Three-time Australian Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen’s new career in American racing lasted just four laps before getting caught in a nasty crash at Daytona.
American Toni Breidinger was seventh in a tight pack on lap four of the ARCA season-opener when she was turned around after being squeezed on both sides, setting off a trail of carnage.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Shane van Gisbergen crashes four laps into ARCA career.
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About 12 cars were involved in the pile-up, including van Gisbergen’s Chevrolet, while another three were shoved off the track but escaped unharmed.
It completed a disastrous start to the New Zealander’s first crack at American racing, having missed qualification by a single position before sneaking into the top 34 when 57-year-old veteran Eric Caudell withdrew.
Van Gisbergen proved he had speed by finishing 12th in practice, and had been weaving his way through the field from the back of the grid, making it all the way up to 19th before the the mayhem begun.
The Kiwi was a star of Australian motor racing for over a decade before making the shock move across the Pacific to the USA, but has consistently hinted that he will eventually return.
And he is still keeping an eye on things Down Under, even weighing in on the sensational rift between 2023 Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki and his team, Erebus Motorsport.
Van Gisbergen, who has his own controversial history with Erebus Motorsport, hinted he’d offer support to Kostecki as he prepares to sensationally exit the team he won his first championship for last year.
Kostecki’s future with reigning teams champion seems doomed due to a falling out with management, including boss Barry Ryan.
Van Gisbergen weighed in via Instagram, noting Kostecki hadn’t yet spoken publicly about his future.
“What a sad situation to read about in Australia right now with Brodie,” the three-time champion, who bowed out of Supercars last year, wrote.
“I went through a similar situation 10 or so years ago — not being able to say much, plus the team and media setting the narrative out of your control is not fun.
“Full support here and hope that it works out the correct way, with Brodie enjoying driving race cars in 2024.”
Van Gisbergen alluded to his own issues with Erebus when he had an 18-month legal fight with the team after he walked out on them at the end of the 2012 Supercars season mid-contract and signed with a different outfit.
– With AAP