Shane van Gisbergen, the rookie driver competing in NASCAR‘s 2025 Cup Series, discussed his unique approach to preparing for the playoff race at World Wide Technology Raceway (Gateway), held on Sunday, September 7. As the NASCAR playoff race intensifies, his preparation strategy is critical for maintaining a strong position in the championship battle.
Van Gisbergen admitted that, unlike many drivers who rely heavily on sim racing, he minimized his time on simulators and instead focused on video analysis combined with Simulator Motion Technology (SMT) tools. This unconventional method helped him learn the track‘s nuances despite it being his first visit to Gateway prior to the race weekend.
Given his rookie status, the challenge of adapting to a new circuit is significant. However, van Gisbergen‘s team implemented left-foot braking in the car’s setup, inspired by his previous experience at Martinsville. He expressed optimism about gaining a good rhythm during practice sessions, emphasizing the consistency of the track surface and the minimal tire fall-off at Gateway as key factors in this effort.
In a conversation with NBC Sports editor Dustin Long, van Gisbergen shared his thoughts on the learning curve:
“Yeah I haven’t really done sim for a while so yeah just video mainly and SMT so probably watch more drivers than usual and there’s a lot of technique and style differences at both ends especially the second corner you can use third or fourth gear and so yeah just trying to study trends and what works and what the good guys did and why but yeah it’s gonna be it’s a tough week coming to a pretty important race in a place I’ve never seen before today.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR rookie driver
Van Gisbergen qualified 18th for the playoff race at Gateway, outperforming some playoff rivals, including Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman, who qualified 19th and 25th respectively. His qualifying position places him safely above the playoff cut line, giving him a competitive edge for the race.
Van Gisbergen Challenges Doubters as a Serious Championship Contender
Since entering the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series as a rookie, Shane van Gisbergen has consistently impressed, quickly positioning himself as a strong contender for the title. His journey to the playoffs included a win at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, along with four victories and numerous top-10 finishes, particularly excelling on road courses.
Recognized as NASCAR‘s Rookie of the Year, van Gisbergen entered the playoffs ranked sixth in overall points, showcasing his capacity to compete with more experienced drivers. During media day before the race at Darlington Raceway last month, he openly addressed his mindset about the championship chase, stating:
“It doesn’t worry us. It puts no pressure on us, right? If we have a good week this week, it takes the next few harder. But if we have a tough week, it puts us in a hole, and it’s going to be hard to get out of it.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR rookie driver
“Hopefully, it’ll be nice to prove people wrong,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR rookie driver
Despite this confidence, some critics still question his ability to advance far in the playoffs due to his relative lack of experience on oval tracks, which remain a major component of the NASCAR schedule. Nonetheless, his performance so far in the rookie season has dispelled many doubts.
Significance of Van Gisbergen’s Performance for the NASCAR Playoff Race
Shane van Gisbergen’s unconventional playoff race prep and steady progress through multiple competitive events underscore his growing presence in NASCAR’s elite ranks. His use of video study and SMT in lieu of extensive sim racing highlights a tailored approach suited to his strengths, especially valuable when unfamiliar with a circuit like Gateway.
Qualifying ahead of seasoned playoff drivers at a key checkpoint places van Gisbergen in a strong position as the series pushes deeper into the intense playoff phase. How he adapts during the upcoming race weekend will not only impact his immediate championship prospects but may also influence rookie preparation methods in future seasons.
As the playoffs continue, Van Gisbergen’s capacity to maintain momentum and manage the pressures of unfamiliar tracks will be pivotal for his championship hopes and his reputation among NASCAR veterans and fans alike.
