SVG delighted to share Bathurst win with dad
Robert van Gisbergen was a keen bystander as son Shane celebrated his second Bathurst win.
Van Gisbergen junior won Sunday’s Repco Bathurst 1000 with Garth Tander.
It was the series leader’s second win in three years, and record 19th of 2022.
Father Robert was denied watching his son between March 2020 and June 2022 due to COVID-19 border restrictions.
A keen racer himself, Robert watched on from New Zealand as Shane held on to win in 2020.
Robert made his first trackside appearance in Townsville back in July, and Shane duly won.
Last month, Shane won in front of friends and family, including parents and sister Lauren, in Pukekohe.
For the first time since 2019, Robert headed to Mount Panorama to watch his won race.
Shane delivered in style, handing Holden a 36th and final victory.
That moment alone meant much to Shane, who has won 71 races for Holden since 2013.
However, having his father trackside - along with thousands of fans - ensured the 2022 celebrations went to another level.
"It was also cool to have my family in friends here to share this moment,” Shane said.
“They missed out on our win in 2020.
"My dad is finally able to come over to watch our races again.
The van Gisbergens in Townsville
"I’ve loved racing again with him mainly in rally.
"It’s great to see how much it means to him as well.”
The Bathurst win came a week after Robert watched his son score points on his World Rally Championship debut.
Shane raced to ninth overall in Repco Rally New Zealand.
It was an extension of a dream Shane carried ever since he listened to Robert talk about his own rallying exploits.
The 33-year-old is now armed with a chance to clinch his third Supercars title on the Gold Coast.
“It still hasn’t sunk in,” the reigning champion added.
"To compare our win in 2020, it’s another farewell to Holden.
“But to have the fans here this time and share it with them is extra special.
"This week especially, I learnt a lot about how much the Holden brand means to so many people.
“To represent it like we do, it’s a privilege to add to the tally of Holden wins.
"It’s hard to put into words but it’s pretty cool."
The 2022 season will continue at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 on October 28-30.
