Shane Van Gisbergen showcased his exceptional talent again during last Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Chicago Street, where he claimed victories in both the Cup and Xfinity races after starting from the pole position. This dominant performance marked his second win of the 2025 season, following an earlier triumph in Mexico City last month, further cementing his reputation as Shane Van Gisbergen greatest road racer.
Van Gisbergen’s full-time NASCAR presence was solidified by his breakthrough as a superstar during the inaugural Chicago Street race in 2023. Adding another win at the same venue in 2025 has elevated his status among the sport’s top road course competitors. Jeff Gluck, a senior NASCAR journalist, has boldly proclaimed Van Gisbergen as the best road course racer in NASCAR history, highlighting his unprecedented level of skill and consistency.
Shane Van Gisbergen Tops the List of Legendary Road Course Drivers
Historically, Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliott have been recognized as the leading drivers on road courses within NASCAR, each boasting seven road course victories. However, when analyzing dominant performances and efficiency across races, another Australian Supercars champion, Marcos Ambrose, had previously been considered the finest foreign-born road course competitor. Van Gisbergen’s rapid rise to three Cup wins has positioned him not only as the foremost road course racer but also as the most successful foreign-born driver in NASCAR history.
“This guy is clearly one of the great road course racers ever in NASCAR history. Is he already the best you’ve ever seen? I think I’m ready to say the best I’ve ever seen.” —Jeff Gluck, Senior NASCAR Journalist
“For years I would say, ‘Hey, Marcos Ambrose is the best one I ever saw.’ I mean Jeff Gordon was great, but Marcos Ambrose was like wow. He didn’t have the cars really, too. But SVG is just another level. I mean this guy is unbelievably ridiculous.” —Jeff Gluck, Senior NASCAR Journalist
How Van Gisbergen’s Chicago Victory Redefined His Legacy
The significance of Van Gisbergen’s win at Chicago goes beyond the trophy itself. Jeff Gluck emphasized that the feat of winning both the pole and races in the Cup and Xfinity Series during a single weekend is rare. The last driver to accomplish a similar sweep was Kyle Busch at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2016, underscoring how exceptional Van Gisbergen’s weekend was at Chicago.
“It’s not just a street course. He did it at Mexico City. He could do it again next week at Sonoma. I mean the guy is, look, I think I saw a stat…I think he’s only the second person to sweep the poles and the races for Xfinity and Cup and the first since like Kyle Busch, Indianapolis 2016. Just what he is doing doesn’t happen often, obviously. The winningest foreign-born driver now with three Cup wins.” —Jeff Gluck, Senior NASCAR Journalist
Despite a rocky start to the season, where Van Gisbergen ranked 34th in points largely due to weaker performances on oval tracks, his recent dominance on road courses has altered the narrative. His back-to-back wins in Mexico City and Chicago have silenced critics and provided momentum as he looks toward the upcoming road course races at Watkins Glen and Sonoma.
Building Momentum Amid Rising Expectations
Jeff Gluck also noted that the focus on Van Gisbergen’s early-season struggles has diminished following his impressive second win. Should Van Gisbergen secure a victory at Sonoma, he would tie for the most wins in the Cup Series this season, further emphasizing his prominence in NASCAR.
“I think the storyline, the narrative of hey he won Mexico City, he was 34th in points or whatever. I think that is gone now that he’s won two of these races. Look, as somebody pointed out in the post-race press conference, he wins Sonoma next week he is tied for the most wins in the Cup Series.” —Jeff Gluck, Senior NASCAR Journalist
While Van Gisbergen’s road course mastery is undeniable, his continued success will depend on improving his performance on oval circuits. Earning respect across the wider NASCAR community requires him to prove his capabilities on all types of tracks. His fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can transform his road course dominance into a well-rounded Cup Series record.
Rising Above Challenges and Setting New Standards
Van Gisbergen’s ability to win both Xfinity and Cup races from the pole position not only highlights his driving acumen but also signals a shift in NASCAR’s competitive landscape. His accomplishments as a rookie with Trackhouse Racing and multiple Supercars championships have translated into a rapid ascent within NASCAR’s elite ranks. His rivalry with established names like Jeff Gordon, Chase Elliott, and Marcos Ambrose adds a compelling narrative to this season’s road course races.
As Van Gisbergen continues to collect wins and defy expectations, his story resonates as one of perseverance and extraordinary talent, inspiring hopeful fans across the motorsports world. With additional road course events and the pressure of oval races ahead, his 2025 campaign promises to be one of the most watched seasons in recent NASCAR history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
A. Shane van Gisbergen feels he made the “right choice” leaving Supercars to try out a NASCAR career. This year, he will fully participate in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing. He joined after spending 15 years in Supercars.
Q. How much did Shane van Gisbergen win in NASCAR?
A. Stewart-Haas Racing shut down after 16 seasons mainly because it was difficult to find sponsors for their four-car team. Stewart is leaving the sport during a period of tension between NASCAR and its teams about the sport’s future.
