SP Tools Falcon driver Shane van Gisbergen will rack up 50 V8 Supercars Championship starts this weekend when the 2011 season kicks off at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit.
Remarkably, the Kiwi has reached a half-century of event appearances at just 21 years of age – having made his debut at Oran Park in 2007 as a 17-year-old.
Van Gisbergen scored nine podium finishes last season on his way to sixth in the final championship standings, and says he's thinking about wins, not statistics, as he heads into this weekend's races.
“Fifty starts is OK, but the way I look at it is that I've made 49 starts and I haven't had a win,” van Gisbergen told Speedcafe.com.au.
“I don't really look at the records too much.
“Maybe later on in life when I get a bit older, but not at the moment. I just take it race by race at this stage.”
For more with Shane van Gisbergen, CLICK HERE for today's Café Chat
Also celebrating a milestone this weekend is two-time champion Jamie Whincup, who is making his 100th V8 Supercars Championship event appearance.
CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com.au‘s Abu Dhabi Race Guide