Shane Van Gisbergen is no stranger to tackling new challenges, and this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway presents yet another test for the Kiwi star.
As he continues to build his NASCAR racing resume, Van Gisbergen will be looking to rebound from a challenging outing in Martinsville and turn his fortunes around at the famed 1.366-mile “Lady in Black.”
Van Gisbergen spoke about Darlington Raceway, one of his favourite tracks on the NASCAR calendar.
“Yes, it’s one of my favourite tracks that we race. Darlington is such a massive challenge, and it’s a track everyone wants to win on. The racetrack’s history brings a different feel when we get there and get out on the track. It’s pretty neat.”
The three-time Supercars champion has experience at Darlington from his Xfinity Series outings last season, where he made two career starts. His most notable performance came in September, when he powered his way to a seventh-place finish, proving his ability to adapt to the notoriously difficult track.
Additionally, he made his first Cup Series start at Darlington in last year’s gruelling Southern 500 with Kaulig Racing, leading four laps before ultimately finishing 26th.
This time around, however, Van Gisbergen heads into the race weekend, facing significant adversity. NASCAR has suspended two of his key pit crew members—rear tyre changer Jonpatrik Kealey and Jack man Aslan Pugh—after a disastrous pit stop at Martinsville led to the right rear wheel coming off his No.88 Chevrolet.
The incident relegated him to a frustrating 35th-place finish, six laps down. Crew chief Stephen Doran narrowly avoided suspension, keeping his role atop the pit box, but the absence of two crucial team members will undoubtedly add another layer of difficulty for the Darlington race.
Known for its demanding nature and the infamous ‘Darlington stripe’ that often marks a driver’s initiation to the track, Darlington is a circuit that rewards precision and patience.
While Van Gisbergen has already shown flashes of speed at the South Carolina oval, this weekend’s race will test his adaptability under continued heightened pressure. With a depleted pit crew and the challenge of managing tyre wear over long green-flag runs, Van Gisbergen will need to dig deep to secure a solid finish.
Van Gisbergen was asked what the biggest difference was between running full-time in the Cup series and full-time in the Supercars series.
“Good question (laughs). It’s a massive difference racing every week rather than every two or three weeks. It’s been good to build a relationship with a whole bunch of different people, the No. 88 guys, and a lot of new people at Trackhouse, but just learning everyone and getting into a rhythm is probably the biggest thing.
“It still feels fresh, but there are 30-something more weekends to go. It’s a long season, but I’m enjoying the new challenge.”
Despite the recent setbacks, Van Gisbergen’s relentless determination remains a key asset. As he continues his transition from Supercars to NASCAR’s top level, every race is another opportunity for growth and learning. If he can navigate the challenges of Darlington with the same skill he’s displayed in his previous starts, he could well turn a tough situation into a defining moment in his rookie Cup Series campaign.
Sunday’s race kicks off at 7 am NZT on Monday, 7th April.
Header Image: Trackhouse Racing (Supplied)
