From Shane van Gisbergen's highly anticipated NASCAR debut to Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin's pursuit of the IndyCar championship, the weekend promises thrills and intense competition. Let's dive into the exciting lineup and find out how you can catch all the exhilarating racing action.
Images: Team Shanghai Yonda, TrackHouse Racing, Brendon Leitch, Chip Ganassi Racing, Shane van Gisbergen
Shane van Gisbergen: NASCAR Grant Park 220
Shane van Gisbergen steps away from his usual Supercars and Rallying duties to make a highly anticipated cameo in the Grant Park 220 NASCAR race on the streets of Chicago this weekend. Representing Trackhouse Racing as part of their Project 91 program, Shane follows the likes of Kimi Räikkönen to pilot the car. But the really big question on everyone’s lips is: Is NASCAR where Shane sees himself in the next chapter of his career?
Perhaps fellow Kiwi Supercar ace, Scott McLaughlin, has offeed some advice when the pair caught up in the States this week.
“Good to catch up with my Kiwi bro Scott McLaughlin. Cool to talk about life in USA and the old times. Good luck this weekend mate” SVG posted on social media.
While rights to broadcast the event live haven’t been acquired, Shaun Summerfield will be bringing you the highlights on CRC Motorsport next weekend.
Scott Dixon, Scott McLaughlin & Marcus Armstrong: IndyCar - Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
Speaking of Scott McLaughlin, we’re in for another enthralling Indycar race as Scotts – McLaughlin and Dixon, along with rising Indycar star, Marcus Armstrong take on the challenging Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The three Kiwis will battle over 80 laps and Mid-Ohio sportscar course delivers intense battles and high-speed drama.
Scott Dixon currently holds the highest position among the Kiwi drivers, sitting in fifth place in the championship standings. McLaughlin follows closely behind. Both drivers have a significant challenge ahead as they aim to close the gap on Alex Palou, who currently leads the championship but Kiwi’s tend to go well at road courses, so Mid-Ohio could be a pivotal round for the Kiwi contingent.
The circuit will be close to what Marcus Armstrong has come to know through his time racing in Europe, so it’s a great opportunity for him to solidify his position as the top rookie in the class of 2023. Armstrong sits in 18th place in the standings, considering in his maiden season he hasn’t competed in Oval circuits, his introduction to Indycars has gone very well indeed.
Also racing at Mid-Ohio, in the Indycars feeder, Indy NXT, Kiwi Hunter McElrea is looking to continue his recent form with is recent maiden podium finish at Road America. McElrea is sitting in third place in the standings and this weekend will be an important one as he looks to close the gap on championship leader Nolan Siegel, who holds a 58-point advantage.
Brendon Leitch / Earl Bamber: Super Trofeo Europe and 24 Hours of Spa
Brendon Leitch has a full dance card this weekend as he participates in two races of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe, where he is currently third in the championship, driving for Leipert Motorsport in the Dayle ITM-backed #86 Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.
In addition, Leitch will also join forces with Gerhard Watzinger (USA), Kerong Li (CHN), and JF Brunot (USA) to compete in the Pro-Am class of the 24 Hours of Spa. Piloting the #70 CrowdStrike Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2, Leitch aims to conquer the challenging Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
Also contesting the Spa 24 hours is Earl Bamber. Bamber is partnering with father and son duo, Stephen and Brenton Grove, along with Australian Supercar driver, Anton De Pasquale at the iconic Spa Francorchamps Circuit. The team has already been competing in various GT races in a Porsche 911 GT3 R (992), including the Bathurst 12 Hour, Kyalami 9 Hour, Dubai 24 Hour, and GT World Challenge Australia and recently completed a two-day test at Spa Francorchamps, where Anton's impressive performance helped the team secure second place in one of the sessions.
Bamber’s knowledge of the Porsche product and the Belgium circuit will be invaluable, but the Grove’s too have previous experience at Spa and with track support from Earl Bamber Motorsport and Jack Bell, the race engineer from Penrite Racing, they have set themselves up with a very experience and no-doubt competitive team.
Chris van der Drift: Porsche Carrera Cup Asia
Chris van der Drift exchanges Lamborghini keys for Porsche keys as he follows up recent Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia driving duties (partnering with fellow Kiwi, Marco Giltrap) and rejoins Team Shanghai Yonda for Rounds 5 and 6 of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. Van der Drift will be racing at the renowned Suzuka International Circuit and is currently occupying the third position in the Dealer Trophy standings, van der Drift will participate in two thrilling 13-lap races around the legendary Japanese track.
