Shane van Gisbergen made headlines around the globe in 2023 when he stunned the NASCAR world by winning the inaugural Cup Series race on the streets of Chicago. He followed that up with a thrilling Xfinity Series victory at the same venue in 2024.
He looked poised to complete the double in the Cup race the next day until a late-race incident in treacherous wet conditions, triggered by Chase Briscoe, ended his charge.
Now, the Kiwi NASCAR star will face a new challenger in this year’s highly anticipated return to the Chicago Street Course on July 6: the very driver who succeeded him at Triple Eight in Supercars, 2024 Supercars Champion Will Brown.
Brown has confirmed his return to NASCAR competition for the Grant Park 165 on July 6, this time piloting the #13 Chevrolet Camaro for Kaulig Racing.
While the 26-year-old Queenslander made his Cup debut at Sonoma in 2023 with Richard Childress Racing, that effort was hampered by electrical issues.
Despite the challenges, Brown showed promising pace in practice and had van Gisbergen himself serving as a spotter that weekend. This time, however, SVG won’t be in his ear but in his mirrors.
“After watching SVG win the 2023 Chicago NASCAR race and getting to drive myself at Sonoma last year, I’ve been really keen to have a go at the Grant Park 165,” Brown said.
“The Supercars calendar aligned this year to give me time to get over to Charlotte early to prepare and give the race a crack!”
“I have watched Kaulig Racing closely this season, and I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of the No. 13 Chevrolet”
Kaulig Racing is a familiar outfit for van Gisbergen, who ran the full Xfinity Series season with the team in 2024 and made multiple Cup starts under its banner.
Now, the same team will field Brown as he takes on his predecessor from the Supercars paddock in one of the most unique events on the NASCAR calendar. Brown joins teammates AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon.
“This is an amazing opportunity for Kaulig Racing to compete for a win in one of the most prestigious events on the calendar,” said owner Matt Kaulig.
“We are so excited to have Will (Brown) race with us and compete for the trophy. The team is ready, and we know he has the talent.”
The battle between the Supercars champion and the Kiwi trailblazer adds another layer of intrigue to what is already one of the most-watched races of the season.
With van Gisbergen’s street racing prowess and Brown’s raw speed and growing NASCAR experience, all eyes will be on the pair as they go toe-to-toe through the iconic streets of downtown Chicago.
Header Image: Supplied
