Van Gisbergen, 34, made his NASCAR Cup debut at Chicago earlier this month on the streets of Chicago. After starting third, he was able to win on debut after a dramatic late-race charge to the front. No driver had managed to accomplish such a feat at the top level of the sport in over 60 years.
After his victory in Chicago, Van Gisbergen will once again drive the Project91 car for Trackhouse Racing, this time at the Indianapolis Road Course on August 13th. Speculations continue to circulate that the talented Supercars driver might transition to NASCAR permanently in either 2024 or 2025.
Van Gisbergen expressed surprise at how everything unfolded, stating, “I never imagined it would happen like this,” according to a statement from the team.
“I never expected to have the chance to participate in NASCAR, so it’s truly a remarkable opportunity. Winning and earning another opportunity this year is even more incredible than I could have imagined. I am extremely grateful to Justin Marks, the founder and owner of Trackhouse, as well as everyone at Trackhouse Racing and NASCAR for giving me this chance. The NASCAR community has warmly embraced me during my time in Chicago, and it’s been amazing to witness the widespread enthusiasm for the race worldwide. I feel privileged to be a part of it all.”
Van Gisbergen will encounter a recognizable individual on the starting lineup as he competes in Indy. Brodie Kostecki, a fellow Supercars driver, is scheduled to make his first appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series at Indianapolis, representing Richard Childress Racing.
The stacked field will also feature former Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button, and former Le Mans 24 winner Kamui Kobayashi.
Race winner Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing, Chevrolet Camaro
Photo by: David Rosenblum / NKP / Motorsport Images
Trackhouse Racing has participated in the No. 91 car on four occasions during the past two seasons. In addition to SVG’s race in Chicago, Kimi Raikkonen, a former F1 World Champion, drove the car at Watkins Glen in 2022 and COTA in 2023.
Marks expressed that after such an impressive performance, it is understandable to desire to maintain the momentum. He acknowledged Shane’s exceptional skills and the remarkable feat he achieved in Chicago. By bringing him back, PROJECT91, Trackhouse Racing, and NASCAR fans will all reap the benefits. Marks believes that the No. 91 Chevrolet at Indianapolis will garner significant attention from the entire motorsports community.
Added crew chief Darian Grubb, who will again sit atop the pit box for the No. 91 Chevrolet: “It was a true honor to be able to work with somebody like Shane van Gisbergen who put on a performance like that in his first start.”
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