The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns this weekend at Michigan International Speedway following an extended four-week break over the Olympic period.
Kiwi star Shane van Gisbergen is making his debut on the 2-mile (3.2 km) D-shaped oval and enters the round sitting 13th in the standings.
The three-time Supercars champion has made steady progress in his 16 Xfinity Series oval starts this season and finished fourth last round in July at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
However, his road and street course heroics see him lead the series in overall wins, with three.
The #97 Chevrolet will carry the SafetyCulture livery for the first time this season in Michigan.
“The [Olympic] break was nice, but I’m excited to get back on the track this weekend,” he said.
“Michigan is another oval that I haven’t raced yet, so there will be lots of learning to do, but that’s the fun in it.
“Excited to have SafetyCulture on board with us this weekend and hopefully have another good showing Saturday afternoon.”
Kaulig Racing will run a four-car lineup in the Xfinity Series, with van Gisbergen joined by AJ Allmendinger, Josh Williams and Daniel Dye.
The team have made 13 starts at Michigan International Speedway in the series, winning once in addition to a further top-five result and seven top-tens.
Allmendinger led 70 laps en route to victory in 2019.
So far in the 2024 NXS season, Kaulig Racing has won three races, all by van Gisbergen, and taken eight top fives, 21 top tens and led 129 laps.
Allmendinger is also running in the NASCAR Cup Series, joining Daniel Hemric for the FireKeepers Casino 400.
Qualifying for the Xfinity Series Cabo Wabo 250 begins at 8.10 am NZST on Saturday before the 125-lap race goes green at 7.30 am on Sunday.
Three Now will have live, free-to-air coverage of the race.
Header Image: Kaulig Racing
SafetyCulture were on Shane’s car at Phoenix in March. He finished 6th so hopefully that’s a good sign.