Van Gisbergen, who will be participating in his second NASCAR Cup race this weekend at the Indianapolis Road Course for Trackhouse, observed his former rival McLaughlin in Chevrolet’s simulator earlier this week. McLaughlin, a fellow New Zealander, was getting ready for his IndyCar segment of the double-header weekend.
In their most recent three seasons competing together in Supercars, McLaughlin emerged victorious over van Gisbergen. Since then, SVG has achieved consecutive championship wins in Australia, while Scott made the transition to Team Penske’s IndyCar team.
Van Gisbergen expressed his enthusiasm for McLaughlin’s potential inclusion in NASCAR, stating that it would be exciting to have him on board. He also suggested that McLaughlin should have participated as a wildcard entry for the upcoming weekend.
“On Tuesday, we were both at the simulator, and I was invited to observe his session. I had the opportunity to listen and watch him drive, gaining insight into how that aspect operates. It was an incredible experience to be immersed in his world once more.”
“On my previous visit to America, we had lunch together and he was extremely supportive of my decision to come here and give it a try. It feels great to be in his company once again.”
Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing
Photo by: Owlpine Group
McLaughlin found it intriguing to observe the variations in their equipment on the IMS road course, particularly in their Chevrolet-powered vehicles.
McLaughlin expressed his appreciation for having him present during our session. It was amusing to witness the contrast between a NASCAR and an IndyCar, which made him laugh.
“I find it thrilling that he will be racing alongside us during the upcoming weekend. I believe he will join us in our pit stand during our practice sessions or the race. It’s really amazing to have the opportunity to race alongside him and Brodie [Kostecki] again. It’s going to be fantastic.”
McLaughlin can’t stay to watch van Gisbergen’s Cup race at Indy on Sunday, as he’s flying to New York to pick up his dog. But Scott says he’s happy to show Shane around the IndyCar paddock.
He exclaimed, “It will be incredible! I’m unsure of the amount of time he’ll have, but he mentioned he would visit frequently to thoroughly explore everything.”
“He’s an enthusiastic racer, dude. He has a strong passion for it. He will be present and showing his support for us with both his Truck and his Cup. I am aware that Brodie feels the same way. I’m really thrilled to see these guys.”
“I won’t be staying on Sunday. Instead, I’ll be heading home to watch it comfortably from my couch, which is truly wonderful. Actually, I’ll be flying to New York to retrieve my dog and then embarking on a 10-hour drive back home. During the drive, I’ll be tuning in to the radio to listen to it.”
Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske Chevrolet
Photo by: Gavin Baker / Motorsport Images
Van Gisbergen expressed his anticipation for witnessing his initial live experience of the IndyCar Series since its last appearance on Australia’s Gold Coast in 2008, where Ryan Briscoe secured a victory for Penske.
Van Gisbergen expressed excitement about being invited to watch the race on the pitbox after our qualifying on Saturday.
“I haven’t witnessed an IndyCar race since their presence in Surfers [Paradise] in 2008, so it’s going to be incredible to attend and observe him, along with witnessing Scott Dixon’s participation.”
“I find it really exciting to be involved in this, and it has been a wonderful experience observing IndyCar over the past few years, supporting him, and being amazed by the incredible level of competition in that series. Those individuals are truly excelling in their field, and I am eager to witness how everything unfolds.”
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