Shane van Gisbergen has made an impressive mark in his rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series by breaking the record for the most wins in a single season by a rookie. His recent victory at Watkins Glen on August 20, 2023, has drawn attention from insiders and fans alike, highlighting his exceptional skill, particularly on road courses. This achievement has positioned van Gisbergen as a standout driver during the 2023 season.

Experts Praise Van Gisbergen’s Dominance on NASCAR Road Courses

Two NASCAR insiders, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi from The Athletic, expressed admiration for van Gisbergen’s performance on their podcast, The Teardown. Gluck noted van Gisbergen’s unprecedented success by stating,

“He wins his fourth straight NASCAR Cup Series road course race. He breaks the NASCAR Cup Series rookie record for most wins a season,”

adding,

“Goodbye, Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson. SVG is now tied for the lead in Cup Series victories for the season with Denny Hamlin, with two races before the playoffs. …Are you ready to admit yet that he’s the greatest road course driver in NASCAR Cup Series history?”

Bianchi offered a measured perspective, emphasizing that while van Gisbergen’s road course dominance is remarkable, the legacy of drivers like Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliott remains significant. Reflecting on van Gisbergen’s consistent excellence, Bianchi said,

“When you are so good, you are so great, and it feels like you’re toying with the competition, you make it look boring. He makes the routine look boring, but he is so good at this. …What he did today and how he managed this race goes back to what we talked about; he doesn’t make mistakes on the racetrack.”

Van Gisbergen’s Career Performance and Record-Breaking Season

In his rookie season, Shane van Gisbergen has shown remarkable consistency. Alongside his four wins, he has also secured a top-10 finish at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), another renowned road course. Over the course of 38 Cup Series races, the 36-year-old has achieved five victories and nine top-10 placements. These results highlight his growing presence within NASCAR’s elite tier.

After claiming the win at Watkins Glen, van Gisbergen reflected on what breaking the NASCAR Cup Series rookie record means to him. He shared,

“It means everything. The prep that we go through, not just for these road courses, but we do it every week,”

and continued,

“As I’ve said a lot of times over the last few weeks, I feel like we’ve gotten a lot better, especially on the ovals, and it’s been cool working with a great bunch of people, and just to share four wins with everyone and seeing how much it meant to everyone when you’re high fiving during the burnout, you can see how into it they are.”

The Significance of Van Gisbergen’s Record and Future Outlook

Shane van Gisbergen’s record-breaking rookie season challenges past benchmarks held by legends like Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson, signaling a shift in NASCAR’s road course racing landscape. Being tied with seasoned competitor Denny Hamlin for most wins this season highlights van Gisbergen’s competitiveness not only among rookies but also among veterans. His ability to perform under pressure and avoid mistakes is fueling expectations for continued success as the NASCAR playoffs approach.

This milestone could redefine what is achievable for rookie drivers entering NASCAR, encouraging teams to invest more in road course expertise. As van Gisbergen continues to compete, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if he can maintain his momentum and ultimately secure a championship in his debut year.