SHANE van Gisbergen cut an elated figure after completing his bitumen oval debut, even if there was a tinge of disappointment about the final result.
Van Gisbergen qualified 28th in the 36-car field for the 200-lap NASCAR Truck Series race at Indianapolis Raceway Park.
The Kiwi ran as high as 15th in the final stint before fading to 19th, just off the lead lap.
While some way off the dizzy heights that he experienced in the top-tier Cup Series last month in Chicago, van Gisbergen spoke highly of an outing which is a key step towards his full-time American move in 2024.
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“That was awesome, but have to say, a little gutted — 10 to go, finally dropped off the lead lap,” he said post-race.
“Had a ball, had some awesome racing with people, a lot of fun.
“Got to thank Niece Motorsports, Worldwide Express, and the Trackhouse guys for having me.
“I’m living the dream, it was really cool, everyone was respectful, it was awesome.”
While van Gisbergen declined to grade his performance, he added: “I’ve got a lot to learn.
“Pace was okay in some spots. I probably gave the wrong call on the adjustments and we dropped in the last stint. But so much fun.”
Van Gisbergen will now switch focus to his second NASCAR Cup Series appearance with Trackhouse Racing, with practice and qualifying at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course taking place Sunday morning (AEST).
