Shane van Gisbergen‘s crash happened after his sprint car flipped during a race at Baypark Speedway in Tauranga on December 28, 2024.
This incident marked a significant point in his racing career as it was the first time the accomplished New Zealand racing driver experienced a flip in a race car.
Shane van Gisbergen, who is set to make his full-time debut in the NASCAR Cup Series next year with Trackhouse Racing, was piloting his #97A United Truck Parts sprint car when the crash occurred.
Van Gisbergen’s crash unfolded during the second heat race of the evening after he had initially struggled in the first heat, finishing in 12th place.
Starting from third position in the second heat, he aimed to improve his performance. However, early in the race, he encountered difficulties that forced him to the back of the field after bringing out a caution flag.
As he attempted to regain his footing and make his way forward, disaster struck on Turn 1 when he collided with Ayrton Hodgson’s #28M car. The impact sent van Gisbergen’s car airborne, resulting in a series of violent rolls before it landed back on its side.
Van Gisbergen’s crash was alarming for both spectators and fans watching from afar. Fortunately, the 35-year old racer emerged from the wreckage unharmed, thanks to modern safety protocols and equipment designed to protect drivers during such high-impact incidents.
He took to social media shortly after the crash to share his experience with fans, posting onboard footage of the incident along with a message expressing gratitude to the safety crew and his team for their swift response.
“Well, that was my first ever flip! Unfortunately got collected by someone and took a bit of a ride,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He further stated that his team was already working on rebuilding the car and expressed optimism about racing again that night.
Despite his positive outlook, the damage to his sprint car was severe enough to prevent him from competing in the subsequent feature race of the evening. The feature race continued without him, ultimately won by James Dahm after an intense battle with other competitors.
Van Gisbergen’s absence from this race was particularly disappointing as he had hoped to showcase his skills at home before transitioning full-time into NASCAR.
In addition to the physical demands of racing, van Gisbergen’s crash highlights the mental resilience required in motorsport. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in racing, even for seasoned professionals like van Gisbergen.
His ability to walk away unscathed is a testament to both his skill as a driver and the advancements in safety technology within motorsport.
Van Gisbergen’s crash did not deter him from engaging in post-race activities; he remained at Baypark Speedway to engage with fans and sign autographs, demonstrating his commitment to connecting with supporters despite the unfortunate turn of events.
His presence at the track underscored his love for racing and appreciation for those who follow him. Fans expressed their relief at his safety and continued support for his career as he prepares for upcoming races.
Looking ahead, van Gisbergen is scheduled to compete again at Baypark on December 30 and then at Waikaraka Park on January 1 before heading to Western Springs Speedway. These races are part of his sprint car schedule in New Zealand before he officially begins his NASCAR journey.
His transition into NASCAR has generated significant excitement among fans and analysts alike, especially considering his recent successes in various racing formats.
Van Gisbergen’s crash incident serves as both a cautionary tale and an opportunity for growth as he gears up for a new chapter in NASCAR Cup Series, where he will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro for Trackhouse Racing alongside teammates Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain.
