While Kyle Larson was in the middle of his first international stint with High Limit Racing Series at Perth Motorplex in Australia this Sunday, Shane van Gisbergen was competing in Sprint Car races on dirt track at Baypark Speedway in New Zealand. The Australian Supercars Champion, however, was involved in a severe crash in one of the heats there, when his car flipped after getting bumped into the wall.
Advertisement
It was the first major wreck of the 35-year-old New Zealander’s career. And while fans were glad SVG walked away from the crash safe, they were perplexed why he was racing in New Zealand instead of joining Larson in Perth.
One fan queried, “Why are you not at Perth supporting your friend @KyleLarsonRacin and @HighLimitRacing.”
Another speculated, “Here’s your proof of the ego that controls fake racecar drivers. SVG didn’t want to get waxed by the guys in Perth, but still wanted fake recognition of being a sprint car driver, so he bypassed the biggest race in Australian history to race in this, race?”
It was a harrowing flip for Van Gisbergen, who posted an onboard video of the crash on X.
“Well that was my first ever flip! Unfortunately got collected by someone and took a bit of a ride. Thanks to the safety crew for doing an amazing job. The United Truck Parts team are having at rebuilding the car and we should be racing tonight at Baypark again,” he wrote.
Not much you can do when hard up against the wall like that. Its part of the sport I guess and you will have these moments. Battle on mate.
— Straya!!! Love it and Live it. (@Mansell05) December 29, 2024
Fans, naturally, were concerned seeing the visuals. “Damn man glad you are All good…. hell of a ride,” said one, while others offered support: “NOT CLEAR! Glad you’re okay. What a bone-head move from the car on the inside.”
Van Gisbergen was getting into the heat of things before the crash ended his run at Baypark Speedway.
How did SVG perform in the two sprint car races?
SVG navigated through his initial heat race of the evening on Sunday, securing a P12 finish before things went tumbling in the second heat. Starting in third place, the #97A driver dropped positions and eventually halted at the last turn early in the race, prompting a yellow flag.
Restarting at the back of the pack, SVG found himself in a tangle with Ayrton Hodgson’s #28M at Turn 1, climbing over their right rear wheel and catapulting into the air, culminating in a series of flips.
Hodgson continued racing, while Van Gisbergen emerged unharmed. He was forced to retire due to the damage to his Sprintcar. He missed the 20-lap feature race that was subsequently won by James Dahm, with Jamie Larsen and Dean Cooper coming in second and third.
Despite the early exit, Van Gisbergen devoted the remainder of the evening engaging with fans and signing autographs.
SVG will take part in his first full season in the NASCAR Cup Series next year, driving for Trackhouse Racing in the No. 88 Chevrolet ZL1.
