Shane Van Gisbergen’s hopes for advancing in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs suffered a major setback after a challenging performance at Darlington Raceway this weekend. The Trackhouse Racing rookie, who has impressed many with four wins on road courses this season, struggled throughout the event and ultimately finished 32nd, leaving his playoff status uncertain.
Known for his calm under pressure, the three-time Supercars champion appeared visibly discouraged as he discussed his car’s issues during the weekend. Despite efforts from his team to improve performance, Van Gisbergen could not find a solution to regain competitive speed on the track.
“Whatever was different from yesterday’s car was horrible. So yeah, they tried everything they could, but we couldn’t make it better. And I couldn’t find a way to make speed. I was losing most shi* inside the car. So it didn’t feel like it. It’s a shame because I had reasonable hopes we went good here in the spring and our cars are getting better. I felt helpless out there,” Shane Van Gisbergen said [via Matt Weaver on X].
The difficulties at Darlington come as a significant blow, especially given that most upcoming playoff races will be on oval tracks where Van Gisbergen has had fewer opportunities to shine. The driver remains determined to recover quickly, aiming to perform strongly at the next race at World Wide Technology Raceway in Illinois to keep his championship hopes alive.
Introducing Connor Zilisch: A New Teammate for Van Gisbergen in 2026
Looking ahead to next season, Van Gisbergen will share the Trackhouse Racing spotlight with a promising newcomer. It was officially announced on August 29, 2025, that 19-year-old Connor Zilisch will join the team full-time for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign.
Van Gisbergen welcomed the arrival of the young talent and highlighted the competitive boost Zilisch’s presence brings, especially as another proficient road course driver alongside him.
“I think having another good road course driver will just push us to the next level. And especially, Ross is not far behind, too, on the road courses. So, we’re pretty strong. But Connor’s pretty fast on the ovals too, so it’s going to be good to see how he goes. You have some conversations with him, and then you remember that he’s only 19 or whatever he is. But I find the upbringing of the kids here is unbelievable,” Shane Van Gisbergen said via Dirty Mo Media
This pairing of road course specialists under the same team banner offers an exciting dynamic for Trackhouse Racing, promising a compelling narrative and competitive edge in the seasons to come.
The Road Ahead for Van Gisbergen in the NASCAR Playoffs
Van Gisbergen’s disappointing outcome at Darlington has intensified pressure on him as the playoffs continue, especially with an upcoming slate that favors oval track expertise. Despite the rocky start, he remains focused on turning his season around during the next race in Illinois this weekend.
The challenge now lies in overcoming this setback, as every remaining race counts heavily toward clinching the NASCAR Cup Series championship. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Van Gisbergen can adapt quickly and reclaim his standing as a top rookie contender within the fiercely competitive playoff environment.
