Success in NASCAR hinges not only on individual talent but also on the strength of teamwork and shared knowledge among drivers. Shane van Gisbergen’s recent improvement on oval tracks highlights the impact of Ross Chastain NASCAR teamwork impact within Trackhouse Racing. After a tough 31st-place finish at Iowa Speedway, van Gisbergen shifted focus from his own struggles to commend Chastain’s outstanding performances, demonstrating the value of collective effort in the sport.

Trackhouse Racing sets itself apart by fostering a unified approach rather than internal competition. Drivers Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez, and Shane van Gisbergen maintain a strong camaraderie that enhances everyone’s performance. While van Gisbergen has excelled on road and street courses due to his background in Supercars, adapting to NASCAR’s oval racing posed significant challenges. It was through Chastain’s guidance and example that van Gisbergen found a pathway to improve.

Van Gisbergen detailed during a Stacking Pennies podcast interview with Corey LaJoie how his teammates’ involvement has been essential in raising his level. He acknowledged that the entire team faced difficulties, but shared learning and persistent effort led to steady progress.

“As a team, some weeks I felt like I drove pretty well, and I was still 30th, but Ross (Chastain) was 31st or 29th,”

van Gisbergen said.

He continued,

“Well, Ross and Daniel (Suarez), we’d struggle as a team, you know. So, I felt like we were getting there, and then as our team is getting better. We’re learning a bit more, our oval cars are getting better, I’m kind of creeping up there with it.”

This process of growth has been pivotal in narrowing the performance gap on oval circuits.

Van Gisbergen Highlights Chastain’s Restart Expertise and Leadership

What stands out most in van Gisbergen’s account is the special role Ross Chastain has played in raising the bar. The New Zealand driver singled out Chastain’s skill on restarts and his knack for extracting top finishes even in less competitive equipment.

“And Ross has got some amazing ability on restarts and his positioning to get a top-10 result with a 25th-place car,”

van Gisbergen noted. He further praised Chastain’s consistency and impact, saying,

“He’s exceptional, very good, so I’m just trying to benchmark to him and Daniel, but I feel like as a team we’ve gotten better, and like my average running positions now, inside the top 20, or my pace is in the 20s now. So, it’s been a huge gain on the ovals and only getting better too.”

This recognition illustrates how Chastain serves as not only a teammate but also a model to emulate, directly influencing van Gisbergen’s learning curve and confidence on NASCAR ovals.

Trackhouse Racing’s Collaborative Spirit Drives Overall Team Advancement

The synergy within Trackhouse Racing’s garage is key to these gains. Unlike many teams where competition can create divides, Trackhouse promotes cooperation, allowing all drivers including van Gisbergen to share insights and refine their strategies. This environment is critical for sustained improvement, especially for someone like van Gisbergen new to NASCAR’s unique demands.

The 2023 season has been transformative for van Gisbergen. After winning at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, he secured consecutive victories in Chicago and Sonoma. Although these successes came on road courses, his measurable progress in oval races—such as better average running positions and improved pace—reflects the positive influence of his teammates and the team’s collective approach.

As van Gisbergen continues adapting to NASCAR’s oval racing, Ross Chastain NASCAR teamwork impact remains a cornerstone of his development, signaling more competitive performances ahead. The evolving skill set and shared commitment suggest Trackhouse Racing’s lineup will keep closing the gap with top contenders, powered by their exceptional team chemistry and mutual support.