Shane van Gisbergen: A Rookie’s Journey in the NASCAR Cup Series

Shane van Gisbergen, a fresh face in the NASCAR Cup Series, has made a remarkable entrance into the world of stock car racing. With four victories under his belt and over 20 bonus points heading into the playoffs, he stands out in a field where many competitors can only dream of achieving such success. As SVG navigates through his first playoff season, his ability to maximize his performance on oval tracks will be pivotal, especially with an additional road course scheduled in the second round.

The Road Ahead: Challenges of Oval Racing

SVG’s journey in oval racing has been a gradual progression. The highlight of his 2025 season so far came during the Coca-Cola 600, where he finished 14th, while his teammate Ross Chastain celebrated victory. Throughout this season, van Gisbergen has secured five top-20 finishes on oval tracks.

For a driver like van Gisbergen, who is still adjusting to the nuances of NASCAR, the key lies in gaining as much track time as possible. The modern NASCAR format presents a challenge, with limited practice sessions and condensed race weekends. Fortunately for SVG, eight of the remaining twelve races will take place on tracks that he has already experienced earlier in the season.

“It’s just about getting more time on the track for me,” van Gisbergen commented during a recent press conference at Richmond. “I’ve never driven a Cup car on this track before. You can really feel the difference in practice; getting up to speed can be quite challenging. This week, I’ve focused on studying the techniques of drivers like Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain. Their setups are likely to be similar to mine, so I’m trying to understand their approach, especially in terms of gear changes, which can significantly impact the car’s balance.”

SVG understands that each track may require different strategies and that he must adapt his learning to what works best for him. “I’m trying to learn from different drivers at various tracks and emulate what they do,” he continued. “It’s all about time and experience. No one really knows how the patches will feel, especially in Turn One, so I have to rely on my instincts.”

Mastering Short Tracks and Avoiding Pit Road Mistakes

During NASCAR’s recent visit to Iowa Speedway, van Gisbergen demonstrated strong pace, but a couple of unfortunate incidents prevented him from achieving a result that reflected his potential. Short tracks seem to be where he feels most at home, as evidenced by his best oval finish in the Cup Series, a 12th place at Martinsville in the fall of 2024 while racing for Kaulig Racing.

“I feel most competitive on short tracks, and I’m comfortable pushing my limits there,” SVG explained. “However, the results haven’t always matched my pace. I know my lap times are competitive at times, but I need to put everything together. I believe short tracks allow for more driver input through gear changes and braking, which can significantly influence tire wear.”

SVG’s struggles with short tracks have been compounded by his adjustment to NASCAR’s lack of pit limiters, making it easy to exceed speed limits during pit stops. “I had a rough start to the season with penalties for speeding in the pits,” he admitted. “Fortunately, I haven’t had one in a while, and I’ve been more cautious with my speed. It’s a learning curve, especially since in other series, you just push a button and it regulates itself. Here, every second counts in the pits, especially on tracks with high tire fall-off.”

Embracing a New Racing Style

As a newcomer to the NASCAR Cup Series, van Gisbergen is spending significant time analyzing the driving styles of seasoned competitors. He notes the diversity in techniques used by top drivers, particularly admiring Denny Hamlin’s unique approach, which he has studied through SMT data.

“My goal is to remain open-minded and adaptable, especially for tracks I’m unfamiliar with,” van Gisbergen shared. “While I might not implement changes during practice, I’m willing to experiment during the race when the opportunity arises. Every top driver has subtle differences in their driving styles, and as someone relatively new to oval racing, I’m eager to find a style that suits me best.”

Despite his confidence in handling road courses, SVG admits he often feels uncertain about what adjustments to request for better speed or handling on oval tracks. Nevertheless, he finds joy in the challenges that come with his rookie season.

Reflecting on his experiences in 2025, he expressed pride in the enjoyment he derives from racing. “Every race weekend is a joy for me, regardless of whether it’s a good or bad race. I look forward to going to the shop every Monday for meetings. It feels more like a passion than a job, and I’m cherishing every moment of it.”

Preparing for Upcoming Races

As SVG gears up for the Saturday night race at Richmond, he is set to start from the 27th position, closely competing with his teammates. With the playoffs looming, every race becomes critical, and the pressure is on to capitalize on the lessons learned during the season.

While the competition is fierce, van Gisbergen remains focused on his growth and adaptability. He understands that every race is an opportunity to improve and showcase his skills, especially as he becomes more familiar with the unique demands of NASCAR racing.

In conclusion, Shane van Gisbergen’s rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series is a testament to his talent and determination. With a strong foundation of victories and experience, he is poised to navigate the challenges ahead and make a lasting impact in the world of stock car racing. As he continues to learn and adapt, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this exciting young driver evolves on the track.