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WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 09: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, looks on during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 09, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The New Zealand-born NASCAR and Supercars driver Shane van Gisbergen, who is better known by fans as SVG, has established an image as one of the most risk-takers in motorsport.
Since his reign of dominance in Supercars in Australia, he has made history in NASCAR in the streets of Chicago in 2023, and his ascendancy can be described as remarkable. What is so easily forgotten, however, is the family underpinning of that success.
The Shane van Gisbergen family has been the centre point of the voyage of Shane. Starting with the influence of his father in the spirited rally driving, and his mother pressed him into the person and competitor he is to date.
The following are five quick facts about the individuals who were behind the SVG ascension.
1. Racing Runs in the Blood Thanks to Dad Robert
Every racing story begins somewhere, and for Shane van Gisbergen, it started with his father, Robert van Gisbergen. A former rally driver, Robert passed on more than just a love of cars; he gave Shane his first taste of motorsport. When Shane was just five years old, Robert bought him an ATV. That single gift sparked a passion that would define his life.
Robert was more than a supportive parent at the stand; he was a practically involved one. He gave Shane the lessons on what it takes to be a disciplined and tough boy to succeed.
2. Mom Karen Was Shane van Gisbergen’s Emotional Anchor
Behind any brave chauffeur, there usually exists a reliable anchor, and in the case of Shane, it was his mother, Karen Wallace. Karen was the daughter of a British-New Zealander, with her balanced approach to the racing lifestyle and warmth and grounding. She had been the emotional heart of the family; she was always there on the track, cheering on the sidelines, and she lifted Shane van Gisbergen when things had gone wrong.
Her sacrifices were myriad, be it ensuring that Shane had equipment available to compete or going with him as he went through various points in his career.
In 2016, Shane went ahead to dedicate his Supercars 500 win to both of his parents and realised how essential they had been throughout his path. She died in April 2024, leaving a huge empty field, yet her influence is leaving an impression on him.
3. Honoring Karen’s Legacy on the Track
The death of his mother resulted in a changed life for Shane van Gisbergen, with him deciding to go and race in her memory. With NASCAR it used the livery of “Wallace” in his car, which was a moving gesture symbolizing the constant presence in his racing career.
Shane van Gisbergen has stated that racing was also a coping mechanism as it assisted him in getting processed over his grief, and her memory was restored. This gesture found a new friend in fans who knew the fragile nature of an aggressive driver who had riches in the racing scene.
4. Sister Lauren: The Family’s Road-Trip Warrior
Little sister Lauren grew up in the family lifestyle of motorsports. Childhood had been filled with road trips around the country to see the races in New Zealand, which had both ruined and reunited the siblings.
Today, Lauren continues to appear regularly to accompany her brother to events, feeling a sense of identity and balance to his busy international calendar. In the case of Shane van Gisbergen, the presence is reminding her that, on however large a plane she may bring herself to fly, family is always the main constant.
5. A Kiwi Racing Dynasty with European Roots
The Shane van Gisbergen story is also a story of heritage. Karen, being of British-New Zealand descent, and Robert, being Dutch, the latter gave Shane a diverse cultural heritage, which instilled in him the bravery of thriving on the Island.
Such values in the family of resiliency, togetherness, and passion saw him become a global motorsport star out of a karting prodigy. Instead of being solely a matter of personal ambition, his landmark win in the 2023 Chicago Street Race, which witnessed him shock NASCAR fans on the first obligation, demonstrated that a change of dynasty was racing.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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