Kyle Larson, a celebrated driver for Hendrick Motorsports, openly acknowledged Shane Van Gisbergen’s superior skills on road courses ahead of the upcoming race at Circuit of The Americas (COTA). Speaking recently, Larson highlighted the unique racing craft and braking finesse that sets the Kiwi driver apart in the highly competitive world of NASCAR.
Larson, known for his adaptability across diverse racing surfaces—from dirt tracks to intermediate ovals—expressed deep respect for Van Gisbergen’s expertise at road courses, a specialization where the New Zealand driver appears to excel beyond his peers.
Inside Larson’s Perspective on Van Gisbergen’s Racing Skill Set
In a candid discussion with Frontstretch, Larson described Van Gisbergen’s approach as unmatched when it comes to spotting passing opportunities and executing complex maneuvers.
“I think he is unique in his style of braking and all that,”
Larson said.
“He’s just better at everything than us. 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.”
Larson’s admiration stems from watching Van Gisbergen attack braking zones and corner setups, often leaving even veteran competitors in awe.
“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 added.
How Van Gisbergen’s Arrival Has Shifted NASCAR Road Course Racing
Since joining NASCAR from Repco Supercars, Van Gisbergen has immediately disrupted the established hierarchy on road courses. His debut victory in Chicago caused a ripple effect across NASCAR, forcing seasoned drivers to reassess their strategies. His refined braking method, employing right-foot braking instead of the more common left-foot technique used by many stock car drivers, has been pivotal in controlling car balance entering corners and optimizing acceleration off the turn.
Moreover, Van Gisbergen’s ability to manage tire wear during long green-flag runs has drawn particular praise. Larson noted how Van Gisbergen sustains speed well into stints while others’ performance drops off. This skill set has proven essential in maintaining a competitive edge as races extend and tires degrade.
Recent Performances Highlight Van Gisbergen’s Rapid Adaptation to NASCAR
Van Gisbergen’s transition to stock car racing has been impressive, with a steady upward trajectory evident in his results. Despite facing several challenges, he secured his best oval finish at EchoPark Speedway, signaling quick adaptation to this style of racing. At Circuit of The Americas, Van Gisbergen continued to assert his prowess by winning the Focused Health 250, which marked JR Motorsports’ first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory of 2026.
Larson Views The Competition as Motivation Rather Than Defeat
While Larson’s words reveal Van Gisbergen’s clear edge in many aspects of road racing, they do not indicate surrender. Instead, Larson sees the challenge as an invitation to evolve. The presence of such a strong rival on road courses adds fuel to his competitive fire. With COTA and upcoming road races on the schedule, the rivalry promises to push both drivers to new heights of performance.
As NASCAR’s landscape continues to evolve with Van Gisbergen’s influence, fans and drivers alike are watching closely to see how the battle for road course supremacy unfolds in the near future.
“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
