Should an opportunity arise, Shane van Gisbergen could take it despite Triple Eight contract
Shane van Gisbergen is a three-time Supercars champion. He claimed that title in 2016, 2021 and again last season.
In 499 races, he has 80 wins. Supercars are essentially the Australian version of a NASCAR Stock Car. Both are full fendered machines with contact.
You only get one chance at a first NASCAR start. van Gisbergen made the most of it.
On Sunday, van Gisbergen entered his first NASCAR Cup Series race. And, he drove to victory lane in the Chicago Street Race, in his first start. He became the first driver in decades to pull off the accomplishment.
Playoff spots are reserved for full-time drivers so unfortunately, van Gisbergen doesn’t qualify this season.
However, surely teams are looking at giving the Australian more opportunities. And the red tape has been removed from allowing his to pursue that…
Jamie Whincup says he wouldn’t stand in the way of a NASCAR ride
Triple Eight has the 34-year-old under contract through the 2024 season. He would be required to run a full season of Supercars competition next year.
However, managing director Jamie Whincup stated that should the driver want to pursue a career in America, he wouldn’t stand in the way, despite the contract.
“He’s only contractually bound to us for next year,” Wincup told Fox Sports.
He added, “But me sitting here right now, of course I’m trying to run the business as well as I possibly can, and I need the best drivers – but if any driver, engineer, employee came to me and said, ‘hey, my dream is to go to the other side of the world and do something else’ then I’m not going to stand in their way, am I?”
Chicago Results: July 2, 2023 (NASCAR Cup Series)
