Shane van Gisbergen showcased undeniable skill and control during last Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma, securing his third victory of the season and reinforcing his exceptional ability on road courses. The New Zealand driver’s performance left a lasting impression on many, including NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who praised van Gisbergen’s dominance and a defining moment during the race that emphasized the gap between him and his competitors.
During a recent episode of his Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt Jr. highlighted how van Gisbergen’s commanding performance, particularly in the second stage of the Sonoma race, demonstrated the Kiwi’s advantage over the field. He described the move as an unmistakable display of control and superiority that left other drivers with limited options to counter.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Applauds Shane van Gisbergen’s Commanding Stage Win
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the excitement and competition within the Sonoma race, but quickly focused on van Gisbergen’s ability to flip the second stage and take the win as a defining moment. He emphasized that the move illustrated van Gisbergen’s overwhelming control in a situation where no other competitor could realistically challenge him.
“I thought it was a good race. From just a general perspective of entertainment. … Look at (Shane van Gisbergen). The guy, when he flipped Stage Two and won it, that was like, ‘Holy shit,’ right? What does anybody else — what can you do? If a guy flips the stage and then wins the stage, that’s the ultimate f*** you.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., via Dale Jr. Download
Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that van Gisbergen’s dominance forced the rest of the drivers into a position with no effective strategies to disrupt his momentum. The No. 88 Chevy driver’s control on the track made it clear that only a coordinated tactical gamble could have changed the race dynamics.
“The rest of the fields has no — there’s no strategy, unless they all didn’t pit and put him in the back of the field. Eventually, you’ve got to pay the penalty and come to pit road and get fuel and tires and all those things. I mean, he just had it covered.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt Jr. explained that any attempt to challenge van Gisbergen’s advantage would have required the other drivers to all skip pitting, a strategy with serious risks that could have backfired. Ultimately, the Kiwi’s execution and positioning left him in full control for the rest of the race, reinforcing his Sonoma dominance.
Michael McDowell Believes Shane van Gisbergen’s Road Course Edge Can Be Challenged
Among those trying to keep pace with Shane van Gisbergen on road courses is Michael McDowell, a driver who sees these venues as his best chance to compete for wins during the season. Although McDowell has yet to outmatch van Gisbergen’s pace, he retains confidence in his potential to overcome the Trackhouse Racing driver and secure playoff eligibility by winning the upcoming races.
McDowell specifically pointed to van Gisbergen’s vast experience on road courses as the primary factor behind his success, noting that the Kiwi racer has spent the past two decades honing his skills on similar circuits and vehicles. Despite this, McDowell insists that van Gisbergen is not invincible.
“It’s that he’s a really, really good race car driver, very experienced on road courses and cars that are similar style, and it’s what he’s done for the last 20 years, and he knows exactly the feel that he needs and the feel that he wants, and you know, he’s just that good. I mean, he’s just that good, so you know, in my mind, it pushes me to be better. I don’t think he’s unbeatable.” —Michael McDowell
McDowell’s remarks underline the challenge of competing against van Gisbergen, who combines skill and familiarity with road racing to maintain a dominant edge. As McDowell pursues a victory at Watkins Glen, the last non-oval race of the season, the broader NASCAR community watches to see if anyone can disrupt van Gisbergen’s current hold on these events.
Van Gisbergen’s Dominance Sets a High Bar for Competitors
The performance at Sonoma solidifies Shane van Gisbergen’s reputation as a commanding force on road courses in the NASCAR Cup Series. His ability to control stages and maintain momentum against the field highlights a combination of advanced racing craft, strategic acumen, and experience that few can match. This level of supremacy has ignited conversations among drivers and analysts alike about the difficulty of dethroning the Kiwi trailblazer.
Efforts from competitors such as Michael McDowell demonstrate that there is belief in the field that van Gisbergen’s reign can be challenged, though it will require more than just speed. Strategic excellence and favorable circumstances will be vital for others aiming to end his winning streak.
As the NASCAR season progresses toward pivotal races like Daytona and Watkins Glen, the implications of van Gisbergen’s performances are clear: his dominance demands heightened preparedness and innovation from every rival. Fans and insiders alike will keenly observe whether anyone can rise to challenge the driver who delivered what Earnhardt Jr. called “the ultimate f*** you” at Sonoma.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?
A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last races didn’t end as many had hoped. On Saturday’s first lap, he hit Will Brown’s already crashed car at Turn 4. Then on Sunday, he faced braking problems that forced him not to complete the race.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen an American citizen?
A. Shane Robert van Gisbergen, who was born on May 9, 1989, is a racing driver from New Zealand. People often call him SVG.
Q. How many Supercar Championships did Shane van Gisbergen win?
A. Often called “SVG,” van Gisbergen has an outstanding record. He has victories in the Bathurst 12-Hour, a podium at the 24 Hours of Daytona, and three Australian Supercars championships. In 2024, SVG participated full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 97 for Kaulig Racing.