What started as a one-off in 2022, Justin Marks created Project 91 to expand the organization’s global reach by fielding a Cup Series entry for renowned international racing drivers. Though SVG was renowned around the world, not much was known about him in the NASCAR world. Until his debut at the Chicago Street Race in 2023, where he led nine laps and won the race by 1.259 seconds in overtime.
This feat was marked as one of six foreign-born drivers to win a Cup Series race and the first driver since Johnny Rutherford in 1963 to win his first Cup Series start. Shane Van Gisbergen announced himself with authority, taking the checkered flag in a stunning victory that instantly reshaped perceptions of what was possible for international drivers in NASCAR.
Embracing the joy of ‘Being Average’ in NASCAR
Some questioned how a newcomer from outside the NASCAR ecosystem could so decisively outperform seasoned veterans. This tension highlighted an evolving narrative within the fanbase, balancing respect for skill with concerns about the sport’s changing identity. Shane van Gisbergen’s transition from Australian Supercars legend to NASCAR sensation has been nothing short of extraordinary, and yet, at its heart, lies a refreshing honesty about humility and growth.
The King of the road course, while speaking to Shannon Spake on The Day After Podcast, candidly said, “I didn’t expect to be here a couple of years ago. Now I’m going to be here for a while. I enjoy it. The road courses are great, but I love racing on the ovals. Some of the races I’ve had in the last year, I’ve come 25th or whatever, and it’s been one of the most fun races I’ve ever had. I enjoy that side of things as well. I love the challenge of being average and trying to get better. It’s pretty refreshing and I’m happy to be here.”
This mentality appears at a critical juncture. Trackhouse Racing officially confirmed on August 8, 2025, that van Gisbergen has agreed to a multi-year contract extension to continue driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for the foreseeable future. Hearing SVG describe himself as “average” is shocking and incredibly candid, especially in light of how his debut Cup season has been. He became the most successful foreign-born driver in NASCAR history in record time after winning three Cup Series races on road courses in 2025 alone (Mexico City, Chicago Street Race, and Sonoma).
“We are getting to watch one of the superstars of racing. What we are asking him to do carries a high degree of difficulty. He’s moved to the other side of the world, learned a new form of racing, and at times dominated the competition. He’s one of the greatest,” Justin Marks said during the announcement.
Among his accomplishments, Shane van Gisbergen has already tied the record for most wins in a rookie season in his rookie Cup Series campaign. He set a new record for the most Cup Series victories by a foreign-born driver, became the first New Zealander to win at NASCAR’s top level, and tied the record for three straight road-course victories from pole position. However, he still finds satisfaction in accepting the learning process on ovals, NASCAR’s more conventional realm. making the leap from midfield to competitiveness and enjoying the progress.
SVG offers reassurance to teammate after collarbone injury
Veteran driver Shane van Gisbergen offered concern and support when potential NASCAR prospect Connor Zilisch injured his collarbone after an unfortunate celebratory tumble at Watkins Glen. SVG, who had suffered a similar injury himself, gave Connor advice on what to anticipate and how to handle the recovery process. “I had a weekend off and raced the next week. Pretty much what he is going to go through. Once the plate is in there, it’s stronger than the bone was. I had a plate put in and took it out at the end of the year,” Gisbergen said.
Van Gisbergen had won three races in the Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint in 2021 despite battling with a fractured collarbone, a compromised shoulder, a “fake” (stabilizing) ligament, and even broken ribs. “I raced the next week and did pretty well. So, with some good doctors and some good drugs, he’ll get through the race fine,” he added.
He didn’t sugarcoat the recovery. “It is going to be painful. My biggest problem was the tightening of the belts. I could feel the plates through my skin, and it was a horrible feeling,” he added. Still, the underlying theme was one of resilience and science-backed rehabilitation. Zilisch, who is still recovering, stated that SVG’s experience serves as a blueprint in addition to being inspirational. Even though recovery times vary, the message was clear: a driver can recover more effectively than before with the correct attention, perseverance, and a little bravery.
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