SHANE van Gisbergen will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in Chicago this July aboard Trackhouse Racing’s Project91 Chevrolet Camaro.
The deal, revealed by V8 Sleuth late last month, has now been formally announced by the NASCAR squad.
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Van Gisbergen will contest the inaugural running of the Chicago street race on July 2 with backing from Enhance Health Care and Australian company Quad Lock.
“I can honestly say I have dreamed about an opportunity in NASCAR, but really never thought it would become a reality,” said van Gisbergen.
“I can’t wait to get to the States to meet everyone and prepare for Chicago.
“It’s NASCAR’s first time on the streets of Chicago so in some ways everyone will be a rookie like me, but I don’t underestimate that it’s going to be a huge challenge.”
It will be the third outing for the Project91 entry, which runs alongside Trackhouse’s two full-time cars with the aim of bringing new names to NASCAR.
Project91’s previous two outings have come with 2007 Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel.
Team co-owner Justin Marks is expecting big things from three-time Supercars champion van Gisbergen.
“I’ll concede the American racing fan might not be as familiar with Shane as they are with Kimi but if you talk with anyone in Australia, New Zealand and that part of the world they will tell you he is one of the most talented drivers on the planet,” he said.
“He’s used to street racing in heavy cars and I think everyone will be very impressed with his performance.”
Van Gisbergen plans to attend the NASCAR Cup race at Nashville on June 25 with the team and spend the following week in the Trackhouse race shop ahead of Chicago.
“There is so much I have to learn about these cars and how the races are run,” he said.
“The learning curve will be quite steep, but I am ready for everything they will throw at me. I know a lot of Kiwis and Aussies will be watching and I’m honoured to get this opportunity.”
Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR sojourn will take place between the Hidden Valley (June 16-18) and Townsville (July 7-9) Supercars events.
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