Shane van Gisbergen expects to be racing in NASCAR Cup Series next season: 'That's why I moved here'

Shane van Gisbergen said Tuesday he expects to make the jump from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series in 2025.

A former Supercars Championship star, van Gisbergen moved to the United States this year after signing a developmental deal with Trackhouse Racing. Now 13 starts into his Xfinity Series career, van Gisbergen has his eyes on the Cup Series.

“That’s why I moved here, right,” van Gisbergen said, via Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut. “I haven’t been told that’s not the plan but no confirmation yet either.”

The 35-year-old, who won in his Cup Series debut in the Chicago Street Race last season, has continued to grow with each race in the Xfinity Series. He earned a playoff berth after winning last Saturday’s race at Portland International Raceway, leading 12-of-75 laps. van Gisbergen has made three Cup Series starts this season, finishing P20 at COTA, P28 at Talladega and P28 at Charlotte.

Asked what he needs to do to be ready for a potential Cup Series ride next season, van Gisbergen said that getting more experience on ovals will help him.

“Another six months so it’s all about time,” van Gisbergen said. “Every time I go out, I feel more comfortable and competitive and understanding how the racing works. We have some more ovals coming up in the Cup car towards the later half of this year. So, that will help me.”

Trackhouse Racing has to make room for Shane van Gisbergen

In order to field him in the Cup Series next season, Trackhouse will have to find a third charter. The team currently has four drivers under contract: van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez and Zane Smith. Trackhouse loaned Smith out to Spire Motorsports this season and he sits 34th in the points standings.

Helping matters for Trackhouse is that Stewart-Haas Racing is shutting down operations after the 2024 season. That means three charters are up for grabs as Front Row Motorsports has already purchased one for $20-25 million.

With Smith struggling in his audition, could van Gisbergen get the promotion he’s seeking in 2025?