This NASCAR season has seen Shane van Gisbergen emerge as a dominant force on road courses, yet Michael McDowell remains cautious in declaring him unbeatable. The New Zealander has impressed since his sensational debut win in Chicago, but McDowell believes van Gisbergen’s reign may be temporary despite the current momentum.
Michael McDowell’s Perspective on Van Gisbergen’s Strengths
Michael McDowell, a skilled driver known for his strong road course performances, acknowledges van Gisbergen’s extraordinary talent but resists calling him invincible. McDowell highlights that what sets van Gisbergen apart is the subtle yet consistent advantages he brings to every turn. From braking timing to acceleration points, van Gisbergen’s driving lines are finely tuned to eke out small gains lap after lap.
“I have a different perspective on this,”
McDowell said to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
“What he’s doing right now is incredible. But he’s not Superman.”
He explained that van Gisbergen’s technique combines slight differences in corner entry, turn lines, and early acceleration, a skill honed from his background in Supercars racing, which allows for continuous marginal gains throughout the race.
Van Gisbergen’s Track Record and Upcoming Challenges
Van Gisbergen has taken NASCAR by storm over the last three seasons, especially excelling in the Cup Series road course races. Since his debut and victory at the Chicago street circuit, his presence has been strong enough to overshadow many established drivers, including McDowell. However, NASCAR’s shift away from Chicago to new street courses such as San Diego and Coronado Air Force Base presents fresh challenges.
Though the exact details of the new courses are still being finalized, van Gisbergen is viewed by many as the frontrunner on the street circuits, particularly given his adaptable style and experience. McDowell notes that the introduction of the Next Gen car fits van Gisbergen’s driving style closely, resembling the Supercars setup where he has excelled, giving him an edge unlike before.
Competition and Close Contests Throughout the Season
Despite van Gisbergen’s dominance, McDowell points out that there have been moments this year when he felt competitive against him. In Mexico, timely cautions helped McDowell’s No. 88 car maintain pace, and during their shared race in Chicago, McDowell even led laps ahead of van Gisbergen before mechanical issues forced an early retirement. These incidents underscore that van Gisbergen is not invulnerable, and competition remains intense.
Van Gisbergen has also outperformed competitors in the Xfinity Series, where the cars more closely resemble previous Cup models, showing that his talent is not limited solely to the Next Gen car advantages.
The Broader Impact on NASCAR and Road Course Racing
Van Gisbergen’s rise has pushed drivers across NASCAR to re-examine their approaches, raising the overall level of competition on road courses. McDowell reflected on this pressure, saying,
“He’s pushing all of us to be better. He’s pushing everyone to make some adjustments. And it will happen. It’s just a matter of time.”
—Michael McDowell, NASCAR Driver
This competitive pressure is likely to accelerate adaptation among other drivers and teams as they work to close the gap van Gisbergen has created. His driving style, combined with the car’s evolving design, represents a shifting landscape in NASCAR road racing.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect Next Season
As NASCAR prepares to debut new street course circuits in San Diego and near Coronado Air Force Base, the question remains whether van Gisbergen’s NASCAR dominance can continue. McDowell’s measured skepticism, balanced by respect for van Gisbergen’s current form, suggests that rivals are still motivated to challenge the New Zealander’s lead. The upcoming races will test van Gisbergen’s ability to transfer his established success to unfamiliar tracks amid evolving competition.
With the evolving race calendar and the Next Gen car continuing to influence how drivers perform, the coming season promises intense battles on road courses where every skillful turn and split-second decision will be vital.
