We all know him from Supercars, but you may not know that Shane van Gisbergen has also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 12 Hours of Bathurst and now the World Rally Championship.
Competing in the WRC2 class over the weekend at Repco Rally New Zealand, the Kiwi had no expectations for results and yet he wound up third on the podium alongside two seasoned rally driver and co-driver pairings.
Although he has a relative lack of rally experience, Van Gisbergen has taken part in rallies prior to the big event such as the 2020 City of Auckland Rally and Far North Rally.
However, that didn’t matter as not only did he score a podium, but also points as he finished ninth overall in the standings.
Sitting alongside him was former Australian champion Glen Watson for the drive while the Supercars champion was also supported by Perth-based Race Torque, run by two expat New Zealanders with plenty of experience in rallying.
Following his first run along one of New Zealand’s most famed rally stages, Whaanga Coast, Van Gisbergen said it was “the most fun I’ve had in a race car.”
“The whole weekend was pretty epic,” he said speaking to Supercars.
“The weather made it pretty difficult for us all but it was all about learning and improving.
“Glen and I got better throughout the weekend, and the notes got better as well.
“Such a crowd out here and such a cool stage on the Hawkeswood stage, it’s just epic. You can see all the fans cheering us on.
“This event needs to keep happening here so we can come back.”
If those remarks weren’t enough, Van Gisbergen confirmed he even wants to do more rallies in the future.
“I’m living my dream and then to get a podium, I’m stoked. I’ve had a ball.”
Taking out the WRC2 win and New Zealand Rally Championship win was Hayden Paddon and co-driver John Kennard while the Polish pair of Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Maciej Szczepaniak came second.
Van Gisbergen now prepares for this weekend’s Bathurst 1000 event that kicks off on October 6, running through until October 9.
Main image: WRC Facebook
