Furious V8 Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen says revamped series is worse than ever
V8 Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen says revamped series is ‘worse than ever’ and races abroad futile in astonishing blowout
- Champ says V8 Supercars series is ‘worse than ever’
- Shane van Gisbergen only signed for one year extension
- Kiwi says he likes to pursue rally and speedway racing
Shane van Gisbergen has said the Supercars series is ‘worse than ever’ after revealing he has committed to Red Bull Ampol until the end of 2024.
The two-time defending champion’s immediate future in the touring car world appeared to have come to a halt last week when Triple Eight announced a ‘multi-year’ contract extension.
But in an interview with Fox Sports that aired Sunday, van Gisbergen said he’s looking forward to “at least another year here, which is cool.”
The 33-year-old was asked to clarify whether the deal was just a one-year extension and he sheepishly confirmed that was correct.
It is clear that Van Gisbergen has options to extend beyond 2024, but he is free to pursue other opportunities after next season.
Shane van Gisbergen has said the Supercars series is ‘worse than ever’ after revealing he has committed to Red Bull Ampol until the end of 2024.
It is clear that Van Gisbergen has options to continue beyond 2024, but he is free to pursue other opportunities after next season – and looks very keen to try something new
Van Gisbergen took several swipes at Supercars during the interview, saying that extending his contract after this season had more to do with his love for the Triple Eight team than the series itself.
The New Zealander indicated that he would like to pursue more rally and speedway racing, while also considering a future in the United States.
“It’s weird because the series is worse than ever, all backgrounds, it’s really bad,” he told Fox Sports.
“But the team is great. I loved the challenge this year of the car.
“The car is difficult, but as a driver you have to think, that’s the same for everyone… as a driver you feel that you have less influence.”
Van Gisbergen has consistently expressed concerns about the Gen3 cars when discussing his future, with Red Bull moving from racing Commodores to Chevrolet Camaros after Holden’s demise.
Van Gisbergen, a proud Kiwi, said he was disappointed that Supercars did not return to New Zealand this year following the closure of Pukekohe Raceway.
Van Gisbergen took several swipes at Supercars during the interview, saying that extending his contract after this season had more to do with his love for the Triple Eight team than the series itself
“Going overseas to Singapore and the Middle East, what’s the point?” van Gisbergen said.
“We have new cars that are great and we should go to places like Winton and QR (Queensland Raceway); bring it to the people and make them fall in love with the sport again.”