Supercars ace ready for rally battle
Kiwi Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen is preparing to pit his skills against some of New Zealand’s best rally drivers after entering the Battle of Jacks Ridge in November 2020.
The 31-year-old, pictured, has progressed through speedway, motocross and karts and has also enjoyed plenty of success drifting in recent years along with clinching the 2016 Supercars championship.
His father, Robert, was a talented rally driver and the younger van Gisbergen has often expressed an interest in competing on gravel.
The Red Bull Holden racer will now give rallying a shot when he tackles the purpose-built Jacks Ridge stage on Andrew Hawkeswood’s Whitford property on November 15.
“I remember playing in the mud at Dad’s rallies and at rally sprints and stuff and always watching and loving it,” says van Gisbergen.
“It was something I never really got the chance to do when I was young – I did a lot of gymkhana and sprints and stuff but never really did a proper rally so it is pretty exciting that our [Supercars] season finishes early so I can come to New Zealand and do some cool events.
“It was a shame Rally New Zealand didn’t happen for all these reasons going on in the world at the moment but the alternative we have got in the City of Auckland Rally and Battle of Jacks Ridge is pretty special and I am looking forward to getting there.”
The coronavirus pandemic and international travel restrictions has disrupted the motorsport calendar this year. However, it means van Gisbergen will be able to return to New Zealand after completing his 2020 Supercars campaign with the Bathurst 1000, quarantine for 14 days and then take part in the Battle of Jacks Ridge.
Van Gisbergen grew up close to where the event is being held and admits there is a temptation to do more rallying in the coming years.
“I have no expectations on how it is going to go but for sure when the helmet comes on and I’m at the start line I will have a good go at it,” Van Gisbergen said.
“At the same time I will stick within my limits – it is a bit different to anything I have ever done.
“For sure I would love to keep doing it. I am sure I will enjoy it and we will see if anything comes of it. It is something we have tried to do for a few years – I’ve had a few tests in AP4 cars and things like that.
“Hopefully I can do some more in the future but this will be a good start point.”
Race rivals
Other drivers confirmed for the event include World Rally Championship star Hayden Paddon, defending national rally champion Ben Hunt, and leading New Zealand Rally Championship contenders Emma Gilmour and Dylan Turner.
Ian Ffitch hopes to be hot on their heels as he tackles the gravel course on a custom-built quad bike.
Jack Hawkeswood – son of 2017 national rally champion Andrew – is also expected to be among the front runners as the farm hosting the event is named in his honour.
