Shane Van Gisbergen’s trip to the United States has gotten a little bit busier.
The three-time Supercars champion, who triumphed in his NASCAR Cup Series debut in Chicago, will compete in Friday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Indianapolis Raceway Park, driving the No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado for Niece Motorsports.
“This weekend will certainly be a challenge,” said van Gisbergen. “I’ve seen the trucks race on television and know it’s very competitive and that I’ll have a lot to learn on a short track at IRP. I’m used to doing doubleheaders in Supercars, but this will be a little bit different. I’m honored to join Niece Motorsports and thrilled at getting a chance to climb in a truck.”
Worldwide Express, which has served as the season-long primary sponsor of the No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Truck Series, will return as the primary sponsor. Enhance Health and Quad Lock will also carry associate positions on the entry.
Van Gisbergen joins a successful organization in Niece Motorsports, whose full-time competitor Carson Hocevar scored the victory in the series’ most recent event at Richmond Raceway, his third of the season.
“We are so excited and honored to have Shane [Van Gisbergen’ drive for us at IRP,” said Cody Efaw, General Manager of Niece Motorsports. “He’s a legend in Australia and New Zealand, but what he did at Chicago has everyone in America talking about his talent. We will help him experience oval racing and I am guessing we will learn a lot from him as well.”
The 34-year-old driver has recently expressed interest in leaving Supercars in order to pursue a full-time effort in NASCAR’s National Series but has cited ovals as being the biggest obstacle in that movement. Friday’s 200-lap contest will mark his oval debut.
Not only will Van Gisbergen be talked with trying to learn how to race on an oval in NASCAR, but he will also have to concentrate on Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event, where he’ll drive the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro for Trackhouse Racing.
