Shane van Gisbergen to drive Trackhouse’s Project 91 entry

Front view of Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 91 Chevrolet, to be run at the Chicago street course, July 2. Courtesy of Trackhouse Racing

Trackhouse Racing said Thursday its Project 91 entry will return at the Chicago street course with Shane van Gisbergen driving.

Van Gisbergen will race Trackhouse’s No. 91 Chevrolet in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series Chicago Street Race, set for July 2.

For the 76-time winner and three-time champion in Australian Supercars, this will be his first NASCAR race.

“I can honestly say I have dreamed about an opportunity in NASCAR, but really never thought it would become a reality. I can’t wait to get to the States to meet everyone and prepare for Chicago. It’s NASCAR’s first time on the streets of Chicago so in some ways everyone will be a rookie like me, but I don’t underestimate that it’s going to be a huge challenge,” van Gisbergen said.

Shane van Gisbergen, who will run Trackhouse Racing’s No. 91 Chevrolet at the Chicago street course, July 2. Courtesy of Trackhouse Racing

Van Gisbergen will arrive in the U.S. in late June and help the team during the June 23-25 race weekend at Nashville Superspeedway. Then, he will help out in the week leading up to the Chicago street course race.

“There is so much I have to learn about these cars and how the races are run. The learning curve will be quite steep, but I am ready for everything they will throw at me. I know a lot of Kiwis and Aussies will be watching and I’m honored to get this opportunity,” van Gisbergen said.

“We have been very pleased with the fan reaction to Kimi’s participation the last two seasons. I’ll concede the American racing fan might not be as familiar with Shane as they are with Kimi. However, if you talk with anyone in Australia, New Zealand and that part of the world, they will tell you he is one of the most talented drivers on the planet. He’s used to street racing in heavy cars and I think everyone will be very impressed with his performance,” Trackhouse co-owner Justin Marks said.

Kimi Raikkonen debuted the Project91 entry last year at Watkins Glen and at Circuit of the Americas in March.

The crew chief in each effort, Darian Grubb will return to be van Gisbergen’s crew chief.

Van Gisbergen will have sponsorship from Enhance Health and Quad Lock.