Van Gisbergen sets sights on NZ Grand Prix
Shane van Gisbergen has been revealed as the first big-name wildcard driver for the New Zealand Grand Prix at Hampton Downs.
The Bathurst winner and 2016 Supercars champion has secured a spot in the January 23-24 event but his participation hangs in the balance because of Covid-19.
Van Gisbergen is due back at his Supercars base on the Gold Coast on February 5 and currently the Queensland government requires travellers entering the state to complete two weeks quarantine.
The Kiwi ace will need those rules to be relaxed if he is to compete at the Grand Prix.
A test in the current FT60 car was organised for the 31-year-old by Hampton Downs and Toyota Gazoo Racing New Zealand, and the Waikato circuit has helped him secure the drive for the 66th running of the race.
Josie Spillane, chief operating officer at Hampton Downs, says: “Shane is one of New Zealand’s greatest drivers and ambassadors of the modern era and will be a massive drawcard for the first running of the New Zealand Grand Prix at Hampton Downs, which we’ve coined the Race of Champions.
“Hampton Downs has been working hard behind the scenes to deliver several NZ champions for the event and we are delighted Shane has stepped up and committed despite the Covid cloud hanging over the final outcome.”
Van Gisbergen admits it would be a dream come true to win the race and he is also keen to honour the legacy of Kenny Smith, who will contest his 50th Grand Prix in 2021.
“The New Zealand Grand Prix carries so much history and it is going to be really cool getting the chance to compete in it,” explains van Gisbergen.
“While I don’t have any expectations and adapting to driving the cars will take a bit of getting used to, it is going to be a lot of fun and I will give it my best.
“It would be amazing to race alongside Kenny Smith again. That guy is an absolute legend, and it will be neat to say I was there for his 50th Grand Prix.”
Hampton Downs hopes to secure other high-profile drivers to compete in the race while Toyota New Zealand has received clearance to bring in up-and-coming international drivers for the Grand Prix and the Castrol Toyota Racing Series.
