Van Gisbergen to return to NASCAR

Shane van Gisbergen was the first driver to win a NASCAR race on debut in 60 year, when he won the Chicago Street Race.
Photo: Trackhouse Racing

Auckland’s Shane van Gisbergen, the first driver in 60 years to win a NASCAR race on debut will return to compete in the competition in August.

The three time Supercar champion and winner of the inaugural Chicago Street Race earlier this month, will compete on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

He will again race the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the Trackhouse Racing team’s Project 91.

“I never dreamed this could have all rolled out this way,” said van Gisbergen.

“Just getting to race in NASCAR is an opportunity I never thought I would get, but then to win and get another chance this year is beyond anything I imagined.

Van Gisbergen became one of six foreign born drivers to win a Cup Series race and the first driver since Johnny Rutherford in 1963 to win his first Cup Series start.

Shane van Gisbergen celebrates celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 220 at the Chicago Street Course in downtown Chicago, Illinois.
Photo: Icon Sportswire/ Photosport

Trackhouse team owner Justin Marks said thoughts of bringing van Gisbergen back to NASCAR began as soon as the checkered flag fell in Chicago.

“After a performance like that it’s only natural to want to keep this going,” he said.

“Shane showed he is a world-class talent and what he did in Chicago was truly remarkable.

“I don’t think I am being overly dramatic when I say the entire motorsports world will be watching the No. 91 Chevrolet at Indianapolis.”

-RNZ