Shane van Gisbergen faces major change as crew chief Bruce Schlicker leaves Kaulig Racing for personal reasons

Recently, Kaulig Racing confirmed the departure of Shane van Gisbergen's crew chief, Bruce Schlicker, from the #97 team. The New Zealand racer competes full-time for Kaulig Racing in partnership with Trackhouse and has amassed three wins in his rookie Xfinity Series season.

Previously reported by Toby Christie of Racing America, NASCAR journalist John Newby reiterated the surprising news in a recent post on X, claiming Kaulig President Chris Rice has confirmed the setback for the #97 Chevy driver van Gisbergen. Newby wrote:

"Chris Rice was on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio this morning. He confirmed @Toby_Christie's report that Bruce Schlicker has departed Kaulig Racing. He said it was a decision to retire and put the family first. #NASCAR"

There hasn't been any formal comment on the reason behind Schlicker's departure. However, Kaulig Racing said that Kevin Walter would take over the crew of the #97. Walter currently serves as the crew chief for van Gisbergen's teammate, Josh Williams, who drives the #11 Chevy in the Xfinity Series.

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"We just keep building" - Shane van Gisbergen on his budding relationship with the #97 team and Bruce Schlicker

Shane van Gisbergen has been the talk of the town since his debut Cup Series win at the inaugural Chicago Street race last year. Apart from three wins during the 2024 season on the road courses, the former Supercars Champion has been enjoying a strong full-time Xfinity rookie season.

In his last run for Kaulig Racing, Shane van Gisbergen claimed a fourth-place finish during the Pennzoil 250 event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20.

During a post-race interview, the Kiwi discussed his relationship with the #97 spotter and his understanding of the Xfinity car. He said:

"I feel like I have been getting better every week with the ovals and improving and I'm just patient. I just build up, get better and better. And in the race I got more confident. [...] It’s just really fun racing, you know, these Xfinity cars are awesome to race." [at 1:44]

"It's more just building and knowing we can do it, and knowing what I need from the car I was asking for adjustments now. I guess I've started knowing what adjustments to do and if Bruce[Schlicker] suggests something I can say yes or no. Just learning what I need from the car and we just keep building," Gisbergen added.

Currently, Shane van Gisbergen is P13 in the overall standings and has accumulated three wins. He also has five top-five and six top-10 finishes in 20 starts for Kaulig Racing.

NASCAR Xfinity Series will be next seen in action at Michigan International Speedway on August 17 for the Cabo Wabo 250.