Shane van Gisbergen is showcasing a level of NASCAR dominance that few have matched in decades, highlighted by his commanding victory in Mexico and a weekend sweep at Chicago. Van Gisbergen’s recent performances have drawn comparisons to some of the most historic feats in stock car racing, reflecting both his skill and consistency on road courses.
Reflecting on Ned Jarrett’s Unmatched 1965 Southern 500 Victory
Looking back to 1965, Ned Jarrett’s display of control at the Southern 500 in Darlington Raceway remains a milestone in NASCAR history. That season, Jarrett had accumulated 11 wins in the Grand National Series and was already a past champion, having won his first title in 1961. Driving a Ford Galaxie, he was expected to perform well, though the manner of his triumph became legendary.
The Southern 500 that year was grueling, with 29 of 44 cars failing to finish due to the intense heat causing engine overheating. Jarrett did not possess the fastest car on the track, but his vehicle’s endurance was unmatched. Instead of pushing hard, he adhered to a strategy that preserved his engine’s health, enabling him to pull away from the competition dramatically.
Ignoring his crew’s suggestions to pit, Jarrett slowed his pace in the final laps to manage engine temperature yet still finished the race 14 laps ahead of second-place Buck Baker. Such a victory margin in a major NASCAR race is unparalleled, showcasing a combination of skill, strategy, and mechanical reliability that has not been replicated in the modern era of much closer competition.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Recent Road Course Command
Van Gisbergen’s recent victories have resonated as echoes of Jarrett’s commanding performance, though adapted to the modern, tightly contested NASCAR scene. His win in Mexico was decisive, finishing 16.567 seconds ahead of runner-up Christopher Bell—the largest margin in a Cup Series race since 2009. This dominance extended into Chicago, where van Gisbergen captured both the Xfinity Series and Cup Series races over the same weekend.
These wins have solidified van Gisbergen’s reputation as the premier road course driver among today’s competitors. As the series prepares to visit Sonoma Raceway, a challenging 12-turn, hilly circuit, anticipation grows over whether he can maintain his remarkable form. A continued winning streak on road courses appears well within reach for van Gisbergen.
While van Gisbergen may not replicate Jarrett’s massive lap margin, his current performances suggest he is uniquely positioned among modern drivers to establish a similarly dominant legacy in NASCAR road racing.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes he made the correct choice by leaving Supercars to chase a career in NASCAR. This year, he begins his first full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing after competing in Supercars for 15 years.
Q. How much did Shane van Gisbergen win in NASCAR?
A. Stewart-Haas Racing decided to shut down after 16 years, partly due to difficulties in securing sponsors for their four-car team. Stewart is leaving at a moment when there’s tension between NASCAR and its teams about what lies ahead for the sport.