New Zealand’s Shane Van Gisbergen, known for his strong performances on road courses, is now preparing to tackle one of NASCAR’s most demanding traditional speedways. With three victories this season, mostly on road courses, Van Gisbergen faces a different kind of challenge at Dover Motor Speedway as NASCAR moves back to oval racing after recent road course events. As the No. 88 driver gets ready for the race, he shared his thoughts on what lies ahead during a conversation with NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.
During the ‘Dale Jr. Download’ podcast, Earnhardt and Van Gisbergen discussed the Australian driver’s difficulties navigating oval tracks like Dover. Despite his struggles, Van Gisbergen expressed enthusiasm about returning to this style of racing. He remarked,
Dover should be good. I struggled there last year. I remember all the Kaulig guys were battling for 20th. We’re all battling with our cars, but I had fun.
—Shane Van Gisbergen
The New Zealander described the track as “epic,” emphasizing the intense experience of cornering at Dover. He explained,
It’s just amazing how fast you can go into that corner. It feels like you’re dropping, and then all of a sudden, you’re just loading up in the banking. The load around that track and how much grip it has is mind-blowing.
—Shane Van Gisbergen
Looking beyond Dover, Van Gisbergen also expressed anticipation for the upcoming race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Reflecting on his positive experience in the Xfinity Series there last year, he said,
Looking forward to Indianapolis, too. I ran well there in Xfinity last year. It was a really fun track. Since it was with restricted plates, it would be a bit different this year, but yeah, just looking forward to continuing to learn, get back into the challenge, and try to get better.
—Shane Van Gisbergen
Challenges Faced by Van Gisbergen in Oval Racing
When asked about the biggest difficulty he faces on oval tracks, Van Gisbergen highlighted the limited practice opportunities and the intense tire wear during sessions. He explained how practice and qualifying often demand pushing the car to its limits on a specific line, which quickly depletes tire performance. He stated,
The practice will start, and it’ll be just on the bottom. You’ll be running your line as fast as you can and doing the qualifying line, just going hammer and tongs. For me, by the time I get up to speed, the peak of the tire is gone.
—Shane Van Gisbergen
Van Gisbergen contrasted practice with race conditions, noting how the track changes as rubber accumulates, impacting grip and handling. He commented on the tire’s behavior under these changing conditions:
This tire hates itself. When the rubber goes down, the rubber’s bad.
—Shane Van Gisbergen
He further emphasized the unique challenges posed by concrete oval tracks like Dover, which change dynamically during the race due to tire wear and rubber buildup — a feature not seen in other racing series. He observed,
There’s no other series I’ve ever been a part of that does it. How variable the grip is, and it’s not just one line the whole time. The line’s always changing. You’re always trying to find that speed,
—Shane Van Gisbergen
Significance of the Dover Race for Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Campaign
Shane Van Gisbergen’s transition from road courses to traditional oval circuits like Dover presents a critical phase in his NASCAR season. His comments highlight the steep learning curve drivers face when adapting from one racing style to another, especially given the precise tire and track conditions unique to oval racing. Success at Dover could demonstrate his versatility and resilience, strengthening his place in NASCAR’s competitive field.
As the Dover race approaches, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see how Van Gisbergen negotiates the track’s intense demands and whether his road course dominance can translate into sustained speedway success. His reflections also suggest a determined mindset to keep improving and mastering the challenges posed by various tracks this season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?
A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last few races did not go as the perfect ending people hoped for. During the first lap on Saturday, he hit Will Brown’s crashed car at Turn 4. On Sunday, he had braking problems, which kept him from finishing the race.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen an American citizen?
A. Shane Robert van Gisbergen, often called SVG, is a professional race car driver from New Zealand. He was born on May 9, 1989.
Q. How many Supercar Championships did Shane van Gisbergen win?
A. Often called “SVG,” van Gisbergen has achieved notable success. He has won the Bathurst 12 Hour, finished on the podium at the 24 Hours of Daytona, and earned three Australian Supercars championships.
