Shane Robert van Gisbergen Bio
Shane Robert van Gisbergen, born on May 9, 1989, in Auckland, New Zealand, is a professional racing driver known for his success in multiple motorsport disciplines. He currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing and part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Van Gisbergen is a three-time Supercars Champion and one of the most accomplished drivers in New Zealand motorsport history.
Early Life and Background
Van Gisbergen was born to Robert van Gisbergen and Karen Wallace in Auckland. He began his racing career in motocross, quarter midgets, and karting from 1998 to 2004. His early promise was evident when he placed third in the 2004/2005 New Zealand Formula First Championship, earning the Rookie of the Year award. He continued to excel in junior formula racing, winning the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship in 2005/06 and finishing second in the 2006/07 Toyota Racing Series.
His early exposure to diverse racing formats helped develop his versatility behind the wheel. Van Gisbergen also won the New Zealand Grand Prix in 2021, a prestigious event usually featuring international competitors, showcasing his continued prominence in New Zealand motorsport.
Path to NASCAR
Van Gisbergen made his mark in the Australian Supercars Championship, debuting in 2007 with Team Kiwi Racing. His talent quickly attracted attention, leading to a move to Stone Brothers Racing in 2008. After several seasons and a best championship finish of fourth in 2011, he transitioned to Tekno Autosports in 2013, where he finished runner-up in the championship in 2014.
His breakthrough came with Triple Eight Race Engineering starting in 2016, where he won his first Supercars Championship and multiple races, including the Bathurst 1000. Van Gisbergen’s success in Supercars and GT racing paved the way for his entry into NASCAR, where he debuted in 2023 with Trackhouse Racing, making an immediate impact by winning his first Cup Series race.
Shane Robert van Gisbergen Career
Early Career (2007–2012)
Van Gisbergen began his professional career in the V8 Supercars series with Team Kiwi Racing in 2007. After showing promise, he joined Stone Brothers Racing in 2008, where he developed his skills over five seasons. During this period, he achieved consistent top finishes and gained valuable experience, culminating in a fourth-place championship finish in 2011.
His early years were marked by steady progress and learning, setting the foundation for future success. He also competed in various New Zealand racing series, further honing his racecraft.
Supercars Championship Breakthrough (2013–2022)
Van Gisbergen’s move to Tekno Autosports in 2013 marked a turning point. He finished second in the 2014 championship and secured his first pole position at the Bathurst 1000 that year. In 2016, joining Triple Eight Race Engineering, he won his first Supercars Championship and the Enduro Cup alongside co-driver Alexandre Prémat, becoming the first non-Australian duo to win the latter.
He continued to dominate the series with multiple race wins and three Supercars titles in 2016, 2021, and 2022. Van Gisbergen also won the Bathurst 1000 three times (2020, 2022, 2023), solidifying his status as one of the greatest in the series. His 80 wins and 46 pole positions place him fourth on the all-time Supercars wins list.
GT Racing and International Success
Alongside touring cars, van Gisbergen excelled in GT racing. He won the 2016 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour with teammates Álvaro Parente and Jonathon Webb, setting record lap times at Mount Panorama. He also claimed the 2016 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup and achieved podium finishes in prestigious endurance events like the 24 Hours of Daytona.
NASCAR Era (2023–Present)
Van Gisbergen made a historic NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2023 at the Chicago Street Course, winning the race and becoming the first driver since 1963 to win in their Cup debut. He is the first New Zealander to win a Cup Series race and the winningest non-American driver in the series. In 2024, he competed full-time in the Xfinity Series and part-time in the Cup Series, securing multiple wins and poles.
For the 2025 season, van Gisbergen will drive full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, continuing to build on his impressive rookie campaign. His road course prowess and racecraft have made him a formidable competitor in NASCAR’s top tiers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Van Gisbergen is renowned for his exceptional skill on road courses, combining aggressive yet precise driving with strategic race management. His adaptability across different racing disciplines and strong partnership with his teams have contributed to his consistent success. He excels in qualifying and race pace, often dominating in high-pressure situations.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key milestones include his three Bathurst 1000 victories, the 2016 Supercars Championship win, and his unprecedented NASCAR Cup Series debut win in 2023. He is one of only two drivers to have won all three major events at Mount Panorama: the Bathurst 1000, Bathurst 6 Hour, and Bathurst 12 Hour.
Shane Robert van Gisbergen Career Wins
Van Gisbergen’s career features over 80 wins in the Supercars Championship, multiple victories in GT endurance races, and several wins in NASCAR’s Xfinity and Cup Series. His versatility and winning ability across diverse motorsport categories highlight his talent and dedication.
Supercars Championship Highlights
With 80 wins and 46 poles, van Gisbergen ranks fourth in all-time Supercars victories. His first Supercars win came early in his career, and he secured three championship titles in 2016, 2021, and 2022. His Bathurst 1000 wins in 2020, 2022, and 2023 are among his most celebrated achievements.
Other Wins & Performances
In GT racing, van Gisbergen won the 2016 Bathurst 12 Hour and the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup. In NASCAR, he won his debut Cup Series race in 2023 and multiple Xfinity Series races in 2024, quickly establishing himself as a top competitor in American stock car racing.
Shane Robert van Gisbergen Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Van Gisbergen’s father, Robert van Gisbergen, and mother, Karen Wallace, supported his early racing pursuits. His family background provided a stable foundation for his motorsport career.
Personal Life
In 2025, Shane van Gisbergen married Jessica Dane, program manager at Corvette Racing and daughter of Roland Dane, co-owner of Triple Eight Race Engineering. The couple’s connection to motorsport extends through their professional and personal lives.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, van Gisbergen will compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing. After a challenging start to the season, he secured multiple road course wins, including at Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen, tying records for most wins by a rookie in a single Cup season. Despite being eliminated in the playoffs, he continued his strong form with a win at the Charlotte Roval.
Van Gisbergen also races part-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports, where he has already claimed victories and podium finishes. His performance in 2025 confirms his rapid adaptation and competitiveness in NASCAR’s top tiers, with expectations high for continued success.
