SVG on Indy Road Course: Challenges Await

The Foreseen Favourite

While numerous NASCAR Cup racers see Shane van Gisbergen as a top contender for the upcoming Indy Road Course race, the decorated three-time Supercars champ is keeping his predictions modest.

A Memorable Introduction

Van Gisbergen made quite the entrance in his Cup debut, clinching a victory during the series' first-ever street course event in Chicago. He was behind the wheel of the Trackhouse Racing's distinctive No. 91 Chevrolet Project91.

Looking Ahead: The Racing Agenda

Gearing up for a full-time NASCAR roster in 2024, van Gisbergen has an intense weekend planned: the Truck race on the oval at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Friday evening and the Sunday Cup race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.

Though he was a sensation in Chicago, he remains cautiously optimistic about the Indy event. He remarked, 

It’s a lot of unknowns. You can do as much sim time as you want but there’s only 20 minutes of practice this time... How I’m going to fit in pace-wise – I have no idea.”

The Terrain: Contrasting Indy and Chicago

The Indy Road Course, a familiar 2.439-mile, 14-turn circuit for many NASCAR racers, offers a stark contrast to the novel street course experience in Chicago. An additional twist: while wet conditions in Chicago led to a single-file restart, the upcoming event will feature the usual double-file restarts.

Rules Refashioned

One alteration all drivers should note: the restart zone for the weekend's Cup and Xfinity races is now situated between Turns 13 & 14. This modification aims to alleviate the typical congestion seen as cars approach Turn 1.

Pit Stop Practice @THProject91 ⛽️???? pic.twitter.com/iwbe3V94on
— Shane van Gisbergen (@shanevg97) August 9, 2023

Bracing for Both Familiar and Fresh Challenges

Van Gisbergen commented on his preparation and the race's dynamics, 

Our prep work has gone very well... But learning how to navigate situations, especially with the new restart location? That'll be something new to tackle on the spot."

Reflections and Forward Glance

When quizzed about the lofty standards set by his debut win, van Gisbergen responded, 

I just think it’s cool they all know my name now. They didn’t last time I was here.” He continued, “It’s going to be a lot more action. I don’t expect to be upfront like we were at Chicago. It’s going to be a fight, I think.”