Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR prowess at road courses continues to impress, with AJ Allmendinger acknowledging the Kiwi driver’s dominance in this racing discipline. Van Gisbergen, who made his mark in the Cup Series in 2023, has outpaced many competitors on road and street tracks, including the seasoned Allmendinger.
The 36-year-old van Gisbergen secured his first Cup Series victory at the Chicago Street Course last year. Since then, his reputation for excelling on road courses such as Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the Mexico City race has grown, cementing him as a consistent threat whenever NASCAR schedules such events.
Van Gisbergen also made history as the first rookie full-time driver to clinch four wins in a single Cup Series season, triumphing consecutively at Mexico, Chicago, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen. This extraordinary performance has led many in the motorsport world to view him as the favorite at any road course on the NASCAR calendar.
Despite his own credentials as a road course specialist, 43-year-old AJ Allmendinger admitted his current position relative to van Gisbergen’s skill. When asked about his standing compared to the Supercars champion in these events, Allmendinger said:
“I’m behind him right now. We are all behind him. I do think if we get it all right, we can go race with him for the win, but when you went four-in-a-row, it’s harder to go: ‘We are just as good as him,’ he’s stepped up a level up and we gotta get there.” – AJ Allmendinger, NASCAR Driver
Allmendinger also highlighted what sets van Gisbergen apart, emphasizing the Kiwi’s smooth driving style and tire management. He explained:
“It’s everything. I got to see it up close and personal last year as teammates. He’s super smooth; he knows the limit of going over the tire. Obviously, he’s super good [at] saving the tires… I think that truly is where he beats us, knowing how to do that but still have speed.” – AJ Allmendinger, NASCAR Driver
These remarks underline van Gisbergen’s advanced technique and ability to maintain tire life without sacrificing pace, which continues to be a challenge for other drivers. Meanwhile, Allmendinger has delivered respectable results this season, claiming two top-five finishes as he seeks to close the gap on van Gisbergen’s stronghold at road courses.
AJ Allmendinger Sets Performance Goals Ahead of Upcoming Roval Race
Since his last competition at Darlington, AJ Allmendinger has not regained a spot within the top 10 starting lineups. Despite showcasing his speed by earning pole position at Bristol, his race was cut short, reflecting a recent streak of difficulties on track.
Having previously won at the Roval, Allmendinger shared his realistic expectations for the race, focusing on consistency rather than outright victory. Addressing these ambitions, he stated:
“Obviously, the ultimate goal is to compete for the win, but for how the year’s gone on the road course side of it, running top five, avoiding mistakes and giving ourselves an opportunity to be there at the end will be a successful day for us.” – AJ Allmendinger, NASCAR Driver
Allmendinger is set to start the race from the ninth position, aiming to improve his performances in challenging road course environments as the season advances.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Rising Influence in NASCAR Road Course Racing
Since entering the NASCAR Cup Series, Shane van Gisbergen has rapidly transformed into a formidable competitor, particularly on technically demanding road and street courses. His ability to dominate at these venues has shifted the competitive landscape, forcing seasoned drivers like Allmendinger to acknowledge his elevated level.
Van Gisbergen’s four consecutive wins as a rookie underline his adaptability and skill, setting new records in the series and boosting his profile among NASCAR’s elite drivers. By mastering tire management and delivering smooth, controlled performances, SVG has raised the benchmark within the sport.
Allmendinger’s candid admittance of being “behind” van Gisbergen highlights the challenge the Kiwi driver poses to the established order, while also emphasizing the motivation among rivals to improve and reach that higher standard. As the NASCAR season progresses, attention will remain on the ongoing battle for dominance in road course racing, with van Gisbergen continuing to be the driver to beat.
Starting 9th today @CLTMotorSpdwy @AJDinger ….What about this crazy Roval and can even @shanevg97 be beat….?????????? pic.twitter.com/048uUUGhYd
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) October 5, 2025
