Shane van Gisbergen’s Shocking Crash Leaves Fans Wondering Why Isn’t He Supporting Kyle Larson at Perth

Shane van Gisbergen, the renowned Australian Supercars champion, recently found himself in a whirlwind of questions from fans after a dramatic crash in the Sprint Car heat races at Baypark Speedway. While Kyle Larson, a fellow racing champion, took on the prestigious Perth Motorplex event in Australia as part of his international journey with High Limit Racing, van Gisbergen chose to stay closer to home in New Zealand. The unexpected and terrifying crash at Baypark Speedway raised some significant concerns among fans about his decision-making, especially regarding his absence from the High Limit Racing Sprint Series.

The Tumble That Stunned Fans

Van Gisbergen’s harrowing crash occurred during his second Sprint Car race, where the 35-year-old was involved in a high-speed collision that sent his car flipping in dramatic fashion. It was a rare moment for SVG, who had not experienced such a major wreck in his otherwise successful career. The crash was unsettling, but fortunately, the quick response from the safety crew and van Gisbergen’s resilient spirit ensured he walked away unharmed.

The crash, captured on van Gisbergen’s onboard camera, was shared on his X account. In a post reflecting on the incident, he wrote, “Well, that was my first ever flip! Unfortunately, it got collected by someone and took a bit of a ride. Thanks to the safety crew for doing an amazing job. The United Truck Parts team is having a go at rebuilding the car, and we should be racing tonight at Baypark again.”

While fans were relieved to see van Gisbergen unharmed, many were left wondering why he wasn’t at the Perth event supporting his friend and fellow racing star, Kyle Larson, during the biggest race in Australian Sprint Car history.

Fan Reaction: A Tense Debate on SVG’s Absence

The drama surrounding van Gisbergen’s absence at Perth was amplified by numerous fan reactions, with many questioning his priorities. One fan posed the question: “Why aren’t you at Perth supporting your friend @KyleLarsonRacin and @HighLimitRacing?” Others speculated about van Gisbergen’s motivations, accusing him of ego-driven decisions, with one remarking, “Here’s your proof of the ego that controls fake racecar drivers. SVG didn’t want to get waxed by the guys in Perth but still wanted fake recognition of being a sprint car driver, so he bypassed the biggest race in Australian history to race in this race.

These comments, full of both concern and skepticism, prompted a wave of debate among the racing community. While some defended van Gisbergen’s choice to race at home in New Zealand, others couldn’t help but feel disappointed by his apparent disregard for the opportunity to support Larson and the High Limit Racing team on the international stage.

SVG’s Race Results: A Night of Triumphs and Setbacks

Van Gisbergen’s performance in the two Sprint Car races of the evening showcased his tenacity, despite the eventual crash. In his first heat, SVG managed to finish in a respectable 12th place, but things took a turn for the worse during the second heat. After starting third, he began losing positions and found himself at the back of the pack after an early race yellow flag.

In the final moments of the race, van Gisbergen got caught in a tangle with Ayrton Hodgson’s car at Turn 1. The collision sent van Gisbergen airborne, flipping his car multiple times before it came to a stop. Hodgson continued racing, but van Gisbergen’s car was too damaged to continue. He was forced to retire from the race, missing the 20-lap feature, which James Dahm won. Jamie Larsen and Dean Cooper rounded out the top three.

Despite the early exit, van Gisbergen remained engaged with his fans throughout the evening, signing autographs and sharing his thoughts with those in attendance. Fans were eager to see him race again, and van Gisbergen is scheduled to return to Baypark Speedway for another shot at glory on December 30.