SVG returns to the NZRC
Shane van Gisbergen will be contesting four rounds of the 2023 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship.
Mar 27, 2023
Shane van Gisbergen will be trading Škoda for Audi this year when he takes on four rounds of the New Zealand Rally Championship.
SVG has taken to rallying very quickly and can already include a win at the Battle of Jack’s Ridge in late 2020 before a brilliant podium finish in the WRC2 class of Rally New Zealand last year.
While chasing a fourth Supercars title and third in succession remains the South Aucklander’s major focus, van Gisbergen has expanded his rallying ventures into four rounds of the national championship – starting with International Rally of Whangarei in May.
Missing just the Rally of Otago this weekend, Shane will take over LJ Hooker and Giltrap Group backed Audi AP4 car owned by Dylan Turner (who will compete at Otago) so he can contest the three final rounds of the championship at Bay of Plenty and two yet-to-be-confirmed locations.
“A massive thanks to Dylan – he planned on having an easier year this year so to let us share his car for a few rounds is pretty exciting,” van Gisbergen said. “Getting to work with him and also Choice Performance Ralliart team again, who I worked with before at Jack’s Ridge, will be awesome.
“The car looks really cool – I am looking forward to it.
“We have some great supporters this year – the main ones being Giltrap Group, LJ Hooker, United Truck Parts, Ward Demolition, Ellerslie Jewellers, Pirelli and then Baron Leather Goods supporting as well – they supported Dad when he was rallying his Escort and so to be on my rally car this year is amazing.
The AP4 spec car is quite a different beast from the global specification WRC2 Škoda Fabia R5 he had challenged some rounds of the rally championship last year, with some advantages and disadvantages to get to grips with. It will pose more of a challenge than simply stepping into the car and being instantly familiar.
“I’m Looking forward to seeing how Dylan goes this weekend at Otago – I will be watching the timing as much as I can in Melbourne. I look forward to getting back together with Glen [co-driver Glen Weston] and keeping on learning and getting better.” Says van Gisbergen
Turner will run the car at Otago this weekend in the season-opening event and will also compete at South Canterbury in June, while Shane has a full dance card with Supercars rounds in Australia.