Shane van Gisbergen has swiftly established himself as a dominant force in NASCAR’s road course events during the 2023 season. The New Zealand driver stunned fans with his victory in Chicago’s inaugural NASCAR street race, and recently secured his third win on a road course at Sonoma, reinforcing his exceptional skill on these complex tracks. His strong performances underline a growing reputation for Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR domination this season.
Racing full-time with Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, van Gisbergen, in his rookie year, has already matched records held by iconic drivers such as Kyle Busch and Mark Martin, tying for 11th on the all-time road course wins list. His rapid ascent demonstrates a natural aptitude for mastering technical circuits in a sport often dominated by oval specialists.
Despite his success on road courses, van Gisbergen’s journey on oval tracks remains a challenge. Unlike his smooth performances on road courses, his results on traditional oval tracks have been less consistent. Still, the driver is making steady progress adapting to NASCAR’s conventional racing formats, showing promise in improving his oval racing skills as the season advances.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Humorous yet Firm Views on Electric Vehicles
Off the track, van Gisbergen recently expressed his candid views on electric vehicles during an episode of the Stacking Pennies podcast. When asked about EVs, his response was both humorous and revealing of his personal values in motorsport.
Good to fall asleep to, when you’re watching the races,
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
While recognizing the advancements behind electric vehicle technology, van Gisbergen made it clear that he remains loyal to the visceral experience offered by a traditional V8 engine. He emphasized his appreciation for the iconic sound and power of NASCAR’s V8s, which he considers central to the sport’s authenticity and excitement.
Having built his career around the roar of powerful V8 machines—from his early racing days through championship victories in Australian V8 Supercars—van Gisbergen’s passion for this engine type reflects his deep-rooted connection to traditional racing culture. He openly stated a preference against hybrid systems, choosing instead to celebrate the raw energy of conventional V8 power.
Why Fans Appreciate van Gisbergen’s Genuine and Bold Personality
Shane van Gisbergen’s straightforward personality and relentless competitiveness have endeared him to many motorsport fans. His refusal to conform to popular trends or feign enthusiasm for electric vehicles resonates with traditional racing enthusiasts and petrolheads who value unfiltered honesty.
In an era where electric and hybrid technologies increasingly shape racing series worldwide, van Gisbergen represents a passionate voice for maintaining the heritage and sensory thrills of internal combustion engines. His status as a fan favorite is boosted by his impressive performances and his genuine, sometimes humorous takes on modern motorsport changes.
Looking ahead, NASCAR’s next stop at Watkins Glen, another road course known for its demanding layout, presents van Gisbergen with an opportunity to solidify his dominance further. Fans eagerly anticipate whether he can extend his sequence of victories to four, continuing to cement his legacy as a road course master.
