Shane Van Gisbergen has emerged as the leading contender heading into the Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Roval, reinforcing his status as the Shane Van Gisbergen favorite to win on road courses. Despite an early exit from the playoffs, Van Gisbergen’s recent performances and adaptability have positioned him as a strong competitor this weekend.
Van Gisbergen’s Growth Across Different Track Types
Although Shane Van Gisbergen faced a first-round elimination from this season‘s playoffs, he continues to demonstrate marked progress, especially on oval tracks. At Kansas, he recorded his first top-10 finish on an oval, showcasing significant improvements in passing and racecraft despite not being on the lead lap for much of the event. These gains bridge his proven strength on road courses with newfound capability on oval circuits.
I kind of look at the season separately, like the road courses and the ovals, because it definitely tells two stories,
Van Gisbergen explained.
But yeah, I certainly felt like I was the most confident I’ve been to move around.
He elaborated on how his driving style has evolved to find grips and lines across different parts of the track rather than being restricted to one racing line.
Normally, I just get stuck to one line, and I felt like I could run the bottom or the top or the middle and just search for air. It’s taken me a while to learn how to do that; learn to read where the other drivers are going to go in the corners and how to search for it. It’s still pretty new to me, really, when I’m doing those races. So yeah, I’m just evolving, I guess, but I still know I have a long way to go.
Van Gisbergen’s measured approach to learning and adapting to new racing challenges highlights the steady progression that makes him a serious threat on diverse tracks.
Enhanced Team Collaboration Driving Performance
A significant part of Van Gisbergen’s recent success can be attributed to his closer involvement in car setup and strategy this season. Transitioning from last year’s split setup duties between Trackhouse Racing and Kaulig Racing, this year he’s had more influence on the vehicle’s development, allowing a more tailored fit to his driving style.
I like to think I’m getting better, yeah,
Van Gisbergen said.
Certainly, I’m learning a lot more working with the same team. Last year, the car would be prepared at Trackhouse (and) then given to Kaulig Racing to run.
I feel like this year, I’ve been able to have some influence and guidance on the setup. We’ve gone a bit of a different way this year. It’s something I thought would be better and it has worked. It’s been cool to just grow and develop the car. Last year, we just ran a basic setup and I just drove it every couple of months. Whereas this year, being in the car all the time, I feel like I’ve learned what the car needs and been able to make the car better and hopefully adapt my style to it, as well.
I think I’ve gotten better and the car’s gotten better and the results have shown that.
This deeper engagement has helped Van Gisbergen evolve into a more complete driver capable of competing on both road courses and ovals.
Teammate Ross Chastain’s Role in Development
A crucial factor in Van Gisbergen’s growth is his collaboration with teammate Ross Chastain, a fellow Trackhouse Racing driver who is also preparing to make a strong push in the playoffs. Their mutual support and shared insights during practice and simulation sessions enable both drivers to sharpen their setups and strategies on road courses.
We normally work together pretty close on the road courses anyway,
Van Gisbergen said.
He sat in on one of my sim sessions and I sat in on one of his last week. We just bounce ideas off each other. Our car setups are normally pretty close on road courses, so we try and work together. Any questions he has, I answer them. It goes the other way on ovals, too. I’m happy to pay it back this week.
This cooperative dynamic enhances both drivers’ ability to fine-tune their vehicles and adapt to the unique demands of road racing.
Adapting to the Roval’s Unique Challenges
Despite Van Gisbergen’s inexperience with circuits like the Roval—distinct from anything he has raced in Supercars—he views it as a track that suits his driving strengths, particularly requiring precision and aggressive car control. The recent changes to the chicane sections aim to balance competitiveness with car preservation, making accuracy in cornering more critical than ever.
Yeah, you still have to be precise,
Van Gisbergen remarked.
You have to hit them with the right angle. You’re generally pretty aggressive on how you drive the car and how you treat the car. It feels pretty rough. The backstretch chicane, in particular, and the frontstretch lap this year I think will still be rough, but not as rough as last year. You can’t cut it as much with the bundle that they put. I think that’s a pretty good resolution they’ve come up with. It stops the question of cutting too much but also, it’s quite violent on the car if you abuse it.
I think it’s a pretty good thing they’ve done there. But, yeah, you still have to be precise here. It’s a hard track to get things right, but you can grab the car by the scruff of the neck, too, and send it pretty hard.
His analysis underscores the intricate balance required to succeed at this demanding venue while maintaining the car’s performance throughout the race.
Maintaining Focus Despite Favoritism
Although he is widely regarded as the favorite to win at the Roval, Van Gisbergen remains grounded and refuses to assume victory is assured. He acknowledges the competitiveness of the Cup Series and appreciates the positive recognition his team has earned without feeling added pressure.
I don’t think it’s a guarantee in this series,
he said.
But yeah, I think it’s a nice feeling. I don’t feel any more pressure, but it’s nice people think so high of us now. It’s a cool feeling that everyone knows the 88’s going to be pretty good this weekend. I like that. You certainly feel a pretty good atmosphere in the shop on a road course week. My teammates are strong on road courses, as well.
I don’t think it puts any more pressure or expectation from outside. I guess from other drivers and media, maybe. But yeah, I find it’s a nice feeling to have.
Such a mindset will be essential for Van Gisbergen to maintain the focused intensity required as he seeks to convert favoritism into a winning result.
Rising Threat in NASCAR’s Road Course Battles
As Shane Van Gisbergen continues to demonstrate rapid improvement on multiple track types, his potential impact on the NASCAR Cup Series is becoming increasingly evident. With several road course victories under his belt and growing oval pace, Van Gisbergen represents a formidable challenge to established frontrunners and an exciting competitor to watch at the Charlotte Roval and beyond.
