TRACKHOUSE Racing founder Justin Marks is expecting Shane van Gisbergen to be the centre of attention next month in Indianapolis.
Van Gisbergen’s second NASCAR Cup Series race was confirmed this morning, with the 34-year-old to join Supercars peer Brodie Kostecki at the August 13 event.
It follows the Kiwi’s stunning victory on debut just weeks ago, which left NASCAR’s stars gobsmacked.
While he may have been underestimated in Chicago, that will certainly not be the case for his return.
“After a performance like that it’s only natural to want to keep this going,” said Marks.
“Shane showed he is a world-class talent and what he did in Chicago was truly remarkable.
“Project 91, Trackhouse Racing and the fans of NASCAR benefit by bringing him back.
“I don’t think I am being overly dramatic when I say the entire motorsports world will be watching the #91 Chevrolet at Indianapolis.”
While the naming rights sponsor of the wildcard Camaro has not yet been confirmed – Enhance Health underpinned the Chicago entry – van Gisbergen will have Darian Grubb back as crew chief.
Grubb, 47, has achieved plenty in the sport but did not undersell what the Chicago result meant to him.
“It was a true honor to be able to work with somebody like Shane van Gisbergen who put on a performance like that in his first start,” he said.
“The team did an incredible job preparing the car, being ready for the moment and putting it all out there on the line and letting him put that show on. You’re never going to forget that.
“It’s the first event; we all wanted some souvenirs and stuff from it just to make sure we remembered it for life and tell our grandkids about it.
“It was really cool and I hope we can do that again in Indy.”
