Van Gisbergen's Journey: From 'Deer in the Headlights' to NASCAR Contender
The Trackhouse Racing driver, Van Gisbergen, had a remarkable season, claiming the second-most wins of any driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With five road course victories out of six, he proved his prowess on the tracks. Despite his impressive performance, Gisbergen's journey to the top was not without challenges.
In an interview, Gisbergen reflected on his season, stating, 'I started at a pretty low level. I was just a deer in the headlights to start the year.' This humble admission highlights his initial struggles, but he quickly gained momentum.
The turning point came in Mexico City, where he secured his breakthrough win in the 16th race of the season. Gisbergen described that weekend as a pivotal moment, saying, 'It was a season of two halves. The first half was a lot of learning, but since Mexico, it's all clicked.'
His road course dominance is well-known, giving him an edge in those races. However, Gisbergen's ultimate goal is to be just as competitive on ovals. He acknowledged the pressure of unknown factors in those races, stating, 'It's still pretty nerve-racking not knowing how it's going to be.'
Looking ahead, Gisbergen is set to return to New Zealand for the summer, with his off-season plans yet to be finalized. His focus remains on continuous improvement, as he aims to build on his success and make a strong start to the next season.
