The NASCAR Cup Series is revving up for a spectacular show in Las Vegas, but this time there’s a distinct Kiwi flair on display. Shane van Gisbergen, the three-time Supercars champion from New Zealand, is turning heads with his #88 Trackhouse Chevrolet, which will hit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway track in a striking New Zealand-inspired livery. The black base, adorned with the iconic silver ferns and red stars from the country’s flag, is more than just a paint job—it’s a powerful nod to van Gisbergen’s heritage and the sporting traditions of his homeland.
For New Zealanders, the silver fern is far more than a botanical symbol. It’s a badge of honor, worn by the nation’s greatest sporting teams: the All Blacks and Black Ferns in rugby, the Black Caps and White Ferns in cricket, and the Silver Ferns in netball. Now, van Gisbergen is bringing that legacy to the high-octane world of American stock car racing. "It’s an awesome paint scheme, so special to have some influence on the design," van Gisbergen shared, clearly moved by the moment. "It’s super cool to be able to show some of my Kiwi heritage on the track this weekend in Las Vegas. To be able to have the Southern Cross, Silver Fern and the colours of New Zealand on my car – I was speechless when I first saw it. Just really special to me and I’m excited to be carrying huge momentum with my team into the weekend."
The timing couldn’t be better for such a bold statement. Van Gisbergen is riding a wave of momentum after clinching his fifth win of the season at the Charlotte ROVAL—a road course where he’s proven almost untouchable. That victory not only solidified his reputation as a road course ace but also boosted his confidence heading into the critical Round of 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
But it’s not just on road courses where SVG, as he’s affectionately known, is making strides. His adaptation to the unique demands of American oval racing has been impressive, especially considering his background is rooted in the circuits of Supercars and international touring car competitions. "I think it’s two sort of stories," van Gisbergen explained with candor. "The road courses obviously have been amazing, and then the ovals – I started the year in the 30s, genuinely, which is very average, but I feel like we’ve grounded out, now we’re a 15th to 10th place car on most weeks."
That steady climb up the standings hasn’t come easy. The mile-and-a-half ovals like Las Vegas present a unique set of challenges—high speeds, relentless bumps, and the constant jostle for position in a tightly packed field. "Vegas is a pretty tough one with the speed and the bumps. It’s going to be a challenge. It’s not going to be easy. I feel like I’m getting there, but I still have a lot to learn," van Gisbergen admitted during the NASCAR Happy Hour. "Every week I’m out there, I learn something and have thoughts on how to be better again. I know I have a long way to go, that’s for sure, but I’m enjoying that process."
Learning at nearly 190 miles per hour is no small feat. Van Gisbergen described the sensation of holding it wide open through Las Vegas’s sweeping corners as "a crazy feeling and something I’m not comfortable with." He elaborated, "It’s so fast when you hook into those corners there. Then when you do it in the race around other cars, that’s where I’m learning, trying to get comfortable, know where to place the car in the air and try and understand what’s happening. It’s just taking time."
Despite the steep learning curve, van Gisbergen’s progress is clear. His recent top-ten finish at Kansas, another challenging oval, is a testament to his adaptability and relentless drive. As the Playoffs heat up, expectation management becomes crucial. "It’s nice people think so high of us now," he said, reflecting on the increased attention. "It’s a cool feeling that everyone knows the 88’s going to be pretty good on road course weekends. I like that. You certainly feel a pretty good atmosphere in the shop on a road course week. My teammates are strong on road courses, as well. I don’t think it puts any more pressure or expectation from outside. I guess from other drivers and media, maybe, but I find it’s a nice feeling to have."
Van Gisbergen’s journey this season is more than just a personal story—it’s emblematic of the growing international influence in NASCAR. His presence, along with the striking New Zealand livery, is a reminder of how global the sport has become. The partnership with primary sponsor Jockey, who backed the special paint scheme, only adds to the international flavor of the event.
As the South Point 400 approaches, all eyes are on the #88 and its Kiwi driver. The Las Vegas race, set for Monday, October 13, 2025, at 8:35am AEDT, marks the kickoff of the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 8 Playoffs. It’s the first of three crucial contests, with Talladega and Martinsville looming on the horizon. Each race carries massive implications for the championship chase, and van Gisbergen’s recent form suggests he could be a dark horse as the field narrows.
For fans back in New Zealand, the sight of the silver fern flying around Las Vegas is sure to stir national pride. It’s not every day that one of their own makes such a splash on the American stage, especially in a sport where international drivers are still something of a rarity. The symbolism of the livery—melding the Southern Cross, silver ferns, and the bold black and red of the national flag—transcends mere aesthetics. It’s a statement of identity, resilience, and ambition.
Of course, the road ahead remains challenging. Van Gisbergen is quick to acknowledge that while the progress has been steady, the competition only gets fiercer as the Playoffs progress. The stakes are high, and every lap at Las Vegas will be a test of nerve, skill, and adaptability. Yet, if his recent performances are any indication, SVG is more than ready to embrace the challenge.
As the engines roar to life at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, fans and competitors alike will be watching to see if van Gisbergen’s momentum can carry him further into the Playoffs. With his distinctive New Zealand livery gleaming under the Nevada sun, one thing’s for sure—the spirit of the silver fern is alive and well on NASCAR’s biggest stage. The action is set, the anticipation is palpable, and for Shane van Gisbergen, this weekend is about more than racing—it’s about making history, one lap at a time.
