Shane van Gisbergen has recently transitioned from Australian Supercars to the NASCAR Cup Series. Van Gisbergen holds profound admiration and pride for his fellow countryman, Liam Lawson, who took Daniel Ricciardo’s place at VCARB and is aiming for a seat with Red Bull in 2025.
After a successful career in Australian Supercars, he ventured into NASCAR, making a strong debut by winning the 2023 Chicago Grand Prix. This one-off victory propelled him into a more serious commitment to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, securing victories in Portland, Sonoma, and Chicago. Van Gisbergen now prepares for a full-time role in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025, driving for Trackhouse Racing.
Reflecting on Lawson’s journey, van Gisbergen commented, as quoted by Motorsport.com:
“Obviously, I went the Touring Car route, and he went to chase the dream in Europe in single-seaters.
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“Now he’s succeeded at it. The way he’s gotten to F1 has been a little difficult the last couple of years. But seeing him get this opportunity full-time now, I’m just stoked and so proud.
“I could see right from the start how into it he was — always watching racing or on the simulator. He just committed himself.”
He added:
“You’ve got to be versatile, which is something I’ve always tried to do by driving a bunch of different cars. It helps you when it comes to something new in the setup, something technical, or even with the weather changing. You’ve got to be able to adapt straight away.
“Liam’s been exceptional at that. Even when F1 wasn’t working out, he did DTM and other racing that I think has really helped him.”
In a recent Red Bull training session, van Gisbergen and NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch worked with Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda on a Texas dirt oval. Van Gisbergen was particularly impressed with Lawson’s approach.
“Liam was very analytical, trying to understand the car and what he needed to do to be fast,” van Gisbergen said.
“You don’t make it to F1 by being an average driver. To watch how he and Yuki could just jump in a car and drive — it was amazing.”
Van Gisbergen’s move to the United States comes with its own set of challenges.
“It’s not easy. Even now, I’m a lot older, but moving from Australia to America — being across the other side of the world from your family and friends — it’s difficult.
“I’ve had a blast. It’s been like a completely different sport — it’s so unlike any other racing I’ve ever done, and that’s great. It’s been such a challenge and a big refresh for me.
“Some aspects of it have been a struggle, especially on the ovals, but that’s what guys grew up doing here. NASCAR also has a really hectic schedule, but I love it.”
Despite these challenges, the camaraderie within the NASCAR community has been a source of support.
“All of the drivers have been pretty friendly. You can’t not be friendly because you race each other every week.
“The cars are very different to what I’m used to, but hopefully the Cup car will suit me better. I’ve just got to be patient and not try to force things. The results will come once I get comfortable, but I’m definitely ready to go.”
