Shane Van Gisbergen will be the second driver to take the reigns of Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 entry in the NASCAR Cup Series, with the announcement on Thursday that he’ll contest the inaugural Chicago Street Race in the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro.
“I can honestly say I have dreamed about an opportunity in NASCAR, but really never thought it would become a reality,” said van Gisbergen, a native of New Zealand. “I can’t wait to get to the States to meet everyone and prepare for Chicago. It’s NASCAR’s first time on the streets of Chicago so in some ways everyone will be a rookie like me, but I don’t underestimate that it’s going to be a huge challenge.”
The historic event – the first on a street course in the NASCAR Cup Series – will mark the third start for the PROJECT91 program, which was founded last season with the intention to bolster NASCAR’s international presence.
“I’ll concede the American racing fan might not be as familiar with Shane as they are with Kimi but if you talk with anyone in Australia, New Zealand, and that part of the world they will tell you he is one of the most talented drivers on the planet,” said Trackhouse co-owner, Justin Marks. “He’s used to street racing in heavy cars and I think everyone will be very impressed with his performance.”
Kimi Raikkonen, the 2017 World Drivers Champion in Formula One, has piloted the entry in its first two appearances, which came last August at Watkins Glen, and earlier this season at Circuit of The Americas (COTA).
“We have been very pleased with the fan reaction to Kimi’s participation the last two seasons.”
Embrace Health, which leverages digital technologies and a concierge experience to streamline the health insurance enrollment process, will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro in the event.
The company, which will make its maiden foray into NASCAR sponsorship, simplifies what is often a time-consuming, overwhelming, and confusing process by connecting users with best-in-class health insurance and Medicare plans in only a few minutes.
Quad Lock, which signed Van Gisbergen as an ambassador in 2022, will serve as an associate sponsor on the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro. The company, also debuting its sponsorship in NASCAR, has found global success selling its innovative phone mounting products in more than 100 countries.
“Quad Lock is thrilled to venture into the world of NASCAR, the pinnacle of US motorsport,” said Dominic Storey, Quad Lock Sponsorship Manager. “As Quad Lock continues its growth in the US market, the collaboration with Trackhouse Racing and the inclusion of our brand ambassador, Shane van Gisbergen, presents a fantastic alignment for everyone involved. We eagerly anticipate achieving success both on and off the track in the coming future.”
The three-time Supercars champion plans to arrive in the United States in June while accompanying the team to the June 25 event at Nashville Superspeedway, before being in the Trackhouse Racing shop the week of the race.
“There is so much I have to learn about these cars and how the races are run,” said van Gisbergen. “The learning curve will be quite steep, but I am ready for everything they will throw at me. I know a lot of Kiwi’s and Aussies will be watching and I’m honored to get this opportunity.”
