Shane van Gisbergen is intensifying his focus on improving his oval track skills by studying Denny Hamlin’s distinct racing method. The New Zealand road course star explained that Hamlin’s approach was unlike anything he had encountered before, and while he is open to adapting, he remains cautious about experimenting unless race conditions allow for it. This adoption of the Denny Hamlin unique racing technique highlights van Gisbergen’s efforts to elevate his performance on oval circuits.
Alongside van Gisbergen, Denny Hamlin stands out as one of only two drivers with four wins this season, making Hamlin’s techniques a natural source of inspiration. Although van Gisbergen dominates on road courses, his oval track results have yet to reflect his usual competitive edge. Recent races, however, have shown improvement, with van Gisbergen frequently finishing inside the top 20. To make a meaningful impact in the post-season, he recognizes the need to consistently finish races on these demanding ovals until they return to the Charlotte Roval road course.
Reflecting on Hamlin’s style, van Gisbergen offered insight into what makes the approach distinctive and potentially valuable for his transition.
“His style is very unique the way, you know, he’s mainly using a different gear and stabbing at the throttle and it’s just techniques I’ve never come across or needed to use before. But in NASCAR, there’s so many different ways to get the car around the track fast. And I’m trying to be as open-minded as possible and changing my style,” he said in a media session at Richmond(via Frontstretch).
“And especially for a track I’ve never never been to before. And you know, I’ll probably won’t try it today in practice, but if it gets stalled out in the race and or in a moment where I’ve got time to try stuff, I’ll experiment a bit,” he added.
Van Gisbergen is no stranger to unique driving techniques himself. His strong command of the heel-toe downshift, a skill largely phased out by modern NASCAR drivers, sets him apart on road courses. This technique, combined with his precise late braking, allows him to maintain speeds 7-10 mph faster through key corners, often gaining 0.3 to 0.5 seconds per lap. Incorporating Hamlin’s gear control and throttle modulation could further refine his oval strategy.
Van Gisbergen’s Reaction to Connor Zilisch’s Unexpected Absence
Following his record-breaking fourth victory last week as a rookie, Shane van Gisbergen also addressed the absence of fellow Trackhouse Racing driver Connor Zilisch. The 18-year-old young talent suffered a collarbone injury that sidelined him from the event, which was particularly disappointing since he was set to drive for Trackhouse alongside van Gisbergen and teammates Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain. Suarez and Chastain both secured top-10 finishes in support of van Gisbergen’s ongoing success.
The tension between van Gisbergen and Zilisch traces back to the Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen, where the pair collided while competing for the lead. Zilisch’s contact with van Gisbergen’s rear caused van Gisbergen to spin out, robbing him of a potential victory. This incident added an uneasy dynamic leading into their current season encounters.
As the season continues, van Gisbergen’s attempt to merge his road course expertise with Hamlin’s distinctive oval tactics could prove critical for his aspirations. Surmounting the unique demands of oval racing is essential for surviving and thriving through the upcoming challenging rounds. How well van Gisbergen integrates the Denny Hamlin unique racing technique may shape his competitiveness as the championship progresses toward key races like the Charlotte Roval.