break on his debut race, giving him a hectic day to survive.

SVG will make his Cup Superspeedway debut this year at Talladega. He is set to race in both the regular season race and well as in the playoff race at the track. Gisbergen will get time to refine his Superspeedway skills in the Xfinity events at Atlanta and Talladega as well.

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