The popular TEKNO Autosports driver, who currently sits sixth in the standings on 861 points, is keen to add to his race victory tally – with four scored so far, three at the Australian Grand Prix, and one at home in New Zealand.
 
Van Gisbergen has the form in Darwin around the 2.9-km (1.8mi ) Hidden Valley Raceway having scored a race win in 2011, and a second last year in his Lucas Oil-powered VIP Petfoods Commodore.
 
The team also had a successful weekend last year with Jonathon Webb and Shane being first and second in points for the round.
 
The event, which has been run since 1998, will follow the SuperSprint format – with two 100km races on Saturday, and a 200km feature on Sunday.
 
Strategy is a key factor in success, with the soft and hard tyres in use (3 sets of hard, and 2 sets of soft).
 
However, only the hard tyres will be allowed in the two 10-minute qualifying sessions on Saturday, along with the following twin 35-lap races.
 
Van Gisbergen will have to keep on top of his rubber from the outset given the abrasive surface, and high temperatures.
 
Shane van Gisbergen, #97 VIP Petfoods/Lucas Oil Holden VF Commodore:
 
“I’m looking forward to the weekend at Hidden Valley as I’ve always had a good run Darwin. Last year in my first season with TEKNO Autosports we finished one-two in the points for the weekend, with (team owner) Jonathon Webb first and me second, so that’s good for the confidence heading into the race.
 
“Perth was a bit of a disaster, we just totally missed it at Barbagallo, couldn’t make the car work without killing the tyres, so we need to get back into our top five form.
 
“Tyres will again be the story this Sunday with the ability to switch between the hard and soft compounds. Hidden Valley is hard on tyres, so it will be interesting to see what everyone else does Sunday. We’ve got two shorter races Saturday to worry about it, but I’m confident of a strong weekend.”