Shane van Gisbergen is intensifying his efforts to improve his oval racing skills by studying the unique techniques of Denny Hamlin. The road course specialist acknowledged that Hamlin’s approach on ovals is unlike any he had encountered before, prompting him to remain open to adapting his driving style when race conditions call for it.
Besides van Gisbergen, Hamlin is the only other driver with four victories this season, making him a natural reference point for SVG’s learning process. While van Gisbergen dominates on road courses, his performance on ovals has yet to reach the same level of success. Recent races have shown incremental progress, as he consistently finishes within the top 20, but stronger results will be essential if he hopes to advance in the playoffs, particularly before the Charlotte Roval road course event.
Adapting to Hamlin’s Distinctive Driving Methods
Van Gisbergen shared detailed insights on how Hamlin’s racing style differs from what he is used to, highlighting some specific techniques that catch his attention. He explained that Hamlin employs a different gear selection and a unique way of modulating the throttle, which van Gisbergen hadn’t needed before in his career. He emphasized the variety of driving styles in NASCAR and expressed a willingness to experiment.
“His style is very unique the way, you know, he’s mainly using a different gear and stabbing at the throttle and it’s just techniques I’ve never come across or needed to use before. But in NASCAR, there’s so many different ways to get the car around the track fast. And I’m trying to be as open-minded as possible and changing my style,” he said in a media session at Richmond(via Frontstretch).
“And especially for a track I’ve never never been to before. And you know, I’ll probably won’t try it today in practice, but if it gets stalled out in the race and or in a moment where I’ve got time to try stuff, I’ll experiment a bit,” he added.
As a driver known for his distinctive style on road courses, van Gisbergen also brings unique talents to the oval scene. He is skilled in heel-toe downshifting, a method largely abandoned in modern NASCAR, and his ability to brake late enables him to maintain speeds 7-10 mph higher through key corners. This skill translates into lap time advantages of up to half a second, which could be critical in tight races.
Reflecting on Rookie Achievements and Past Rivalries
Van Gisbergen recently captured a record-setting fourth win as a rookie, followed closely by his Trackhouse Racing teammates Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain, who secured top-10 finishes. The 36-year-old driver humorously referenced Connor Zilisch’s absence at the event due to a collarbone injury, which prevented the 18-year-old from racing before van Gisbergen’s victory celebrations on August 9.
Their recent history includes an on-track clash at Watkins Glen during an Xfinity Series race, where Zilisch, battling van Gisbergen for the lead, made contact with SVG’s car, spinning him out and ending his race. This rivalry adds a layer of competitive context as van Gisbergen continues his rookie campaign in NASCAR.
Future Prospects and Season Outlook
Van Gisbergen’s attention to Hamlin’s unique racing style signals a strategic approach to mastering oval tracks, critical for his success in the post-season. Surviving the initial oval races will be key to positioning himself competitively for the Charlotte Roval, where his road course expertise can be a decisive advantage. As the season progresses, van Gisbergen’s willingness to study and integrate different techniques may help him become a more versatile competitor across all track types.
