Supercars: Shane van Gisbergen in talks with Trackhouse about NASCAR Cup start (Update)

Shane van Gisbergen has all but ruled out driving in NASCAR on a full-time basis due to lack of interest in ovals.

In an interview with fellow Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin which aired during the Valo Adelaide 500 broadcast, van Gisbergen explained that he is not keen on 30 oval races a year.

I like the sportscar stuff there and I like the NASCAR road races, but too many ovals.

“I’m not sure about that.”

Asked by McLaughlin to clarify if that meant he was not interested in ovals, even in NASCAR, he replied, “Nah … you want to have a go, but I wouldn’t want to do it 30 times a year and five road races.”

The #97 Supercars driver claims that there is nowhere in particular he would rather be.

“Nurburgring 24,” he suggested as a bucket-list event to McLaughlin.

“But yeah, I’ve got no other series I aspire to.

“Like, I’ve always been Supercars; love Supercars.”

Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen is on the verge of winning his third Supercars Championship, and is eager to bring his strong résumé to America in 2023.

In an interview with Nine’s Wide World of Sports, he revealed he has talked with Trackhouse Racing Team owner Justin Marks about having a go at a NASCAR Cup Series race.

Should a start be arranged for van Gisbergen, he will take part in the team’s PROJECT91 program, which fields the #91 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for international racing stars. PROJECT91’s only race of 2022 came at Watkins Glen with ex-F1 star Kimi Räikkönen who was running well until failing to finish.

“It’s all dependent on our calendar and what races I can do and if there’s time to get over there and back without upsetting Supercars,” said van Gisbergen. “I’d love to do a road course and have a go, for sure, it’s just getting the right opportunity.”

“A street circuit would suit me, I reckon,” he continued. “That would be good as well because it’s a new track for everyone, so certainly that would help me get up to speed if everyone else is learning as well. That would be a good one, but let’s see.”