Triple Triumph: Shane van Gisbergen Secures Third Bathurst 1000 Victory on Mount Panorama

Sport

Shane van Gisbergen wins Bathurst 1000 for third time at Mount Panorama

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Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand racing sensation, has once again claimed victory at the iconic Bathurst 1000, cementing his status as one of the greats of the sport. The win marks van Gisbergen’s third triumph at Mount Panorama, an achievement that only a select few have accomplished.

Teaming up with Richie Stanaway, van Gisbergen became part of the second all-New Zealand duo to win the Bathurst 1000, following in the footsteps of Greg Murphy and Steven Richards in 1999. The pair showcased their exceptional driving skills, starting from sixth on the grid and tearing away from the competition to secure victory by almost 20 seconds.

This victory is particularly notable as van Gisbergen is also bowing out of Supercars, the premier motorsport championship in Australia, with a stellar record. His consecutive wins at Bathurst, a feat not seen in 15 years, alongside his overall dominance over the past few years, have solidified his place as one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history.

The 161-lap marathon unfolded against the backdrop of a record-breaking crowd, emphasizing the enduring appeal and significance of the Bathurst 1000. Van Gisbergen’s win not only showcases his skill and ability to adapt to different track conditions, but also highlights the strength and performance of his Triple Eight/Chevrolet team.

In a post-race interview, van Gisbergen expressed his elation at the victory, stating, “Amazing. We weren’t the fastest car all week, but we worked on the race car.” His co-driver, Richie Stanaway, who had previously retired from Supercars only to return for this season, described the win as an “unbelievable feeling” and expressed his happiness at being part of such an iconic team.

While van Gisbergen will be missed in the Supercars circuit, fans can take solace in the fact that he plans to return to Bathurst in the future. However, he will be heading to the United States at the end of the season to pursue a full-time career in NASCAR, an exciting new chapter in his racing journey.

This victory also serves as a bittersweet moment for Ford teams, who were left disappointed after technical adjustments to their Mustangs were rejected just days before the race. Despite their hopes, it was the Chevrolet dominance that prevailed, with van Gisbergen taking his Chevrolet Camaro to victory.

As the Gen3 era begins in Supercars, van Gisbergen’s win adds to the remarkable success of the Camaro this season, with 21 out of 24 wins going to Chevrolet. The absence of multiple Ford victories raises questions about the competitiveness of the Ford teams and their ability to challenge the dominance of Chevrolet moving forward.

At the same time, van Gisbergen’s triumph adds fuel to the debate surrounding the balance of power between manufacturers in Supercars. It begs the question of whether adjustments should be made to level the playing field and provide a more equitable competition.

Looking ahead, van Gisbergen’s win at Bathurst solidifies his position as a strong contender for a third-straight Supercars title. His impressive career record, including three Bathurst 1000 victories and multiple championship wins, demonstrates his skill, determination, and commitment to the sport.

As van Gisbergen prepares to embark on his NASCAR journey, it is clear that his legacy in Supercars will not be forgotten. His name will forever be associated with the iconic Bathurst 1000, and his remarkable achievements will continue to inspire and captivate motorsport fans around the world.

In conclusion, Shane van Gisbergen’s win at the Bathurst 1000 for the third time is a testament to his exceptional driving skills, perseverance, and the strength of his team. It marks a significant moment in the history of Australian motorsport and further establishes van Gisbergen’s legacy as one of the greatest drivers in the sport.