Van Gisbergen confirmed for oval debut in NASCAR Truck Series

Shane van Gisbergen will make his NASCAR oval track debut at next weekend’s Craftsman Truck Series round at Indianapolis Raceway Park. The race takes place two days before he ventures out on the Indianapolis Road Course with Trackhouse Racing.

“The 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 double-headers in Supercars, but this will be a little bit different. I’m honoured to join Niece Motorsports and thrilled at getting a chance to climb in a truck.”

The Kiwi will drive Niece Motorsport’s #41 Chevrolet at IRP, a 1.1km-long asphalt oval circuit just west of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“We are so excited and so honoured to have Shane drive for us at IRP,” said the team’s General Manager, Cody Efaw.

“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 move comes just a week on from van Gisbergen’s announcement he is aiming to compete in North America next year.

The 200-lap race takes place at 1.00 pm NZ time on Saturday, 12 August.