Supercars champion and Bathurst 1000 winner Shane van Gisbergen has been confirmed to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut this year with Trackhouse Racing.
As first reported by Wide World of Sports, talks between the three-time champion and team owner Justin Marks began late last year.
Now, it has been announced the Kiwi will contest the inaugural streets race in Chicago on July 3.
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It’s the first time van Gisbergen will have ever driven a NASCAR-spec machine, let alone raced in the highest division.
The Supercars star will become the first New Zealander to have raced in the series.
“I can honestly say I have dreamed about an opportunity in NASCAR, but really never thought it would become a reality,” said van Gisbergen.
“I can’t wait to get to the States to meet everyone and prepare for Chicago.
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“It’s NASCAR’s first time on the streets of Chicago so in some ways everyone will be a rookie like me, but I don’t underestimate that it’s going to be a huge challenge.
“There is so much I have to learn about these cars and how the races are run,” he added.
“The learning curve will be quite steep, but I am ready for everything they will throw at me.
“I know a lot of Kiwis and Aussies will be watching and I’m honoured to get this opportunity.”
Van Gisbergen will be joined by current NASCAR Cup Series points leader Ross Chastain and the category’s only Mexican driver Daniel Suarez at Trackhouse Racing.
The New Zealander’s entry comes under the Project91 banner, which aims to bring high-profile drivers from other motorsport disciplines to NASCAR.
The team previously ran 2007 Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen at Watkins Glen in 2022 and Circuit of the Americas in 2023.
“We have been very pleased with the fan reaction to Kimi’s participation the last two seasons,” said team owner Marks.
“I’ll concede the American racing fan might not be as familiar with Shane as they are with Kimi but if you talk with anyone in Australia, New Zealand and that part of the world they will tell you he is one of the most talented drivers on the planet.
“He’s used to street racing in heavy cars and I think everyone will be very impressed with his performance.”
Van Gisbergen will arrive in the United States on June 26 and attend the 17th round of the series at Nashville Superspeedway before the Chicago street race on July 3.
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