Shane van Gisbergen, the rising New Zealand star of Trackhouse Racing, described his time in NASCAR as a “holiday” following a landmark victory on the Chicago Street Course. The win marked his third triumph of the 2025 season and secured his place in the history books as the most successful foreign-born driver in NASCAR Cup Series history, overtaking Juan Pablo Montoya’s previous record with his fourth career Cup win.
Van Gisbergen led 42 laps during the event and once again demonstrated his elite skills on road courses, where he has quickly built a reputation as a master technician. His fans flooded social media platform X with praise, celebrating his rapid and smooth transition from Australian Supercars to the American stock car scene.
Despite the pressure that comes with replacing Daniel Suárez as Trackhouse Racing’s new lead driver, van Gisbergen maintains a relaxed demeanor. His cheeky remark about racing being like a holiday reflects not only his enjoyment of the sport but also his growing confidence on the NASCAR stage.
This latest win has also pushed van Gisbergen to sixth place in the overall points standings, significantly enhancing his chances for a strong playoff run in his first full NASCAR Cup Series season.
Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks spoke highly of van Gisbergen’s performance, praising the Kiwi’s fast learning curve and incredible adaptability. Marks suggested that his driver isn’t just impressing — he’s already looking like a genuine championship contender.
As NASCAR now looks ahead to the next stop in Nashville, enthusiasm around van Gisbergen continues to grow, with fans and analysts alike wondering just how far the talented New Zealander can go in 2025. With his record-breaking momentum and easygoing charisma, he’s fast becoming one of the sport’s most talked-about figures.
About the Author
