Van Gisbergen opens up on replacement talks

Shane van Gisbergen says there is a short list of people that could replace him at Triple Eight, but reiterated he doesn’t yet have a NASCAR plan locked in.

Van Gisbergen is Stateside ahead of his second NASCAR Cup Series start at Indianapolis this weekend.

The Kiwi recently made clear his intentions to shift to NASCAR full-time in 2024, despite being contracted with Triple Eight.

Critically, van Gisbergen said he wanted Triple Eight to have a suitable replacement lined up before he departed.

Van Gisbergen’s latest comments come after reports emerged that Erebus Motorsport driver Will Brown could replace the New Zealander next year.

Speaking to media overnight, van Gisbergen said his current priority is Triple Eight, and will be happy to move on if his team has a strong replacement option.

Van Gisbergen won on his NASCAR debut in July

“I’m still working hard on it,” van Gisbergen said.

“Still, my priority is my Australian team, Triple Eight, wanting to get them to have a replacement they’re happy with.

“As long as they’re happy with who’s going to replace me, I’ll be happy leaving. I’m trying to get something over here and work on it.

“I don’t have anything signed up, and I’m loving Trackhouse, where I am now, and the plans that Justin [Marks, co-owner] has proposed, I guess, for the future is pretty exciting.

“I’d love to be here and keep working, expand my career, and come over and have a crack.”

The two-time Bathurst winner revealed there is a short list of candidates, all of whom he would be “comfortable” to replace him.

'I know there's there a short list of people'

However, van Gisbergen reiterated he still has a title to win, having closed to 54 points of the championship lead at the last round in Sydney.

"I've had people ringing me about it, asking me what the team's like," van Gisbergen said.

"I know there's there a short list of people, I think it's three or four guys. All of them I would be comfortable to replace me.

"Hopefully, one of them comes up sooner or rather than later and we can work on with it.

"I'm still loving being part of that team. Last round we had a good run, and we're still fighting pretty hard for this year's championship.”

Van Gisbergen and Brodie Kostecki will compete at this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at the Indy road course, with van Gisbergen to make his oval debut on Saturday (AEST).

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the OTR SuperSprint on August 18-20. Tickets are on sale now.