Van Gisbergen surprised to share podium with father

Shane van Gisbergen was surprised to share the Race 20 podium with father Robert.

Van Gisbergen junior won both races at the NTI Townsville 500.

It was the first time Adelaide 2020 that Robert had watched his son race.

Prior to the weekend, Shane was buoyed by his father’s presence in the Supercars paddock.

Robert had remained in his native New Zealand due to border complications.

The time away included Shane's maiden Bathurst victory in October 2020, and his second title last year.

Lost amid the chaotic end of Sunday’s race was the moment Red Bull Ampol Racing kept it in the family.

Robert, a former rally driver, represented the team on the Race 20 podium.

Son Shane was caught by surprise, and later dedicated the win to team owner Tony Quinn.

Quinn sustained injuries in a horror Carrera Cup accident on Saturday.

“Really cool to have my dad here,” van Gisbergen said.

“Cool surprise to see him up on the podium, but that race was for Quinny.

'RVG' takes the podium

“He had a pretty tough accident yesterday, and sorry to see his injuries.

“Our thoughts are with him, and that race was for him.”

Robert’s visit to the podium came after one of the more dramatic ends to a race in recent memory.

The #97 Commodore was sent into a spin at the final corner by Anton De Pasquale.

De Pasquale attempted a redress, only for van Gisbergen to trail him home.

The former was hit with a time penalty, handing victory to the points leader.

'Really cool to have my dad here'

Having his father on the podium wasn’t the only surprise for van Gisbergen.

“I could see he was pushing and not sliding a long,” he said.

“He was pretty consistent on his lap time. I tried to react, my left rear was pretty much done.

“I came out of Turn 11 and saw the gap, but didn’t look in the mirror.

“It was a surprise when I got doored, but it’s good someone has a go."

Van Gisbergen will carry a 274-point lead over De Pasquale to Tailem Bend.

The 2022 season will resume at the OTR SuperSprint on July 30-31. Purchase your tickets now.