Denny Hamlin is speaking out, and his words are drawing attention. He has taken a stand for Shane van Gisbergen, who is facing a tough rookie season. The road has been uneven, with some races showing promise and others raising questions. But Denny Hamlin believes the full story is not just about one driver. With some key races ahead and bigger challenges at play, the season may still hold a turning point that few saw coming.
Key Highlights
- Denny Hamlin praised Shane van Gisbergen’s exceptional talent on road courses despite the rookie’s struggles in oval racing.
- Hamlin attributes van Gisbergen’s poor results to the overall challenges faced by Trackhouse Racing’s Chevy team this season.
- He emphasized that unrealistic expectations for rookies like van Gisbergen can overshadow the collective difficulties of the team.
- Van Gisbergen’s notable road course performance, including a 6th place finish at COTA, showcases his potential despite inconsistent oval results.
- Trackhouse Racing’s lack of synergy and execution has hindered performance, further complicating van Gisbergen’s rookie transition in the Cup Series.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Oval Struggles and Road Course Strength
Shane van Gisbergen, a notable talent in NASCAR, has experienced a pronounced divide between his road course skill and his struggles on oval tracks. His impressive skill on road courses is clear, as he has outpaced competitors by as much as two tenths per lap. This was displayed in his rookie season in the Xfinity Series, where he secured three victories on road and street courses.
However, despite these achievements, van Gisbergen acknowledges that oval racing remains a challenge, stating that some competitors excel in ways that leave him still learning the subtleties. As he moves into the Cup Series, this disparity continues to be a focal point, highlighting the need for targeted development in oval strategies to improve his overall performance.
Current Cup Season Performance and Playoff Outlook
As the current Cup season unfolds, the performance of van Gisbergen is drawing attention, particularly as he navigates the challenges of oval racing. Excluding his notable finishes at Darlington and Atlanta, he has struggled, with 31st or worse placements in the majority of oval races.
Surprisingly, his best result so far was a 6th place at COTA, highlighting his talent on road courses. With three more road races and a Chicago event ahead, there remains a possibility for van Gisbergen to secure a playoff spot with a single victory, echoing last year’s surprising outcomes.
Denny Hamlin’s Comments and Observations
Denny Hamlin has offered an honest assessment of van Gisbergen’s rookie season in NASCAR, highlighting both his potential and the challenges he faces.
Hamlin expressed admiration for the Kiwi driver’s skills while also addressing the limitations posed by Trackhouse Racing. He noted:
“Road course racing is more part of our schedule now. I don’t have an issue with it. The fans more likely, when and if it happens, and Shane is in the 30s in points. They’ll probably have something to say about it, but that’s what he was built to do. Come over here and win some road course races and be somewhat competitive as he could on the ovals.” – Denny Hamlin
- Van Gisbergen has shown impressive performance on road courses.
- Trackhouse Racing’s resources may be inadequate for peak competitiveness.
- Early races indicated van Gisbergen’s capability, including a strong showing at Atlanta.
- Setting high expectations for a rookie, such as consistently finishing in the Top 10, may not be realistic.
Hamlin emphasized that while van Gisbergen is capable, the underlying issues within the team must be resolved for better results, making it a collective challenge rather than solely a driver’s fault.
“I thought that there was races early on in the year where it was like, man, he was doing really, really well. The Atlanta race, I ran behind him, and he was doing good. He did good during the Clash, maybe it’s a team thing. Is Trackhouse off? It appears so. I don’t know how much of it is car or driver. You got to have low expectations when you’re in his rookie season to have him finish in the Top 10 every week. It’s not a realistic goal.” – Denny Hamlin
Comparing SVG to Ty Gibbs and Potential Race Wins
In the competitive landscape of NASCAR, comparisons often arise between emerging talents, and van Gisbergen is no exception when placed alongside Ty Gibbs.
Gibbs entered the Cup Series with high expectations, following his Xfinity Series championship, but struggled to secure victories. In contrast, SVG, who is adept at road courses, is positioned to capitalize on his strengths.
Gibbs faced challenges in the Cup Series, while SVG aims to leverage his road course expertise for success.
Trackhouse Racing’s strategy to field SVG hints at their confidence in his ability to deliver wins, particularly in road course events. If he secures a victory, it would not only validate his shift but also emphasize the team’s foresight.
As the season progresses, fans enthusiastically await SVG’s performance, potentially heralding a new chapter in NASCAR’s competitive narrative.
Trackhouse Racing’s Team-Wide Struggles in 2025
Despite the initial excitement surrounding Trackhouse Racing‘s emergence in the Cup Series, 2025 has proven to be a challenging year for the team, as both Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez grapple with inconsistent performances.
The struggles can be attributed to several factors:
- Chastain’s inability to contend for wins, despite four top 10 finishes.
- Suarez’s disappointing results, with two DNFs and only one top 20 finish.
- The team’s collective failure to lead laps, with Chastain only managing 39.
- A lack of synergy and execution that is apparent compared to previous seasons.
These issues culminate in Chastain sitting 11th above the cutline, while Suarez languishes in 29th. With numerous races left, the team must adapt swiftly to salvage their season.
News In Brief: Denny Hamlin Defends Rookie Struggles
Denny Hamlin’s defense of Shane van Gisbergen highlights the challenges faced by the rookie in a struggling Chevy team. While van Gisbergen excels on road courses, his performance on ovals has raised concerns, especially in the context of the current Cup season. Hamlin’s comparisons to fellow rookie Ty Gibbs suggest that SVG has the potential for growth and success in the future. As Trackhouse Racing navigates its difficulties, fans remain hopeful for a turnaround in both team and driver performance.
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