Speculations Run High for Reigning Supercar Icon as He Dethrones F1 Star With Ross Chastain’s Boss’s Support in Chicago
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USA Today via Reuters
Sep 17, 2022; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez (99) leads driver Ross Chastain (1) and driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
The Trackhouse Racing Team has shown a pioneering spirit within the NASCAR world. Utilizing the Project 91 car, the team has welcomed individuals from outside the NASCAR sphere to join in the thrill of a Cup Series race. Recently, fans were treated to the sight of former F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen behind the wheel for two races.
As excitement builds for the upcoming Chicago Street Race, the rumor mill is churning with the possibility of a fresh face joining the competition. Speculations are rife that a V8 Supercar champion could potentially take over Raikkonen’s seat in the Cup Series.
The likelihood of this development appears even more plausible with whispers of support from Ross Chastain‘s boss. Moreover, if the stars align for this highly skilled and accomplished racer, we may be witnessing a thrilling new chapter in NASCAR.
V8 Supercar champion arises as a top contender for Project 91 seat
Shane Van Gisbergen secured his first championship title in the V8 Supercars series back in 2016. He followed it up with two more in 2021 and 2022. He won all of his championships racing for Triple Eight Race Engineering (Red Bull Ampol Racing).
Reports suggest that the three-time Supercars champion plans to drive Trackhouse Racing’s Project91 entry in an upcoming race. Insiders point to the brand-new Chicago Street Course as the likely event, scheduled to host a Cup race on July 2. Additionally, this race falls conveniently between the Darwin and Townsville rounds of the Supercars series.
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Trackhouse co-owner Justin Marks disclosed last month that the #91 Chevrolet, previously driven by Kimi Raikkonen on two occasions, is expected to re-emerge with a fresh driver and sponsor. Van Gisbergen appears to be an ideal candidate to fulfill this role.
As reported by V8Sleuth.com, Marks stated, “It’s going to be somebody that has got very, very different experience from NASCAR. But in some ways is actually perfectly suited for a Cup race.”
However, it is important to note that there haven’t been any official agreements in place at the moment. But there have been several insiders who have pointed out that it is a done deal. Moreover, there should be an announcement regarding this by the next week.
Van Gisbergen praises his team for allowing him to race in NASCAR
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Moreover, recently, Van Gisbergen opened up about his appreciation for the flexibility Triple Eight provides, which allows him to explore other racing categories as well.
He shared, “The great thing of Triple Eight and what I have been getting better at since I have joined the team is, I am allowed to go challenge myself in other areas, whether it is Rally or Speedway.”
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When queried about the possibility of joining NASCAR with Trackhouse, he replied, “I’d love to do that. They’ve set the bar pretty high with Kimi Raikkonen. I’ve tried to get in touch with Paul Morris to try and get into his contacts to give me an introduction. I’d love to do it.”
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Adding a fascinating twist to the narrative, Van Gisbergen’s fellow New Zealander and erstwhile Supercars rival Scott McLaughlin had already carved out a full-time career for himself in the United States, competing in the IndyCar Series. It would certainly be amazing to see Van Gisbergen arrive at Cup Series racing with Project 91. Hopefully, all of his experience might come in handy racing on this side of the pond.
Written by:
Edited by:
Nischal Kandpal