Shane van Gisbergen, the Australian racing sensation who has taken NASCAR by storm, is not shy about voicing his discontent with the recent Supercars Championship finale in Adelaide. As someone who embodies the spirit of motorsport, van Gisbergen’s candid remarks about the event have sparked discussions among fans and competitors alike. After a season filled with anticipation, the Adelaide Grand Final left him feeling more than just disappointed—it left a “bad taste” in his mouth.
Watching from the sidelines as a passionate motorsport enthusiast, van Gisbergen was far from impressed with how things unfolded. Reflecting on the new points system and its complexities, he described the experience as “harder to watch.” Despite the late-night race timings that often conflicted with his NASCAR obligations, he found moments of excitement during the finals. However, the overall outcome was still a bitter pill to swallow. “The ending was a bit odd, right?” he remarked, highlighting the emotional turmoil that came with witnessing his former team in such a pivotal moment.
His connection to Triple Eight Engineering runs deep, and seeing his old teammates in contention added layers of complexity to his feelings about the race. Broc Feeney, who took over van Gisbergen’s role after his departure, was in the thick of the action, and while they share a friendship, it did not shield him from feeling sympathy for rival drivers like Chaz Mostert and Ryan Wood. The rivalries that once defined his career seem to have softened as he navigates his new life in NASCAR, providing a unique perspective on the competitive spirit that once fueled his ambition.
The Supercars Championship, known for its thrilling races and international appeal, has been a staple in the motorsport community since its inception in 1997. With venues spanning Australia, New Zealand, and even international locations like China and the United States, the championship draws in massive crowds, with over 285,000 attendees for the Adelaide finale alone. Chas Mostert’s triumph in the 2025 championship and Triple Eight’s dominance in the team standings only add to the legacy of this revered series.
As van Gisbergen transitions back to the NASCAR circuit, he is eager to carve out his legacy with the iconic #97 car number—a number steeped in family history. The emotional weight of this number is palpable; it represents a lineage of racing that includes his father, Robert van Gisbergen, and is a poignant reminder of his late mother’s pride. “Mum would have been absolutely proud,” he expressed, underscoring the personal significance of the number as he prepares for the upcoming Cup Series season.
This shift in focus to NASCAR brings with it new challenges and opportunities. Van Gisbergen is set to reunite with Trackhouse Racing, partnered with Ross Chastain and newcomer Connor Zilisch. As he embarks on this next chapter, he hopes that fans will come to associate the number 97 with his name in the same way that iconic drivers like Valentino Rossi and Jeff Gordon are linked to their respective numbers.
In the world of motorsport, the thrill of competition is matched only by the emotional ties that connect drivers to their teams, numbers, and fans. For Shane van Gisbergen, the journey continues as he navigates the highs and lows of racing, forever marked by the experiences that shape his identity on and off the track.
