On the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin issued a stark warning to the NASCAR Cup Series competitors, stating that no one currently matches Shane van Gisbergen’s superiority on road courses. Hamlin expressed doubt that the field will catch up to van Gisbergen anytime soon, given the New Zealander’s overwhelming performance.
Van Gisbergen first showcased his road racing prowess by winning immediately upon his return in 2023, but even Hamlin and others did not anticipate the extent of his dominance seen in 2025. This ongoing superiority has left competitors feeling uneasy about their chances against him on such tracks.
Unmatched Road Course Mastery Demonstrated by Shane van Gisbergen
Reflecting on van Gisbergen’s initial win at the Chicago street course in 2023, Hamlin recalled the widespread belief that the victory was linked to his unique expertise on street circuits and favorable conditions, such as the wet track and timely cautions. However, Hamlin now acknowledges that those explanations underestimated van Gisbergen’s true skill.
“Not the domination that he’s had,”
Hamlin remarked, addressing whether van Gisbergen’s level of control was foreseeable during his first win.
“You’re trying to come up with all these reasons and justification as to why he won that race versus just saying, ‘Oh, he’s just better than everyone else.’ That’s what we’re finding out now.”
Hamlin is convinced that van Gisbergen stands alone at the pinnacle of road course racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. While there might be rare circumstances where he can be beaten, such as through strategic advantages or luck, no driver currently matches his pace in direct competition.
What It Takes to Challenge Van Gisbergen on Road Courses
Hamlin emphasized the rarity of opportunities to defeat van Gisbergen one-on-one during races. The most probable scenario to overcome him involves strategic gambits, like getting the better pit call during late-race cautions when others can take fresh tires and van Gisbergen stays out.
“I think that it’s factual at this point,”
Hamlin said, affirming van Gisbergen as the best road course racer ever to compete in the Cup Series.
“I don’t know how we can say otherwise, because these races aren’t close. They’re not close, if that makes any sense. … The only way (to beat him) is when the field has a caution with 12 laps to go, and everyone behind him gets to pit and he stays out. That was the only shot. I think you could get him then. That’s where he’s going to be vulnerable.”
“You’re going to have to put him at a disadvantage on tires or strategy to, I believe, overtake him. If it’s straight lap time, I don’t see anyone having enough. … That’s why I’m confident in saying, I don’t think you’re going to beat him straight up in a Cup car right now. There’s nobody that can run with him.”
The Implications for NASCAR’s Future with van Gisbergen’s Dominance
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether any driver can disrupt Shane van Gisbergen’s exceptional hold on road course events. Hamlin’s candid remarks underscore the frustration and concern felt by many competitors who face an uphill battle to challenge this supremacy.
The significance of van Gisbergen’s dominance could redefine competitive expectations and strategies within the Cup Series. Hamlin’s analysis serves as a roadmap for other drivers aiming to find weakness in the reigning road course standout. Whether any contender can emerge over the coming months remains uncertain, but van Gisbergen’s current form sets a daunting standard.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006. Since then, he has achieved 51 Cup Series victories. He also won the Daytona 500 three times in 2016, 2019, and 2020, and earned significant money throughout his career.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. As a child, her love for dance inspired her to join the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats’ dance team. The team is now called the Charlotte Hornets. She first met Hamlin while performing at one of the Bobcats’ games.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a net worth of about $65 million. He achieved this through a successful racing career, endorsement deals, team ownership, and smart real estate investments. Hamlin excels both as a driver and a team manager, consistently making wise decisions.
Q. Are Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin friends?
A. Michael Jordan, co-owner of NASCAR’s 23XI Racing team, complimented Denny Hamlin for winning his second Cup Series race this season at Darlington. Jordan admired Hamlin’s competitive nature and advised critics, “Booing him only makes him stronger.”