Though Shane Van Gisbergen did not advance past the Round of 16 in his rookie NASCAR Cup season, the Australian Supercars champion showed no signs of conceding defeat. Known as SVG, Van Gisbergen reignited his competitive edge at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), delivering a performance that impressed fans and competitors alike. His remarkable run at NHMS highlighted his determination to excel in the highly challenging NASCAR environment.
Building Momentum After Early Playoff Disappointment
Van Gisbergen’s rookie campaign saw him rack up four impressive wins across notable road courses, including Chicago, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen, where his mastery established him as an elite road racer in the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite these outstanding results, the transition to oval tracks proved more difficult, with his playoff journey ending earlier than expected at Bristol Motor Speedway. Following that setback, Van Gisbergen took responsibility for the exit and aimed to come back stronger.
At NHMS, he showed immediate improvement, achieving a career-best qualifying position by clocking the tenth fastest lap, an impressive 29.409 seconds. This pace was comparable to veteran driver Denny Hamlin, who qualified just one spot ahead. This qualifying effort surpassed his recent P11 finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and was notable given Van Gisbergen had only one previous start at New Hampshire in the lower-tier Xfinity Series.
Fast and Fearless: Van Gisbergen’s Race Performance at NHMS
Van Gisbergen’s strong qualifying carried over into the race, where early on, the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet moved swiftly through the field. Within just four laps, he advanced into sixth place, passing Tyler Reddick from 23XI Racing. By lap 50, he overtook Carson Hocevar to seize fifth position, showcasing remarkable adaptability on the oval track.
“It’s so, so, so early in this race, but the pace on this No. 88 @TeamTrackhouse Chevrolet is LEGIT.
Van Gisbergen got by Tyler Reddick for sixth and is consistently among the top five to six in lap times, 25 laps into the run.#NASCAR” — Joseph Srigley, NASCAR Analyst
Recognizing Van Gisbergen’s Growing Oval Expertise
Despite mixed views from fans and the NASCAR community, Van Gisbergen’s talent is undeniable. Some critics have dismissed him as just another international driver imported to boost the sport’s global appeal, while others highlight his extraordinary skill set, especially his dominance on road courses. His progress in mastering oval tracks, traditionally a challenge for drivers used to road racing, signals a breakthrough that could redefine expectations.
The unique win-and-in playoff format appears to favor Van Gisbergen’s versatile driving style, allowing him to capitalize on his strengths. His steady improvements suggest that he is moving closer to becoming a comprehensive threat on all types of tracks, not just road courses.
What This Means for Van Gisbergen and NASCAR’s Future
Shane Van Gisbergen’s impressive efforts at NHMS mark a pivotal moment in his NASCAR career, hinting at a rising force in oval racing. As he gains experience and consolidates his strengths, Van Gisbergen could soon break through the barriers that have limited his playoff success. His adaptability and resolve make him a promising contender to watch in upcoming events.
This strong showing at NHMS not only boosts his confidence but also sends a message that the rookie driver is ready to challenge the series’ established veterans. For NASCAR, Van Gisbergen’s emergence represents the potential for a compelling new star, blending international experience with growing mastery of NASCAR’s diverse tracks.
It’s so, so, so early in this race, but the pace on this No. 88 @TeamTrackhouse Chevrolet is LEGIT.
Van Gisbergen got by Tyler Reddick for sixth and is consistently among the top five to six in lap times, 25 laps into the run.#NASCAR https://t.co/ZypnO5EqU5
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) September 21, 2025
