Shane van Gisbergen, the accomplished Trackhouse Racing driver, has revealed his marriage to Jess Dane, marking a significant personal milestone alongside his professional achievements. The announcement came unexpectedly during a video discussion following his victory at Watkins Glen, where van Gisbergen shared insights into his life away from the racing circuit.
Van Gisbergen and Dane’s relationship began in 2022 when he was racing for Triple Eight Race Engineering in the Supercars series, and she was still a shareholder in the team. Their romance blossomed in Australia, where they briefly lived together and adopted a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Ronald. The couple eventually relocated to the United States, where van Gisbergen pursued a career in stock car racing with Trackhouse Racing, and Dane transitioned from her role at Triple Eight to join General Motors, ultimately becoming the Corvette Racing program manager.
Professional Shifts and Personal Life
In a significant career move, Jess Dane sold her 30 percent stake in Triple Eight midway through 2024 to Earl Evans of Southern Cross Truck Rentals and Steve Blackmore of Shaw & Partners. This decision allowed her to focus on her growing responsibilities within General Motors. Meanwhile, van Gisbergen continued to make strides in his racing career, with his recent victory at Watkins Glen underscoring his adaptability and skill in stock car racing.
The couple has maintained a relatively low-profile relationship, with their wedding reportedly being a subdued affair. Van Gisbergen’s recent video not only disclosed their marital status but also offered a glimpse into their domestic life, particularly their bond with their dogs, Ronald and Steve. Ronald, a familiar presence at racing events, made his debut in Victory Lane at Watkins Glen, much to van Gisbergen’s delight.
“We got him at the start of ’23 in Australia and got him that year. He was five or six months old when we got him,” van Gisbergen shared. “We were looking at getting a dog for a while. We didn’t plan to move to the States at that point. So yeah, got him, loved him, and thought we can’t leave him behind, so we brought him with us.”
Family and Future Plans
Van Gisbergen also touched on the presence of his father, Robert, at his latest win, a poignant moment given Robert’s recent health challenges. Despite these difficulties, Robert has managed to attend several races, rekindling memories of his frequent visits during van Gisbergen’s time racing in Australia.
“He’s had some health problems, so he hasn’t been able to fly,” van Gisbergen explained. “He wanted to come earlier this year but couldn’t. It’s always cool to have him here. He used to come to a lot of races when I was in Australia.”
Looking ahead, van Gisbergen is set to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond on Sunday, August 17, at 9:30 am AEST. His focus remains on balancing his burgeoning racing career in the United States with his personal commitments, a challenge he seems to embrace with enthusiasm.
Impact and Reflections
The announcement of van Gisbergen’s marriage to Jess Dane highlights a personal dimension to his life that fans rarely see, offering a richer narrative beyond his racing exploits. Their story reflects the dynamic nature of life in the fast-paced world of motorsports, where personal and professional lives often intertwine.
As van Gisbergen continues to navigate his career in the United States, his relationship with Dane and their shared experiences, including their beloved pets, add a layer of depth to his public persona. This development not only endears him further to fans but also underscores the universal themes of love, family, and the pursuit of dreams.
With upcoming races and personal milestones on the horizon, Shane van Gisbergen’s journey in both his professional and personal life remains one to watch. His ability to balance these aspects with grace and humor suggests a promising future both on and off the track.
