The VIP Petfoods/ Lucas Oil Commodore driver finished a career best second in the driver’s championship, with five wins across the year at the ITM Auckland 500, Sydney Motorsport Park 400, Castrol EDGE Gold Coast 600 and Sydney NRMA 500.

He also snatched three pole positions, acing the Top 10 Shootout at the Clipsal 500, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and the Gold Coast events.

Van Gisbergen said it didn’t get any better than winning at his two home tracks, Pukekohe and Surfers Paradise.

“It’s pretty awesome to finish second in the championship,” Van Gisbergen said.

“The Gold Coast win was definitely the highlight of the year, especially because it followed the lowest point of the year.

“We had a good chance of winning Bathurst, but it didn’t happen, so to come out at the Gold Coast just two weeks later and claim the win was really special.”

The Kiwi’s win on home soil came just days after announcing the Lucas Oil partnership, making it even more amazing for Van Gisbergen.

“It was pretty cool to win in New Zealand. It was our first event with Lucas Oil and it was great to be able to start the relationship with a win,” he said.

Van Gisbergen said next year’s focus is to be more consistent.

“I’m just looking forward to having another go next year. We just need to be up there every round to challenge for the title,” Van Gisbergen said.

A two-day pre-season test takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park, 7-8 February ahead of the season opening Clipsal 500, held 26 February – 1 March.