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Trackhouse Racing Pursuing Deal for Shane van Gisbergen's Potential NASCAR Move
Amidst the speculation surrounding Shane van Gisbergen's potential shift to NASCAR in 2024, Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks has revealed that his team is diligently working on securing a deal for the Kiwi driver. The exact details of where and in what capacity van Gisbergen will race next year remain uncertain as he eyes a move to the United States.
The pathway for van Gisbergen's transition to NASCAR was set in motion when Erebus Motorsport confirmed the early release of Will Brown from his contract. Van Gisbergen's recent involvement with Trackhouse Racing and Project91 culminated in a triumphant victory on the streets of Chicago in July, showcasing his adaptability and potential in the American racing scene.
While the 34-year-old driver has expressed uncertainty about a potential full-time 2024 deal, he made an impressive debut on a NASCAR oval track last weekend, finishing 19th at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Marks expressed his enthusiasm for the prospect of having van Gisbergen join Trackhouse Racing, highlighting the driver's excitement and exceptional skills.
"We're working hard right now on putting a deal together for him," Marks shared with the media. "It's my plan, he'll race for Trackhouse next year alongside some of our partners in the Chevy family. He wants to do this. He's done everything that he wants to do in Australia and he's really excited and really, really good."
Marks acknowledged the importance of van Gisbergen gaining super speedway experience before embarking on a potential full-time endeavor in NASCAR. To facilitate this, van Gisbergen might engage in track time across all three tiers of NASCAR competition, including the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series.
While the NASCAR charter system, which guarantees competition slots in the Cup Series, is a consideration, Marks emphasized that it might not be a decisive factor for van Gisbergen's entry into the racing scene. He expressed his determination to expand and develop Trackhouse Racing as a business entity, regardless of the charter's immediate availability.
Marks remains confident in van Gisbergen's ability to thrive in the world of NASCAR, noting his impressive rate of adaptation and potential to shine as a star in the sport. As the team works on a transitional plan for van Gisbergen, which includes building his experience across different divisions, the future remains open-ended and promising for the talented Kiwi driver.