V8 Supercars team boss makes incredible offer to Shane van Gisbergen after he made NASCAR history

Triple Eight team principal Jamie Whincup will support reigning V8 Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen leaving the series before the end of his contract if a permanent opportunity in NASCAR is put on the table.

Van Gisbergen’s recent foray into the United States proved to be a stunning success as he clinched victory in his NASCAR debut in Chicago, becoming the first driver in 60 years to win in their first race in the class. 

Despite narrowly missing pole position, the two-time Bathurst 1000 champion showcased exceptional skill on the street circuit, greatly improving his chances of securing a permanent spot in the fiercely competitive series. 

After initially dropping back to 18th place, the New Zealand champion executed a remarkable charge through the field, ultimately seizing the lead from Justin Haley with only five laps remaining. 

Jamie Whincup (pictured being inducted into the Driver’s Hall of Fame in 2021) will not try to stop van Gisbergen if he gets an invitation to race permanently in NASCAR

After years of dominance in the Supercars Championship, Van Gisbergen is more than ready for new challenges in the United States

The Kiwi’s tenacity and skill secured him the chequered flag in an overtime finish, following a one-hour rain delay that resulted in the race being shortened to 75 laps from the original 100.

The invitation for Van Gisbergen to participate in the Chicago NASCAR event came from Trackhouse Racing, a team co-owned by Grammy Award-winning rapper Armando Christian ‘Pitbull’ Pérez. 

The race, held on a street course, marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind for the NASCAR Cup Series.

Whincup promised that he would not impede the reigning champion’s pursuit of a Stateside career switch.

‘He’s only contractually bound to us for next year,’ he told Fox Sports. 

‘Of course I’m trying to run the business as well as a I possibly can and I need the best drivers, but if any driver, engineer, employee came to me and said, ‘Hey, my dream is to go to the other side of the world and do something else’, I’m not going to stand in their way.

‘I want to open up opportunities for all my staff.

‘No doubt we’re going to have some discussions in the next month or so and work out what he wants to do. He’s certainly got my praise whatever he wants to do, and we’re going to support him all the way.’

The Triple Eight Racing star only has one year left on his V8 Supercars contract 

While Van Gisbergen signed a new ‘multiyear’ deal with Triple Eight earlier this year, the Kiwi driver clarified in an interview with Fox Sports in April that the agreement only bound him to one more season in the Supercars series. 

He has been increasingly vocal about the challenges he faces dealing with the politics within the Supercars organisation, fuelling speculation about his future plans, and was full of praise for NASCAR straight after his huge win. 

‘What an experience,’ he said. 

‘This was so cool. It’s what you dream of. Hopefully I can come and do more. 

‘The racing was really good. Everyone was respectful. It’s tough but a lot of fun.

‘I’m doing one more year in Aus, then I’d love to come over here.’