Shane van Gisbergen has confirmed his entry for next year’s 66th running of the New Zealand Grand Prix, with only border quarantine restrictions in Australia his remaining obstacle.
The Bathurst 1000 winner is due back at his Supercars base on the Gold Coast on February 5 and, at present, the Queensland government requires travellers entering the state to complete two weeks quarantine.
He will therefore need that stance to be revised in order to compete.
But after consultation with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand, Hampton Downs and his Red Bull Ampol Supercars team, the decision has been made to err on the side of optimism and enter the race.
“Shane is one of New Zealand’s greatest drivers and ambassadors of the modern era and will be a massive drawcard for the first running of the New Zealand Grand Prix at Hampton Downs, which we’ve coined the Race of Champions,” Hampton Downs chief operating officer Josie Spillane said.
“Hampton Downs has been working hard behind the scenes to deliver several NZ champions for the event and we are delighted Shane has stepped up and committed despite the COVID cloud hanging over the final outcome.
“If we put everything in life on hold until we know what is happening with COVID – we’d do nothing. So we commit, we put in the hard yards and we hope that New Zealand and Australia continue their success in their battle with COVID, and that results in an open border with Queensland.”
Van Gisbergen says it would be a dream to add his name to the illustrious winning list the Grand Prix boasts. At the same time, he is also keen to honour the legacy of the legendary Kenny Smith, who will contest his 50th Grand Prix in 2021.
He will also be part of Toyota Racing Series history as the class embarks on its maiden venture on the 4km Hampton Downs International Circuit.
“The New Zealand Grand Prix carries so much history and it is going to be really cool getting the chance to compete in it,” he said. “Hampton Downs is an awesome venue for it and will provide great racing.
“While I don’t have any expectations and adapting to driving the cars will take a bit of getting used to, it is going to be a lot of fun and I will give it my best.
“It would be amazing to race alongside Kenny Smith again. That guy is an absolute legend, and it will be neat to say I was there for his 50th Grand Prix.”
Hampton Downs has been working on securing a number of other high-profile drivers to compete in the race while Toyota New Zealand has received clearance to bring a number of up-and-coming international drivers into the country to contest the New Zealand Grand Prix and the Castrol Toyota Racing Series.
Billed this year as the Race of Champions, the 2021 New Zealand Grand Prix could be one of the biggest for major names since Bruce McLaren himself was behind the wheel.
Contrary to previous seasons, this year’s Grand Prix doubles up as the opening round of the championship.
The event will run over the weekend of January 22nd-24th with practice, qualifying and two races for drivers before the New Zealand Grand Prix itself on Sunday 24th over 28 laps of the circuit.
Good luck Shane, you have the skills and will to win this race,
There are so many Kiwi’s here in Qld that are so proud of you and the sportsmanship you show
I for one think you will have next year’s championship in the bag
Been following you since your first race in Townsville , when you were with Stone bros
And had a meet and great at there workshop , very pourly organised ,
I bet they would make more of an effort now ,
You have shown them all , so keep up the good work and stay safe
Happy Christmas 🏆