Shane van Gisbergen has been a revelation since his unexpected victory in the 2023 NASCAR Grant Park 165 at Chicago’s inaugural street race. The three-time Supercars champion quickly transitioned from a road-course specialist to one of the most talked-about names in NASCAR. But as SVG gears up for his first full-time Cup Series season in 2025 with Trackhouse Racing, one glaring weakness threatens to test his adaptability: oval racing.
From Supercars to NASCAR: A meteoric rise
Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, he joined Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series, where he secured three victories—all on road courses—and finished 12th in the standings after being eliminated in the playoffs’ opening round. These achievements underscored his dominance on twisty circuits but also highlighted his struggles elsewhere.
In his limited Cup Series appearances over the past two years, SVG has shown flashes of brilliance. Across four road-course races, he boasts an average finish of 9.8—a statistic that cements his reputation as one of the best in the discipline. However, his performances on ovals tell a very different story.
The oval dilemma
Van Gisbergen has openly acknowledged his struggles on oval tracks. In a candid interview with Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, he said:
“I know I can do the job. It’s just time. I know I can get there. It’s just how long it’s going to take on the oval side. Of course, the results are going to have to start coming and improving, especially on the oval side.”
SVG’s numbers back up his concerns. In three intermediate track Cup races, he averages a disappointing 27.7 finish, while his three Superspeedway races (Daytona and Talladega) yield an average finish of 26.0. These stats starkly contrast his road-course performances and underline the steep learning curve he faces.
Signs of promise in Xfinity
Despite the struggles, van Gisbergen has shown glimpses of potential on ovals. His third-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway’s 1.540-mile quad-oval in the Xfinity Series last year was a significant milestone. Additionally, a fourth-place result at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s oval layout demonstrated that he can adapt when given the right tools and time.
These strong finishes at iconic venues provide hope for Trackhouse Racing as they prepare for the 2025 season. SVG’s ability to compete against seasoned oval veterans on some of NASCAR’s toughest tracks indicates a foundation upon which he can build.
Trackhouse Racing’s expectations for 2025
Trackhouse Racing, which purchased a Stewart-Haas Racing charter to secure SVG’s full-time Cup seat, is betting big on the Kiwi’s potential. The team knows SVG’s transition won’t happen overnight, but his raw talent and proven ability to learn quickly make him a long-term investment.
“Shane’s road-course dominance is unmatched,” a team insider shared. “But we’re confident he’ll close the gap on ovals. It’s about patience and giving him the time and tools to grow.”
SVG’s mindset: A year of growth
Van Gisbergen views 2025 as another learning year, echoing the approach that brought him success in Xfinity. His humility and willingness to acknowledge his weaknesses set him apart as a driver determined to succeed, no matter the challenge.
“There’s a lot to improve, but that’s what makes this exciting,” SVG said. “Every lap is an opportunity to learn something new.”
The verdict
Shane van Gisbergen’s transition to NASCAR’s top series is one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 season. While his road-course dominance is expected to continue, his ability to adapt to ovals will define his success in the Cup Series.
SVG may be stepping into unfamiliar territory, but his perseverance, coupled with Trackhouse Racing’s commitment, suggests that his struggles on ovals are only temporary. If his Xfinity achievements are any indication, it’s not a matter of if SVG can conquer ovals—it’s when.