AUSTIN, Texas — Shane van Gisbergen claimed his first win at the Circuit of the Americas on Saturday night, reaffirming his versatility across NASCAR’s various competitions. This latest victory has led to speculation about whether he plans to prioritize the Craftsman Truck Series moving forward, especially after already securing 11 wins across the O’Reilly Auto Parts and Cup Series.
Van Gisbergen Expresses Desire to Race More Trucks Despite Challenges
After his COTA triumph, van Gisbergen spoke openly about his interest in racing more in the Truck Series. Addressing FanBuzz’s question about his future plans, he said,
“I would love to drive one of those trucks,”
while noting the logistical and financial hurdles that come with expanding commitments. He mentioned the possibility of a late-season event at Watkins Glen as a potential opportunity for another Truck Series appearance.
“I would love to drive one of those trucks,”
van Gisbergen said in response to a question from FanBuzz. “I think maybe it’s Watkins (Glen) or something later in the year is free, so I’m trying.
But it’s hard to do. Everything costs money, I guess. But yeah, love to do more Truck starts.
On social media, van Gisbergen celebrated his COTA win, sharing,
“Awesome day to finally get a win at COTA! The #9 @SafetyCultureHQ Chevy was great, stoked to be in a @JRMotorsports car again! 😀 Cup Race tomorrow, hopefully we have a good one!”
Limited Truck Series Experience So Far
To date, van Gisbergen has only contested a single Truck Series race. His inaugural appearance happened during the 2023 season at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, where he drove the No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports. In that event, he concentrated on gaining experience and safely finishing, placing 19th without any incident.
This Truck Series start came about as part of his transition into NASCAR’s U.S. racing scene, which began dramatically with a win at the 2023 Chicago Street Race in NASCAR’s Cup Series.
Progression Through NASCAR’s Ranks
Following his initial Truck Series run, van Gisbergen concentrated largely on the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, securing three wins in a full campaign. That success paved the way for his move up to the Cup Series in 2025, where he further proved his mettle by winning five races. Even as he competed primarily at the top level, he occasionally participated in secondary series events to build additional skills.
Currently, van Gisbergen balances a full Cup Series schedule with select entries in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. These secondary races serve a dual purpose: offering prize-winning opportunities as well as honing his competitive edge.
Learning from Different Racing Experiences
Van Gisbergen highlighted the educational value of racing across diverse tracks and vehicle types, emphasizing how such experience helps refine his skills. Reflecting on his COTA win, he said the varied nature of the cars and circuits provides crucial lessons that can contribute to improved future performances.
“Even things like today, the track, the cars are so different, but it’s so worthwhile,”
he remarked following his victory.
“Like, I learned a lot today and tried a whole bunch of techniques, and I really hope it will help me tomorrow. So, yeah, I’d love to get in a truck, and I think it’ll make me a better driver.”
Looking Ahead: Potential Impact of a Truck Series Return
Van Gisbergen’s interest in re-entering the Craftsman Truck Series signals a possible expansion of his NASCAR portfolio. Given his proven adaptability from road courses like COTA to ovals like Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, additional Truck Series races could sharpen his driving abilities across vehicle platforms. This, in turn, may enhance his competitiveness in the Cup Series and other NASCAR divisions.
While financial and scheduling challenges remain a barrier, van Gisbergen’s candid enthusiasm suggests that fans may see more of him in Truck Series events in the near future, potentially including notable stops such as Watkins Glen. His continuing journey underscores a balanced approach to growth, blending enjoyment with strategic career development in NASCAR’s demanding landscape.
Awesome day to finally get a win at COTA! The #9 @SafetyCultureHQ Chevy was great, stoked to be in a @JRMotorsports car again! 😀 Cup Race tomorrow, hopefully we have a good one! pic.twitter.com/2XjPEAgeyl
— Shane van Gisbergen (@shanevg97) March 1, 2026
