Van Gisbergen backs 'quality' Brown to raise eyebrows

Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen believes former rival Will Brown has the potential to raise eyebrows in Chicago, but warned the Supercars champion faces some stiff competition.

Triple Eight Race Engineering star Brown will make his second NASCAR Cup Series start at this weekend’s Chicago street race, which will take place from 4:00am AEST on Monday.

The Queenslander will be hoping for more luck on his second start, given his Sonoma debut last year with Richard Childress Racing was plagued by electrical issues.

Brown will steer a Kaulig Racing Camaro this year, and despite his road course smarts, is keeping his expectations in check. However, speaking at the time of Brown's announcement, Kaulig Racing team owner Matt Kaulig was adamant Brown can help the team challenge for victory.

Speaking on NASCAR's Inside the Race podcast, van Gisbergen tipped Brown can turn heads, but suggested it will be a much greater proposition than 2023.

Two years ago, van Gisbergen famously won the first ever Chicago race on his Cup Series debut.

"I actually spotted for him when he raced Sonoma last year, so I was trying to help him a bit. But this year, there's no help because we're competitors," the three-time Bathurst winner said.

"I know that Kaulig can put a really good car together. Even though it will be a third/extra car there, the car will still be capable of a great result, but it's going to be hard.

"It's not everyone's first time there anymore, it's only a short practice, so it's going to be difficult for him.”

Brown was third in practice in Sonoma last year, before the aforementioned electrical issues ruined any chance of a result in qualifying and the race.

Van Gisbergen won from pole in Mexico City last month, with the Kiwi saying a strong qualifying result could pave the way for Brown to make a statement. For the record, van Gisbergen won the 2023 Chicago race from third on the grid.

"If he can maybe get into the top 10 on speed in qualifying, that would be an excellent result, and then the racing, he'll see what it's all about,” van Gisbergen said.

"He is a very good, capable driver so he could surprise a few people, but you just never know.

"This series is so competitive and everyone is so good — it ain't going to be easy for him, but he is a quality driver, so he could spring a result."

Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports will have coverage of both Chicago races, with NASCAR Xfinity Series coverage from 5:30am AEST on Sunday July 6. Fox Sports 506 and Kayo Sports will have coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series race from 3:30am AEST on Monday July 7. Neither practice nor qualifying will be broadcast live on Fox Sports or Kayo Sports.

The 2025 Supercars season resumes in Townsville on July 11-13. Tickets are on sale now. International viewers can watch the action on SuperView.