“The results will come”: Shane van Gisbergen is ‘ready’ to take part in his full NASCAR Cup Series season

Shane van Gisbergen is ready to take his NASCAR career to the next level. The former three-time Australian Supercars champion will pilot the #88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in 2025.

In an interview via motorsport.com, the New Zealand native looked ahead to his future in NASCAR. The inaugural Chicago Street Race winner explained that while he went through an adjustment period, he has enjoyed the NASCAR experience so far. He elaborated:

“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.”

Shane van Gisbergen went on to say he's come to find that all NASCAR drivers are cordial, something that's necessary in the sport. However, NASCAR still isn't completely to van Gisbergen's liking as he continues to try and adapt to racing stock cars. The three-time Xfinity Series winner believes once he gets the hang of things, the results will follow.

“All of the drivers have been pretty friendly," van Gisbergen said. "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,” he added.

Van Gisbergen will pilot the third full-time Cup Series car owned by Trackhouse Racing. He'll be on the roster alongside Trackhouse teammates Daniel Suarez, who drives the #99 car, and Ross Chastain, who fields the #1 car.

Shane van Gisbergen finished 12th in the Xfinity Series standings in 2024

Shane Van Gisbergen (97) during the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. - Source: Imagn

Shane van Gisbergen turned heads in his rookie campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this past season as the 35-year-old wheeled the #97 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet Camaro to three victories and finished 12th in the final standings.

Van Gisbergen picked up his first two career Xfinity Series wins this past season in back-to-back weeks at Portland and Sonoma, respectively. He then went on to win in Chicago to collect his third career win. The New Zealand driver qualified for the playoffs by virtue of his three victories but was knocked out of the field in the opening round.

Shane Van Gisbergen burst onto the NASCAR scene in 2023 when he competed and won the inaugural Chicago Street Race in the Cup Series. The win was historic as Van Gisbergen was the first driver in history to win a Cup Series race in his first career start. He also finished runner-up to Chris Buescher at Watkins Glen International in the Cup Series last season after being passed for the win on the final lap.