NASCAR Cup Series star Shane van Gisbergen hints at series switch

NASCAR Cup Series star Shane van Gisbergen has revealed that he's trying to jump into a new series this year.

The New Zealander has only raced full-time in any NASCAR national series since 2024, with a year in the then-Xfinity Series before his rookie season in the Cup last year.

Despite that inexperience, the Trackhouse Racing star won five races last year – all on road courses – and is expected to in the running for a top 16 regular season spot and qualification for the Chase at the end of the year.

However, Van Gisbergen revealed this week that he's hoping to get some extra run in the Truck Series between now and then, saying that he's actively trying to use the series to improve his abilities behind the wheel.

NASCAR RESULTS: Tyler Reddick makes history with flawless COTA performance

SVG: Watch this space

The Kiwi still dips his toe into the O'Reilly Series on road courses, as he did this past weekend when he took the Saturday race win at COTA, but admitted that the cars are 'so different' to his Cup ride. Truck Series machinery has been described as a little more similar to the Next Gen Cup car by some drivers.

Responding to a fan question about driving in Trucks, he said: “So I actually am trying to. I try and race everything I can. We’ve tried to do some races that are at tracks I struggle at, like Phoenix or Bristol. So watch this space, but nothing’s set in stone yet.

“I would love to drive one of those trucks. I think maybe it’s Watkins [Glen] or something later in the year that is free. I’m trying, but it’s hard to do. Everything costs money I guess.

“I’d love to do more truck starts. Even things like the [O’Reilly Auto Parts Series] cars are so different, but it’s so worthwhile. I learnt a lot today and tried a whole bunch of techniques and I really hope it will help me tomorrow. I’d love to get in a truck and I think it’ll make me a better driver.”

Van Gisbergen failed to win for the first time in six Cup road course races on Sunday, finishing second behind Tyler Reddick. However, the points he gathered helped move him up to fifth in the points standings, helped in no small part by his sixth place at Atlanta the previous week.