Who Delivered the Best Burnout of NASCAR 2024: Kevin Harvick has designated Shane van Gisbergen‘s exhilarating burnout at Sonoma Raceway as the best of NASCAR 2024. This moment showed victory and the fervor of motorsport. Van Gisbergen, a rookie in the Xfinity Series, displayed his emerging skills with a spectacular performance that included consecutive wins. Harvick praised the unique context of the burnout, amplified by engaging camera angles that captured the competitive spirit of this final celebration. Van Gisbergen’s expedition reflects his talent and growth during his debut season.
Key Highlights
- Kevin Harvick selected Shane van Gisbergen’s burnout at Sonoma Raceway as the best of 2024, highlighting its significance in motorsport celebration.
- Van Gisbergen, a rookie in the Xfinity Series, showed remarkable skill with a consecutive win, emphasizing the recognition of new talent in NASCAR.
- Harvick praised the unique context of van Gisbergen’s burnout, captured vividly by a bird’s-eye view camera during the race’s final moments.
- The memorable imagery and competitive spirit displayed during the burnout contributed to its standout recognition among NASCAR performances.
- Van Gisbergen’s successful rookie season included multiple wins and adaptability to diverse tracks, showing his emerging presence in the racing scene.
Kevin Harvick’s Selection of Shane van Gisbergen’s Burnout
Often celebrated for their exhilarating displays of skill and emotion, burnouts hold a special place in the hearts of NASCAR fans. In 2024, one particular performance stood out, as Kevin Harvick recognized Shane van Gisbergen‘s post-race celebration at Sonoma Raceway as the best burnout of the season. This moment transcended mere spectacle, showing the essence of victory and the raw passion that characterizes motorsport.
Van Gisbergen, a 35-year-old Kiwi rookie in the Xfinity Series, achieved his consecutive win, and his burnout became a demonstration of his emerging skill. Harvick’s endorsement, alongside co-hosts Mamba Smith and Kaitlyn Vincie, not only highlights the significance of this celebration but also positions it within a broader context of NASCAR’s memorable moments.
While Harvick nominated other remarkable burnouts—particularly those of Joey Logano during the All-Star race and his championship win at Phoenix—the choice of van Gisbergen emphasizes a shift toward recognizing fresh talent in the sport.
Harvick’s Reaction on the Happy Hour Podcast
In the latest episode of the Happy Hour podcast, Kevin Harvick provided an in-depth analysis of Shane van Gisbergen‘s memorable burnout, highlighting the intricate details that contributed to its uniqueness.
Harvick emphasized that the context of the final moments of the road course Xfinity race markedly enhanced the impact of the burnout. He described how the scene happened, with a bird’s-eye view camera capturing the thrilling dynamics as the 97 Chevy executed its victory celebration.
“Just the way that whole thing unfolded and you had to go back and look at the bird hanging out the window. And the burnout right next to the car. And we didn’t show it right there, but he followed him all the way back to pit road and just kind of hounded him all the way back to pit road. And then once he went on the pit lane, went to the front straightaway and did his burnout. So that was definitely that was one of the more unique moments of the burnout that I’ve ever seen.” – (Harvick)
Harvick noted the remarkable imagery of the burnout, stating, “Just the way that whole thing unfolded and you had to go back and look at the bird hanging out the window.” This vivid description shows Harvick’s keen eye for detail, as he appreciated not only the burnout itself but also the surrounding elements that made it memorable.
🏆Best Burnout: Shane van Gisbergen at @RaceSonoma🏆@KevinHarvick | @KaitlynVincie | @MambaSmith34 pic.twitter.com/lUxzOFjM8r
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) November 20, 2024
He pointed out that the excitement continued as the camera followed van Gisbergen back to pit road, creating a narrative that extended beyond the burnout moment. Moreover, Harvick remarked on the unique aspect of van Gisbergen’s approach, where he “hounded him all the way back to pit road.” Such insights reveal the competitive spirit inherent in NASCAR.
Ultimately, he concluded that van Gisbergen’s burnout was “one of the more unique moments“ he has ever witnessed, emphasizing the importance of the event and the artistry involved in executing a perfect burnout.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Performance in Xfinity and Cup Series
Kevin Harvick’s reflections on Shane van Gisbergen’s iconic burnout serve as a fitting prelude to an examination of van Gisbergen’s remarkable performances in the Xfinity and Cup Series. The three-time Supercars champion has shifted seamlessly into NASCAR, showing his exceptional skill and adaptability. His debut victory in the Xfinity Series at Portland International Raceway marked a considerable milestone, solidifying his potential in American racing.
The momentum continued as van Gisbergen clinched his third Xfinity win at the Chicago Street Circuit, further showing his talent on diverse tracks. His ability to drive complex street courses is particularly remarkable, as evidenced by his first Cup Series victory in Chicago the previous year. Such achievements reflect not only raw talent but also a clever understanding of race dynamics.
As he initiates a part-time stint in the 2024 Cup Series, van Gisbergen’s association with Trackhouse Racing in the 88 Chevy Camaro positions him among elite competitors.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Reflection on His Rookie Xfinity Season
Reflecting on his rookie Xfinity season, Shane van Gisbergen emphasized the significance of his expedition with Kaulig Racing, showcasing his growth as a driver in a highly competitive environment.
Van Gisbergen, a seasoned competitor in diverse motorsport disciplines, faced the unique challenge of adapting to oval racing—an area where he had limited experience prior to 2024. His insightful commentary reveals a tactical approach to his development, highlighting the value of his time in the Xfinity Series as a preparatory phase before his foray into the Cup Series.
“I’ve had a really good year and I’m glad we got to do this year with Kaulig Racing, did a year of Xfinity rather than jumping straight into Cup. I’ve had a really good year of learning and even though the cars are very very different, I think it was worthwhile doing so.” – (van Gisbergen)
“I’ve had a really good year,” van Gisbergen articulated, emphasizing the learning curve he navigated throughout the season. His gratitude towards Kaulig Racing reflects a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork and mentorship in motorsport.
The decision to engage in a full Xfinity season before advancing to the Cup was not merely a precaution; it was a calculated move to refine his skills in a less pressurized setting. His runner-up finish at the Go Bowling at The Glen stands as a proof of his adaptability and skill, even in unfamiliar territory.
“I’m pretty excited for next year and getting together with the Trackhouse guys but thankful to Kaulig Racing, what they’ve done for me and how they’ve helped me prepare for next year.” – (van Gisbergen)
As he looks ahead to collaborating with the Trackhouse Racing team, van Gisbergen’s excitement is palpable. He recognizes the foundational experiences gained during this rookie season as critical for future successes.
News in Brief: Who Delivered the Best Burnout of NASCAR 2024
Kevin Harvick’s endorsement of Shane van Gisbergen’s burnout shows the influence of performance and artistry in NASCAR. Van Gisbergen’s impressive results in the Xfinity and Cup Series highlight his adaptability and skill as a rookie driver.
Such accolades not only reinforce van Gisbergen’s reputation within the sport but also serve to inspire a new generation of racers. The celebration of exceptional moments, like memorable burnouts, contributes greatly to the culture of NASCAR.
ALSO READ: Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick’s Successor in Trouble: NASCAR’s Worst-Performing Duo This Season
