Shane van Gisbergen Showcases New Zealand Pride at NASCAR Cup Race in Las Vegas

Shane van Gisbergen is taking the opportunity to express his pride in his homeland with a unique paint scheme for the upcoming NASCAR Cup race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. While the venue is far from his native New Zealand—nearly 7,000 miles—this event serves as a significant moment for the driver to connect with his roots through the design of his car.

A Tribute to New Zealand

The car’s design prominently features the iconic silver fern, a symbol deeply associated with New Zealand, as well as the Southern Cross constellation and a series of red stars. These elements collectively showcase van Gisbergen’s heritage in a captivating manner. He remarked on the design process, saying, "We have our friends at Jockey back on the car, and amazingly, they let me have some influence on the design." This level of creative control allowed him to weave in New Zealand themes that resonate with fans and symbolize his identity.

Van Gisbergen expressed his excitement about the design, stating, "Of course, I went New Zealand-themed. Amazing to have the silver fern on it … pretty cool looking race car." He continued, sharing his personal connection to the design: “Obviously, I’m a little biased. Got the red stars of my country and I think it looks pretty tough. Pretty stoked to represent New Zealand as much as I can, and thanks to Jockey for letting me do that. I was pretty speechless when I first saw this car.”

Current Standing in NASCAR

As of now, van Gisbergen has faced challenges in the NASCAR Cup playoffs, having been eliminated during the Round of 16. Despite this setback, he ranks 12th in the championship standings, thanks in part to his impressive performance last week at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, where he secured his fifth victory of the season. His dominant win came with a margin of over 15 seconds, placing him in a tie with Denny Hamlin for the most wins by any driver in the current season.

Interestingly, all of van Gisbergen’s victories have occurred on road courses, showcasing his exceptional skills in that type of racing. However, he has recently made strides on oval tracks, achieving his first top ten finish at Kansas Speedway. Furthermore, he has clinched the title of 2025 NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year, underscoring his potential and promising future in the sport.

Lessons from Previous Races in Las Vegas

Reflecting on his past experiences at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, van Gisbergen hopes to improve on his previous performances. In the last Cup Series event held in Vegas, he started in 28th position but faced a challenging race, finishing 34th after a crash. He also competed in the same race last year while driving for Kaulig Racing, where he ended up in 29th place. Given the progress he has made on oval tracks, fans and analysts alike are optimistic that the New Zealand native will surpass these earlier results in the upcoming race.

The Excitement of NASCAR

The NASCAR Cup Series is known for its thrilling races and competitive spirit, and this weekend’s event at Las Vegas is set to be no different. For van Gisbergen, this race represents not only another opportunity to compete but also a chance to showcase his heritage on a grand stage. The inclusion of the silver fern and other national symbols on his car adds a layer of significance to his participation.

As he prepares for the race, van Gisbergen’s focus remains on improving his performance and achieving a favorable result. The combination of his skills, experience, and the support of his team will be crucial as he takes to the track. Fans can expect an exciting display of racing as he aims to elevate his standings and make a statement on behalf of New Zealand.

Conclusion

Shane van Gisbergen’s participation in the NASCAR Cup race at Las Vegas is more than just another competition; it’s a celebration of his identity and a testament to his journey in the world of motorsports. With the striking design of his car reflecting his New Zealand heritage, he is poised to make a memorable impact on the track. As he continues to evolve as a driver, fans will be eagerly watching to see how he performs in this pivotal race.