At the recent NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race held at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), 17-year-old Brent Crews made an impressive debut that caught the attention of seasoned drivers and fans alike. Demonstrating remarkable composure and daring on the track, Crews delivered a standout performance that showcased his potential in his very first national series appearance.
Competing alongside former Supercars champion and Cup Series regular Shane van Gisbergen, who ultimately won the race, Crews made a notable impact during a crucial Stage 2 restart. He executed a risky four-wide move ascending the hill to Turn 1, overtaking Gisbergen to claim the lead, signaling his arrival as a promising young talent in the NASCAR scene.
Brent Crews Reflects on His NASCAR Debut
Following the race, Brent Crews expressed his excitement about participating in the event.
“This is something I’ve been looking forward to for the past 10 years and it was everything I’ve expected, and more,”
Crews said.
“Everybody’s really aggressive and really good. The cars are really close and just excited to be right where I am.”
Shane van Gisbergen Praises Young Competitor’s Skill
Shane van Gisbergen, known for his road racing expertise, recognized Crews’ talent during a post-race interview. He stated,
“That was awesome to watch. He was driving like crazy. I couldn’t drive like that. I’d be worn out in two laps. He was just crazy on the limit and it was really cool to watch. He looks like he’s an amazing talent and I’m sure he’ll be really good in not much time.”
Van Gisbergen’s comments highlight the level of skill Crews displayed in his first professional outing, underlining the high expectations now surrounding the teenager.
Upcoming Race Engagements for Crews and Van Gisbergen
Brent Crews is scheduled to return to competition next Saturday at Phoenix Raceway for the March 7 NOAPS event, aiming to build on his strong debut. Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen is preparing for the Sunday Cup Series race at the same track, where he remains in pursuit of his first victory of the 2026 season. With his history of strong performances on road courses, Gisbergen appears poised to attempt a back-to-back win following his success at COTA.
Kyle Larson Highlights Van Gisbergen’s Exceptional Road Racing Abilities
After the COTA race, Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson shared his admiration for Shane van Gisbergen’s race craft in an interview with Frontstretch.com. Larson emphasized how van Gisbergen’s perception and execution on the road course set him apart from other drivers.
“He’s just better at everything than us,”
Larson said of van Gisbergen.
“But I think that the thing that he is a lot better than us at is just his race craft, like how he sees opportunities for passing and things like that.”
He continued,
“I might not see what he sees and then he makes a move and you’re like, ‘Wow,’ like I would’ve never even thought to make a pass there or like that. So, it’s really really fun to watch.”
Larson will also compete in the upcoming race at Phoenix, seeking to secure his first win of the season. Fans will have the chance to watch these drivers live on FOX starting at 3:30 pm ET on Sunday, March 1, with live radio updates available through PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Brent Crews’ NASCAR debut not only signals the emergence of a young athlete capable of bold moves and steady nerves but also adds fresh excitement to the series. His ability to challenge experienced racers like Shane van Gisbergen foreshadows a promising career ahead. As both Crews and seasoned competitors prepare for the race at Phoenix Raceway, NASCAR enthusiasts can anticipate thrilling battles and a dynamic season unfolding on multiple fronts.
“He’s better at everything than us”
Kyle Larson praises the road course prowess of Shane van Gisbergen. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/OqueYQiMB7
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) February 28, 2026
