Shane Van Gisbergen Confirms He Wants to Run NASCAR in 2024

What’s Happening?

During a press conference following a Supercars race in Australia, Supercars Champion and NASCAR winner, Shane van Gisbergen all but confirmed he is switching over to NASCAR in 2024. The news comes with little surprise, as he has been rumored to be making this change since his historic victory at the Chicago Street Course on July 4th weekend earlier this year.

You Need To Know:

• On July 2, 2023 Shane van Gisbergen became the first driver to win in his first start in 60 years. The Supercars legend put on a great showing as he rocketed to the front, snatching the lead back from Justin Haley in the closing laps. It is clear that he has gotten the itch that NASCAR can provide as he’s already scheduled to run a second race in a couple of weeks at the Indianapolis Road Course, reuniting with his Trackhouse’s Project 91 team.
• Following SVG’s historic win, rumors started to swirl in regards to him making the jump over to NASCAR. While initially stating that he had already committed to one final year in Supercars (that year being 2024) his team owner from down under said that they would release him of his contract if he wanted to go stockcar racing, which only added fuel to already healthy fire. The extent of his 2024 NASCAR schedule is unknown at this time as is what team he will be competing for but with the Justin Haley to RWR news, this is a big silly season domino to fall.
• This news clearly has most NASCAR fans very excited though they are no doubt feeling a mix of emotions. While it is certainly exciting for an all-time great driver to want to race in our favorite sport, it was also hard to watch as he beat up on our hometown favorites who race these cars week in and week out. It will, no doubt, be interesting to see how SVG can adapt to the ovals as road racing is his specialty.

As stated in the video above provided by sim racer Mat G, it is still undecided whether or not SVG’s 2024 NASCAR schedule will be full-time or part-time. Regardless, he seems dead set on making the jump to America to race in NASCAR.

The Main Characters

SVG is clearly the key component in this story as he became the first driver in 60 years to win in their NASCAR debut. Below are the final laps of his monumental win on the streets of Chicago.

While SVG is certainly the centerpiece, this news has huge implications when it comes to NASCAR silly season. While SVG won his first race driving for Trackhouse’s Project 91 and will make one more start in the entry in a couple of weeks at Indy, it is not likely that this will be SVG’s ultimate landing spot if he is to go full-time. If that were to happen, the team would need to purchase another charter, which is unlikely with how high the asking price is today in the NASCAR industry. But hey, Pitbull is a major partner with the team and stranger things have happened. Who knows?

It shocked the NASCAR fandom when they learned that long-time Kaulig Racing driver, Justin Haley, was leaving the team for a multi-year deal at the seemingly inferior Rick Ware Racing. It was a silly season bombshell. But, with an opening in the No. 31, could we see them make a run at obtaining SVG?

Around The Garage

The NASCAR Garage, like many fans, largely have mixed feelings about SVG’s win and him coming to race NASCAR in 2024. While some see it as a good step in growing the sport, others find it mildly embarrassing to be beaten up on by an outsider.

Following SVG’s win, Denny Hamlin took to his podcast to comment on SVG’s ability. While at first he leaned more to the side of not being too impressed since street racing is what SVG does, when he realized that he’s used to driving on the other side of the car and shifting with his left hand as opposed to his right, he quickly changed his tune.

In The Stands

Heath Giles suggests that his NASCAR could be a part-time effort in between Supercars rounds. Though, he recognizes that the Supercar legend is more than likely leaving outright.

Tooma Racing has a little bit of hope that SVG will stick around in the Supercars Series. They also suggest that the NASCAR effort will be part-time.

Darren claims that Supercars is on life support and believes that eventually, Brodie will follow. Could we be seeing something akin to the open wheel invasion of the late 2000s?

This F1 fan is mourning the loss of SVG already.

While nothing is 100% certain, it sure looks like SVG will be racing NASCAR in 2024 at some capacity, be it part-time or full-time. What do you think, Daily Downforce readers? Are you excited to see the Supercars legend taking on your heroes on their turf in the oval circuit? Let us know and keep it right here for all your latest NASCAR news and stories.