In a bombshell that has rocked the NASCAR world to its core on this dramatic January 6, 2026, Shane van Gisbergen has announced he is leaving NASCAR full-time, publicly revealing the shocking truth about the individual who forced him to withdraw after just one sensational season.

The three-time Supercars champion and 2025 NASCAR Rookie of the Year, who stunned the sport with five wins and fearless road course dominance, broke his silence in an emotional video statement, declaring: “This wasn’t my choice – I was forced out by one person’s decision.”

SVG’s departure comes as a devastating blow to Trackhouse Racing and NASCAR, where the Kiwi quickly became a fan favorite with his aggressive style and instant success.

After historic Chicago street race victory in his debut and a breakout 2025 campaign, expectations were sky-high for van Gisbergen to contend for championships.

Instead, he confirmed he will return to Supercars in Australia, citing insurmountable behind-the-scenes pressure from a single key figure – widely speculated to be a high-level team executive or stakeholder prioritizing other drivers or strategies.

“I came to NASCAR to compete at the highest level, and I proved I belong,” van Gisbergen said, voice steady but eyes betraying disappointment. “But one person made it impossible to continue.

This decision was forced on me – it’s not what I wanted, but I have to respect my future and my family.” The revelation has left the paddock reeling, with insiders whispering the “one person” refers to internal Trackhouse politics or sponsor demands shifting focus away from the international star.

Trackhouse Racing issued a brief statement thanking SVG for his contributions but stopped short of denying the claims, fueling speculation of a bitter split. Team owner Justin Marks, who championed van Gisbergen’s arrival, has remained silent, adding to the intrigue.

Fans worldwide erupted in heartbreak and anger, flooding social media in just 3 minutes with #SVGForcedOut and #SaveSVG trending globally. “NASCAR just lost its most exciting driver because of one person’s ego – disgraceful!” one viral post read.

Supercars fans celebrated the homecoming: “Welcome back, king – you were too good for them anyway!”

The NASCAR community is mourning the loss of a driver who injected fresh energy into the series. SVG’s five wins in 2025 – including multiple road course masterclasses – proved his adaptability and talent, earning Rookie of the Year honors and positioning him as a future star.

Rivals like Kyle Busch praised his “fearless” style, while fans lamented the missed opportunity for more Kiwi-American battles.

As SVG prepares for a Supercars return with Triple Eight Race Engineering, questions swirl about NASCAR’s ability to retain international talent. The “one person” revelation has sparked calls for transparency, with some blaming sponsor priorities or team politics for sidelining a proven winner.

“NASCAR needs drivers like Shane – forcing him out is a massive mistake,” one analyst said.

The bombshell leaves a void in the 2026 grid and a lingering sense of what could have been. Van Gisbergen’s talent is undeniable – his exit, forced or not, feels like a loss for the sport. As the Kiwi heads home a hero, NASCAR reflects on a missed opportunity.

The world is stunned, heartbroken, and demanding answers – but SVG’s legacy as a road course assassin and fearless competitor remains eternal.