The credibility of Shane van Gisbergen, a rising star in the NASCAR world, has been thrown into question following his recent underperformance at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA). This scrutiny comes from NASCAR veterans who are questioning whether his initial road course prowess was simply a one-time phenomenon or if he is struggling to adapt to the unique challenges of the Cup Series.
Van Gisbergen, often referred to as SVG, made a sensational debut in 2023, winning his first race in Chicago. His extensive background in Supercars led many to believe that he would dominate any track with both left and right turns. However, his performance at COTA told a different story, leaving him out of contention for the win.
SVG put up a respectable performance at COTA. He took off from the sixth position, led 23 laps but failed to maintain his initial momentum. In a strategic move, his team pitted from the lead on lap 74, hoping that fresh tires would give him an advantage. However, a caution on lap 78 bunched up the field, and SVG found himself slipping outside the top 10 before rallying to finish sixth. His recent performances, including the one at COTA, raised questions about his command over street circuits.
The popular Green Flag, Black Flag segment on Fast Talk saw Kyle Petty make a bold statement, claiming that “The glimmer on Shane van Gisbergen’s gold star is fading.” However, the panel disagreed, asserting their belief that SVG remains a top-tier talent, despite his recent struggles. Alexis Erickson was quick to defend SVG’s abilities, acknowledging that while he is an exceptional talent, his recent performances suggest that being a road course specialist isn’t sufficient in the face of stiff competition.
Two years ago, van Gisbergen took the NASCAR community by surprise, clinching his debut Cup race on the streets of Chicago and securing three wins in the Xfinity Series, all on road courses. However, as races progress, the competition seems to be closing in. Petty pointed out that data sharing has played a significant role in SVG’s diminishing edge, as every team now has access to his performance data and can use it to refine their tactics.
SVG will now be looking to redeem himself with a strong performance at the Shriners Children’s 500. The Phoenix Raceway is a crucial test for him. Unlike the street circuits where he has excelled, Phoenix is a one-mile, low-banked oval that demands a completely different skill set. For SVG to prove his worth in NASCAR, he must demonstrate his mastery over such tracks.
SVG’s 2025 performances have been inconsistent. He struggled at super speedways, finishing 33rd at the Daytona 500 and 23rd at the Ambetter Health 400. His best performance was at COTA where he led laps and finished sixth. However, to solidify his position in NASCAR, SVG must prove that he can succeed not just on road courses, but on ovals as well.
The Phoenix Raceway is no ordinary oval. It presents unique challenges with its dogleg front stretch and variable banking. This race is not just about finishing well for van Gisbergen. It is about proving that he belongs in the high-stakes world of NASCAR. A strong showing at Phoenix could quell his critics, while another lackluster performance could provide further ammunition to those who believe his NASCAR success is confined to road courses. The upcoming race could prove to be a pivotal point in his 2025 season.