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Shane Van Gisbergen’s Rapid Progress on Ovals Surprises NASCAR Veteran Denny Hamlin

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 4, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Shane Van Gisbergen’s Rapid Progress on Ovals Surprises NASCAR Veteran Denny Hamlin

WeatherTech Chevrolet driver Shane Van Gisbergen (88) rounds turn 17 during the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, March 2, 2025 in Austin.

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With a fresh burst of energy and a keen eye set on conquering new territories, New Zealand’s racing ace Shane van Gisbergen is leaving his mark on NASCAR, attracting attention from veterans like Denny Hamlin. Van Gisbergen, known for his firebrand approach to racing, has been making steady strides in the NASCAR Cup Series, impressing many with his quick learning and adaptability.

In 2023, the Kiwi speedster set the NASCAR Cup Series alight by snagging a victory in his debut race at the Chicago Street Race. This winning momentum was carried over to the Xfinity Series, where van Gisbergen managed to secure three more victories on road courses. However, the New Zealander’s performance on other kinds of tracks was less stellar, highlighting an area for improvement.

In a bid to bolster his racing prowess, van Gisbergen has been revamping his strategy for 2025. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, with Denny Hamlin, his Cup Series competitor, acknowledging the Kiwi’s diligence and commitment to every race.

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Hamlin, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, noted van Gisbergen’s marked improvement on oval tracks during the 2024 Xfinity Series. The Kiwi driver managed to secure top-ten finishes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Darlington Raceway, but struggled on superspeedways and intermediate tracks, where he averaged 27.5 and 27.7 finishes respectively.

Despite these challenges, Hamlin has been quick to praise van Gisbergen’s rapid advancement. In an episode of ‘Actions Detrimental,’ Hamlin lauded van Gisbergen’s performance at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, stating that he was “impressed with SVG and the draft.” Even though van Gisbergen finished 23rd, his journey to this position was deemed commendable by many.

In the Ambetter Health 400 race, van Gisbergen showcased his calculated approach, skillfully avoiding cautions and chaos on the track. Hamlin, who followed closely behind the Kiwi driver, expressed his admiration for van Gisbergen’s steady line and his quick learning curve.

For 2025, van Gisbergen plans to shift his racing strategy. Until the 2024 season, the Kiwi was known for his prowess on road courses. Reports from September 2024 even pegged van Gisbergen as the most formidable competitor on road courses, where he was 194 percent better than an average driver.

However, van Gisbergen has set his sights on new horizons for 2025. He aims to excel on non-ovals and improve his performance on oval tracks. His move to the Cup Series as a full-time driver reflects his ambition to rise above the mid-pack and make a significant impact.

In 2024, van Gisbergen expressed his ambitions candidly, “I need to start getting results on the ovals and I really felt like we were getting better and better… That’s what I think the second half of next year [2025] will be like.”

The New Zealander’s determination and strategic shift have left a strong impression on veterans like Hamlin. As van Gisbergen prepares for the upcoming races, it won’t be a surprise if he continues to surpass expectations and leave his competitors, including Hamlin, in awe.

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