New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen is poised to make his third appearance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, this time behind the wheel of the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The move comes after the 2023 Cup Series winner captured his first victory of the year on the road course at Watkins Glen, where he also finished third in the recent Truck race.
Van Gisbergen’s previous foray into the Truck Series was a 19th‑place finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2023 while driving for Niece Motorsports. That experience, coupled with his recent Cup success, has set the stage for a more competitive outing on the 1.5‑mile oval that will host the upcoming event.
A Strategic Move for Spire Motorsports
Spire Motorsports, a team that has already collected eleven Truck Series victories and added two more earlier this season, will field the Silverado for van Gisbergen alongside veteran Kyle Busch and emerging talent Carson Hocevar. The lineup not only bolsters the team’s on‑track ambitions but also brings a high‑profile sponsorship from NationsGuard, underscoring growing commercial interest in international drivers.
For van Gisbergen, Charlotte represents a first‑time oval test across all three of NASCAR’s national divisions. He will be the second Trackhouse Racing driver to pilot a Spire truck this year, sharing the garage with teammates who bring a blend of championship experience and youthful momentum.
The partnership highlights how teams are leveraging global talent to add depth and diversity to the series, while Spire’s strong historical performance suggests that the No. 71 entry could contend for its 13th Truck Series win at Charlotte.