Legend in for Highlands
Shane van Gisbergen is gearing up for next month’s Highlands 6 Hour Endurance race.
The reigning Supercars champion, who is heading to the US in 2024 after sampling NASCAR by winning on debut, will drive the Carters Brabham BT62 at the 10th anniversary event at Cromwell. He will team up with regular driver Dwayne Carter.
Josie Spillane, the circuit and event’s chief executive officer, says: “Shane has been a massive supporter and competitor at our events since we opened in 2013. We are delighted to have him back racing at Highlands for our first-ever 6 Hour Endurance Race.”
Van Gisbergen, pictured, is a family friend of the Carters. He and Dwayne have raced and won together before in the team’s cars.
“I’m excited to get to race at Highlands as it’s one of my favourite tracks in the world,” says The Gis. “To get to do it in the Brabham is very cool as well. Big thanks to Dwayne, Garry and the team for this opportunity.
“I was part of the first big event at Highlands and I’m looking forward to being part of its 10th anniversary – and hopefully having a lot of fun.”
Car owner Garry Carter says it’s an exciting combination of car and driver, and the family-run team is looking forward to being a big part of the weekend.
“We are excited to have Shane in the team,” he adds. “We are intending on putting our best foot forward and having a great weekend of racing.”
Van Gisbergen is considered one of the best drivers in the world currently, capturing attention in the motorsport world not only for his speed but also his incredible versatility, which harks back to Kiwis from past eras.
He has, of course, raced successfully in Supercars and in GT and he won the New Zealand Grand Prix in a one-off single-seater appearance in 2021. He’s also won in rallying and competed in Sprint Cars in recent times too.
Spillane adds: “The fans love that versatility and his immense talent behind the wheel. I’m sure there will be plenty of fans coming to watch Shane in action. His entry has just raised already high anticipation of the event.
“It’s going to be one of the last chances to see him race this type of car in New Zealand for a while and seeing him hustle the Brabham around Highlands is going to be pretty special.”
An invitation field of up to 32 GT3, GT4 and Open Class cars will compete in what will be one of this country’s toughest-ever enduros. Each vehicle can have two or three drivers, but they must be a combination of professional and amateur.
The 10th anniversary of Highlands Motorsport Park takes from November 3-5, with the 6 Hour Endurance Race on the Sunday. There will also be NAPA Central Muscle Cars, Aussie Race Cars and a one-hour endurance.
