Van Gisbergen thinking big picture ahead of Bathurst, talks 2024 return

On his hunt for a fourth Supercars Championship, Kiwi driver Shane van Gisbergen says he's thinking about the big picture as he prepares for what might be his last Bathurst 1000.

The three-time Supercars champion will be lining up for the 60th running of the famous race at Mt Panorama on Sunday, having won last year.

This year, he's declared the overall championship, not the race, will be his focus. The Kiwi is currently sitting in second overall despite a challenging season.

Speaking with media, van Gisbergen said that over the weekend he'll "see how the race is playing out and how the car is feeling".

"But for me, the 300 points is more important.

"It hasn't been the best year feeling-wise, but we're still scoring a lot of points.

"When we've had tough weekends, we're still getting top fives and picking away at it."

Shane van Gisbergen leaves his mark on the Pukekohe Park track for the last time as he celebrates his dramatic win in race two on Sunday. (Source: Photosport)

The drivers' standings are currently led by Brodie Kosteki of Coca-Cola Racing by Erebus, so a good result over the weekend could put van Gisberhen in a good position come the end of season.

"Sure, we're in the hunt, but Brodie definitely has a faster car, and he's driving very well," he said.

"So we need to find a little bit more speed, but we're not out of it yet."

This year is likely to be the Kiwi's last full-time season in a Supercar, as he's moving to the US to race in NASCA'’s three series as part of a developmental contract with Trackhouse Racing.

It also means he might not make an appearance at Mt Panorama next year, but the two-time winner expressed his interest in returning, should the NASCAR and Supercars calendars match up.

"I don't know, I might be back next year," he said.