The NASCAR Cup Series has witnessed an unexpected force on road courses this season as Shane van Gisbergen has dominated with three victories in 2025. Using his extensive Supercars experience, van Gisbergen’s road racing skills have impressed even seasoned veterans like Denny Hamlin, who recently declared him the greatest road course driver NASCAR has seen. Hamlin’s comments highlight the increasing competitiveness and how van Gisbergen’s talent stands apart in the current era of NASCAR road racing.
Denny Hamlin Reflects on the Evolution of Road Course Racing in NASCAR
On his podcast following van Gisbergen’s latest triumph at Sonoma Raceway, Denny Hamlin addressed debates around whether the Kiwi driver could be considered the best road course racer in NASCAR history. Hamlin pointed out how past ringers like Dan Gurney and Marcos Ambrose had notable success but often benefitted from car advantages that current drivers do not have.
Hamlin emphasized the fairness of comparing drivers competing in similar machinery today.
“I think there’s certainly a real discussion to be had on the best road course racer that NASCAR has seen. I saw Mike Joy mentioned like Dan Gurney. That’s all he did. The other guys were not — they didn’t run but a couple of road courses a year. These guys are all in the same cars now,”
he explained.
He argued that the 1990s and earlier eras featured wide disparities in car performance, making talent comparison with modern drivers difficult.
“Back then, anything like from 90s and earlier, the advantages you had with your car far exceeded anything talent level that you could bring to the racetrack. I just feel like it’s apples and oranges trying to compare what someone did 40-some years ago, because there was not that many competitive cars,”
Hamlin asserted.
This perspective clarifies why drivers from previous decades, who might have won many road course races when given competitive rides, aren’t directly comparable to modern-day specialists facing highly balanced fields and spec cars.
“If you had someone that was specific in road racing, they could come out here and win Riverside five of nine times, or whatever it might be. But not someone that’s coming in with spec-cars and more competitive drivers. I don’t think the two are the same,”
Hamlin added, reinforcing how the current era tests drivers on a different level of competition.
Hamlin Declares Shane van Gisbergen Almost Impossible to Beat on Road Courses
During the same discussion, Hamlin praised van Gisbergen’s exceptional one-lap speed and dominant race performances, emphasizing that no other driver on the current NASCAR circuit matches the Kiwi’s pace. Hamlin explained that overtaking van Gisbergen in a Cup car requires strategic calls rather than relying on outright speed.
You’re going to have to put him at a disadvantage on tires or strategy to, I believe, overtake him. If it’s straight lap time, I don’t see anyone having enough. … That’s why I’m confident in saying, I don’t think you’re going to beat him straight up in a Cup car right now. There’s nobody that can run with him.
—Denny Hamlin
Hamlin acknowledged van Gisbergen’s advantage is bolstered by his vast Supercars experience and the strong support from Trackhouse Racing, which has been competitive on road courses even before van Gisbergen joined. The Chevy team’s road course program has evolved significantly, with the No. 88 team pushing toward another level of success in the current NASCAR season.
Van Gisbergen’s rapid adaptation and dominance have shifted expectations within the NASCAR community, posing new challenges for veteran drivers accustomed to a highly competitive balance shaped by the Next-Gen Cup car. His success has sparked renewed discussions about the skill level required to excel on road courses in today’s NASCAR.
A New Benchmark for Road Course Racing Skill in NASCAR
Shane van Gisbergen’s impact goes beyond just race wins. Hamlin’s recognition of him as potentially the best road course racer highlights how the nature of NASCAR competition has evolved, emphasizing pure driver skill within equalized machinery. This marks a significant shift from past eras where vehicle advantages heavily influenced outcomes.
The ongoing season will provide opportunities to see if van Gisbergen can maintain this dominant level or if other road course drivers will challenge his supremacy through strategy and execution. Meanwhile, Hamlin’s observations shed light on the difficulties veterans face in keeping pace with such a versatile and highly skilled newcomer.
As NASCAR continues to balance competitiveness through regulation and technology, van Gisbergen’s success serves as a reminder of how talent combined with experience can shape the future of road racing in the sport. Fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how the remaining races shape this compelling rivalry and evolving legacy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. He has achieved 51 Cup Series wins.
Hamlin has won the Daytona 500 three times in 2016, 2019, and 2020, gaining a lot of earnings throughout his career.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish are engaged. Fish loved dancing since she was a child, which led to her performing for the Charlotte Bobcats NBA team. The team is now called the Charlotte Hornets. She first met Hamlin while performing at one of the team’s games.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin’s net worth is about $65 million, thanks to his successful racing career, profitable endorsement deals, team ownership, and wise real estate choices. Whether driving or managing a team, Hamlin keeps making smart decisions in and out of racing.
