Shane van Gisbergen’s shift to full-time competition in the NASCAR Cup Series has surprised many, including veterans in the sport. After four races in the 2026 season, the New Zealand driver has secured fifth place in the standings, showing early signs of a remarkable adaptation to oval racing.
His recent performance at Phoenix Raceway, where he recovered from a dramatic spin to finish strongly, has drawn particular attention among competitors and analysts alike.
Unexpected Spin at Phoenix Raceway Raises Doubts
During the Phoenix race, van Gisbergen’s momentum seemed to falter when he spun out on the track, causing concern among viewers. Jeff Gluck, speaking on The Teardown podcast, recalled his reaction from the press box as the incident unfolded:
“Today, twice he wrecks right in front of me, spins out, I see a bunch of smoke,”
Gluck explained.
“I’m like, ‘Who’s that?’ I’m looking down from the press box. ‘Oh geez, SVG. Shoot. Well, that’s not good for him.’”
Gluck admitted he initially thought this could derail van Gisbergen’s promising season, especially since questions remain about his oval racing skills:
“Guess people are going to be chirping at my mentions about how blah, blah, blah, you always excuse SVG and he can’t drive on ovals,”
he added.
Van Gisbergen’s Remarkable Comeback Leaves Experts Stunned
Despite the setback, van Gisbergen mounted an impressive recovery on the track. He managed to climb back through the pack and ultimately finished in 11th place, a result that even Jeff Gluck struggled to understand:
“He comes back to finish 11th somehow. I have no idea how that happened. I literally have no idea how that happened,”
Gluck remarked.
“One of those last restarts, I’m looking up and it’s like, ‘What? I guess he must have taken two tires or something.’”
Fellow Drivers Take Notice of Van Gisbergen’s Progress
Jordan Bianchi, co-host of The Teardown, noted that van Gisbergen’s rapid advancement on oval tracks has earned respect from other drivers in the NASCAR garage:
“You talk to other drivers, and they are in awe of his ability, because they know how good he is,”
Bianchi said.
“Yes, it’s road courses versus all ovals, but if he puts in the time and the work, and they see this, it’s transferable to some degree. He’s doing it, man. He is getting better and better.”
Challenges Loom as the Season Progresses
Although van Gisbergen’s current form is impressive, insiders remain cautious about what lies ahead. Upcoming races at demanding tracks such as Las Vegas and Darlington will test his capabilities further. Jeff Gluck emphasized the unpredictable nature of the season:
“We’re gonna have to see more. But I mean, the fact that he finished 11th after a day like that? It’s definitely impressive.”
Van Gisbergen’s strong showing early in the season highlights a potential shift in the NASCAR landscape, as he continues to prove himself among established American drivers while representing Trackhouse Racing. His Phoenix comeback marks a critical moment that could shape his trajectory and influence his standing in the highly competitive Cup Series.
