The increased prominence of road course racing in the NASCAR Cup Series has exposed a gap between traditional stock car drivers and specialists on these circuits. Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen’s strong performances since his debut have highlighted this difference. In the lead-up to the third Chicago Street Race, defending three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano openly stated that <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR drivers, including himself, are not inherently skilled road racers and are currently trying to catch up with van Gisbergen’s pace.
Yeah, it’s easy to say that until Shane is out there a second faster than you and you have to go put yourself in some uncomfortable situations… We’re not road racers to speak of. There’s only one out there that really is, and so all of us are, in a way, playing catch-up.
Joey Logano said at Chicago.
Logano’s candid remarks underscored the challenges stock car drivers face on road circuits compared to drivers with a background in road racing disciplines. His acknowledgment of the skill gap underlines the evolving nature of NASCAR, which has gradually incorporated more road course events in recent seasons.
Shane van Gisbergen Responds on NASCAR’s Road Course Dynamics
Shane van Gisbergen shared his perspective in response to Logano’s comments during a media appearance. The Kiwi driver recognized that NASCAR competitors have made significant strides in road course racing but noted that experience remains a critical differentiator. He also pointed out that while he excels on road courses, he is still building his capabilities on ovals, which are the traditional terrain for NASCAR.
Yeah, I can just flip what he says, and that’s what I feel on ovals. You know, that’s the reason why I’m doing Summer Shootout and stuff, just trying to get experience on ovals… So yeah, just the experience levels are different in what we do. And I feel like, yes, they’ve definitely gotten a lot better since the first one on this track, for sure.
Shane van Gisbergen responded via Cup Scene.
Van Gisbergen’s comments reveal mutual respect and recognition of each driver’s strengths and development areas, emphasizing that experience shapes performance across different race formats. Despite his strong results, including a Mexico City race win, van Gisbergen has faced challenges maintaining consistent top standings in the points table during the 2025 season due to the learning curve in oval racing.
Joey Logano’s Pragmatic Approach to Road Course Racing
Beyond critiquing driver capabilities, Joey Logano clarified his personal stance on road course racing in a separate conversation. Although he recognizes his competence on these tracks, Logano indicated that road course events are simply one element of the broader championship puzzle. He expressed that he does not prioritize road racing over other forms, preferring a balanced schedule that appeals to fans and takes weather conditions into account.
We’ve got to do them, so I’m kind of good either way. I just think in the playoffs you need to have a good mixture of racetracks throughout the 10 weeks, but the other regular season races, I mean, if we’re gonna do them, then I don’t really care. Whatever works best for the schedule, and weather, and fans, and that type of stuff is fine with me.
Joey Logano told the media at Chicago.
Logano’s remarks highlight his pragmatic focus on the championship hunt rather than individual race formats. Heading into the upcoming race at Watkins Glen, which he won in 2024 aided by some fortunate breaks, he remains confident that persistence and a bit of luck could yield more victories on road courses despite not being the foremost road racer.
Implications for NASCAR’s Evolving Race Landscape
The ongoing dialogue between Joey Logano and Shane van Gisbergen spotlights the evolving challenges NASCAR drivers face as the series embraces more road course events. Van Gisbergen’s immediate success on road circuits contrasts with NASCAR veterans’ learning curves, illustrating how diverse racing backgrounds impact performance. Meanwhile, Logano’s acceptance of road courses as a necessary part of the schedule underscores the sport’s broader shift toward versatility.
Looking forward, the competition between proven road racers like van Gisbergen and experienced stock car drivers promises to intensify, potentially raising the overall skill level within the Cup Series. As the 2025 season progresses, attention will focus on whether drivers can close gaps on unfamiliar tracks and how this adaptation influences championship outcomes.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Joey Logano have cerebral palsy?
A. During his difficult birth, Joey experienced a brain bleed, resulting in a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. Due to this condition, he needs extensive physical therapy.
Q. What medical condition does Joey Logano have?
A. Exploring the Condition Alopecia Areata. Joey’s journey with this condition started quite suddenly. His wife saw bald spots on his head after a regular haircut. A dermatologist visit confirmed alopecia areata, an autoimmune issue where the immune system targets hair follicles, causing hair to fall out.
Q. What illness does Joey Logano have?
A. After Joey Logano, who has won the Nascar Cup Series twice, found out he had alopecia, he wanted to understand the condition better and boost his confidence. He contacted HairClub, where experts explained alopecia to him and discussed his available options.
Q. What sickness did Joey Logano have?
A. Logano had a stomach bug during the race but pushed through to the finish. He told the media, “I had the Norovirus. I thought I was fine, but just before the race started, I realized I wasn’t,” as reported by Steven Taranto from CBS Sports.
