Shane van Gisbergen has solidified his standing as a leading force on NASCAR road courses by claiming his fourth Cup Series victory this season at Watkins Glen on Sunday. The Kiwi driver’s remarkable performance during the 2025 season continues to reshape expectations for rookies in NASCAR.

Building on a Historic Debut and Sustained Road Course Excellence

Since his surprising NASCAR debut win in Chicago last year, van Gisbergen has set himself apart as a benchmark on road courses. Now competing full-time in his first complete NASCAR Cup Series season, he has won four of five road course races this year, a level of success unmatched by any rookie in NASCAR history. His latest victory demonstrated a dominant margin, crossing the finish line 11 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor, reaffirming his skill and mastery over these demanding circuits.

Experience from Australian Supercars Driving Van Gisbergen’s Success

Van Gisbergen credits much of his road course capability to his extensive background in the Australian Supercars Championship, where he secured three titles with Triple Eight Race Engineering, a team affiliated with GM. This experience with high-pressure road racing environments has enabled him to adapt quickly and excel in the NASCAR Cup Series road course events.

Continuous Improvement within the Trackhouse-Kaulig Partnership

Despite questions about whether his rivals are closing the gap on his pace, van Gisbergen emphasizes his own growth as the primary factor in his dominant performances this year. He highlighted the advantage of competing full-time with the team, allowing him to develop and fine-tune his car’s setup to his driving style. Unlike his partial 2024 campaign, where he relied more on Kaulig’s team adjustments, this full season has provided regular opportunities for detailed feedback and improvement.

“Like this Monday was a really intense meeting trying to improve on what we had last year, and got here yesterday and the car felt night and day different. I think it’s just us as a team getting better,”

van Gisbergen explained.

Emotional Victory Shared with Family Amid Personal Challenges

Van Gisbergen’s latest win was made more poignant as he celebrated alongside his father, Robert, who traveled to victory lane in upstate New York for the first time this year. The driver shared that his father had faced a difficult period, losing close family members, including van Gisbergen’s mother, grandmother, and aunt, recently.

“He came to Chicago and then he came two or three times last year,”

van Gisbergen said.

“But yeah, it’s been pretty difficult. He lost his wife, my mother, and then his sister and then his mom a month or so ago. It’s been a really rough run for Dad. It’s hard to support him when I’m on the other side of the world. That’s probably why I’m the most homesick.”

Van Gisbergen also noted that his sister has recently moved away, leaving his father somewhat isolated, making regular communication essential. The moment of victory together held deep meaning for both of them.

“To have him here, and like he was almost in tears, too. It’s really special to share that, because we’re a long way from home,”

he reflected.

Van Gisbergen’s Rising Influence on NASCAR’s Road Course Landscape

Shane van Gisbergen’s extraordinary run in NASCAR road course races this season underscores his impact on the series as a rookie and a driver with a unique ability shaped by international experience. His results set a new bar for newcomers and challenge established competitors to elevate their road racing strategies. As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will remain on van Gisbergen and his ability to continue transforming NASCAR’s approach to road course competition.