Shane Van Gisbergen says that at Naval Base Coronado, 67 percent of ticket buyers were first‑time NASCAR fans—a figure the series rang in during a weekend display.
Shane Van Gisbergen on NASCAR’s New‑Fan Growth
The New Zealander, who left Australian Supercars three years ago, now drives for NASCAR and champions the sport’s appeal to those who never stepped into a garage.
“It’s exciting to head into unfamiliar venues and meet new people,” Van Gisbergen noted at Sonoma Raceway, urging that each encounter opens the door to more races and holds that audience in the spotlight.
He added, “I think our sport is really awesome.” The driver stresses that the enthusiasm fans feel after a single race can spark a lasting fan base.
Explaining the All‑Day Appeal of NASCAR Racing
Van Gisbergen cites the global racing community’s fixation on Formula 1. He contrasts that series’ contracted trio of likely victors with NASCAR’s open competition, where “at least ten drivers can win” even on a road course.
“The variety in storylines each week draws in viewers,” he explains, highlighting how multiple possible winners in a single race create widespread intrigue.
Future Stakes: Keeping Storylines Fresh in NASCAR
He urges media outlets to sustain interest by continually delivering new narratives, stating, “We have to keep people interested and bring storylines to the sport.”
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