Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR dominance has become a major talking point this season as the New Zealand driver has taken the NASCAR Cup Series by storm with three impressive road course victories. Competing for Trackhouse Racing, van Gisbergen has surpassed expectations since the 2025 season began, sparking both admiration and criticism within the NASCAR community. However, 2014 Cup champion Kevin Harvick has publicly defended van Gisbergen’s achievements, emphasizing the driver’s intelligence and the legitimacy of his success.
Kevin Harvick Addresses Criticism of van Gisbergen’s Performance
In a recent episode of Fox Sports’ Happy Hours podcast, Kevin Harvick tackled the debate surrounding Shane van Gisbergen’s dominance in NASCAR, specifically addressing those who question his road course wins. Harvick pointed out that van Gisbergen’s three victories equal the number of wins by fellow frontrunners Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, and Denny Hamlin so far this season. The difference lies in the type of tracks where the wins occurred, with van Gisbergen excelling on road courses, a domain where some others have yet to find success.
So let me ask you this. He’s won three races. Bell, Denny Hamlin, Larson won three races. So, if you take the types of tracks off and just—they haven’t won on a road course—so what’s the difference?
Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.
Harvick’s argument underlines the fairness of van Gisbergen’s victories, noting that fans who criticize him for not winning on ovals should consider that other top drivers have struggled on road courses too. The inclusion of six road course events from the start of the season was well known to all competitors, who have accordingly prepared. Thus, any blame for lack of wins against van Gisbergen at these events should fall on them rather than the Kiwi’s skill.
Looking ahead, Harvick expressed optimism that if van Gisbergen secures one or two more wins, it would solidify an already impressive campaign.
Let’s just say it ends right here. I think he wins one of the two road courses that we have left. So, let’s just say he ends the season with 4 wins and 5 poles, and the season’s over. That’s a pretty successful Cup season, for anybody,
Kevin Harvick asserted.
Improvement on Oval Tracks and Future Prospects
Harvick also discussed van Gisbergen’s progression on oval circuits, emphasizing that the driver has made noticeable strides in this more traditional NASCAR format. With a strong racing intellect, van Gisbergen’s potential to claim an oval track win seems increasingly within reach. Harvick speculated that unless a newcomer like Conor Zilisch—van Gisbergen’s teammate and touted as a rising star—enters the Cup series and outperforms him, the New Zealander’s success will likely continue into the next season.
And I think he will. I mean he already has. He’s already improved on the ovals. His racing IQ is super high…The only thing that slows it down next year is Connor Zilisch if he goes Cup racing.
Kevin Harvick added.
Van Gisbergen’s Role in Boosting NASCAR Sponsorships
Shane van Gisbergen has not only elevated the competition on track but has significantly influenced sponsorship dynamics within NASCAR. Bringing one of his longtime sponsors, Red Bull, back into prominence in the United States, van Gisbergen has helped re-establish the brand’s presence after its early exit and re-entry into the sport in the mid-2000s. This partnership extends support to both him and Conor Zilisch, marking a renewed era of competitive backing in the series.
The resurgence of Red Bull as a major sponsor has intensified competition with Monster Energy, a longstanding energy drink sponsor in NASCAR. This renewed rivalry between Red Bull and Monster Energy has notable implications for the sport, especially considering that top drivers associated with Monster, such as Ty Gibbs, Riley Herbst, and Tyler Reddick, have yet to secure race wins this season.
Kevin Harvick highlighted the positive impact that such a sponsorship rivalry can have on NASCAR’s marketing and fan engagement.
The energy drink sector of what we do, we need Red Bull and Monster to compete. Whether it be marketing, advertising, just like Budweiser, Coors Light, Miller Light used to do back in the day. When you have those big companies like that, that are engaged in the marketing side of things, it brings a whole new element to the marketing side of things. And that is good for our sport.
Kevin Harvick said on podcast.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future and Fan Engagement
The competition fueled by Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR dominance and strong team partnerships is reshaping the landscape of the sport. Harvick’s support not only validates van Gisbergen’s achievements but also underscores the evolving challenge for drivers proficient in both road courses and oval tracks. The growing rivalry between Red Bull and Monster Energy is expected to increase investment and promotional efforts, enhancing the sport’s visibility and appeal to a broader audience.
As van Gisbergen continues to build on his momentum with possible additional wins, NASCAR fans and stakeholders will closely watch how these developments affect the competitive balance and sponsorship dynamics in future seasons. The arrival of talented drivers like Conor Zilisch further intensifies this evolving scenario, suggesting a dynamic and exciting period ahead for NASCAR.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?
A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last races did not go as perfectly as hoped. During Saturday’s first lap, he hit Will Brown’s crashed car at Turn 4. On Sunday, he faced brake problems that forced him to leave the race early.
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 an outstanding record with victories in the Bathurst 12 Hour race. He also earned a podium finish in the 24 Hours of Daytona and won three titles in the Australian Supercars series.
