Shane van Gisbergen is preparing for a unique challenge when he ventures out on Indiana Raceway Park in the Craftsman Truck Series for his oval debut.
The Kiwi is competing in Saturday’s (NZ Time) TSport 200, a 200-lap race over the 1.104km oval, which features banking of 12 degrees, just north of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he will compete in the NASCAR Cup on Monday. He will be racing in Niece Motorsport’s #41 Chevrolet.
“I’ve never really thought about ovals too much, but I’ve always said I would love to have a go, and I guess Friday night I’ll get my shot,” he said.
“It’s going to be a steep learning curve, no doubt.”
Since his historic win on his NASCAR Cup debut in Chicago last month, van Gisbergen has been open about his intention of moving Stateside as early as next year.
“This whole NASCAR experience has been a dream come true,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get to America, then Indy. It will certainly be different than the Chicago Street Course.
“I’ll need to get up to speed quickly, but we plan a lot of simulator time, and I know [#91 Crew Chief] Darian [Grubb] will be thoroughly prepared for Indy.”
“We have got to come in and do our best, but you also have got to race with respect as well. These guys are fighting for their championship every week, so I have got to come in and stay out of trouble.”
Saturday’s Truck Series race begins at 1.00 pm. The NASCAR Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway starts at 6.30 am on Monday.
New Zealand viewers are out of luck with viewing options, with no local broadcasters picking up the 2023 streaming rights for either series.
Velocity News will provide a live update thread of both races.
Header Image: Niece Motorsport
Cheers
Love to watch
Go SVG
Wish him all the best in the US and hope he does well. Will be watching with interest.
Should be on YouTube