The 2025 season is tough for Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst. Both came in with high hopes, but the results have not matched. One is known for winning on road courses. The other has strong support but is still chasing a good finish. Now, with the season moving fast, the pressure builds. Points are low, questions are growing, and time is short. A turning point is coming—but who will rise when it matters most?
Key Highlights
- Shane Van Gisbergen’s road course skills offer a redemption opportunity to salvage his rookie season.
- Riley Herbst faces pressure to deliver stronger performances and overcome his mid-pack stagnation.
- Van Gisbergen’s unpredictable brilliance makes him a wildcard in the Cup Series.
- Herbst’s struggles invite scrutiny despite having substantial resources from 23XI Racing.
- Both rookies must bridge the gap between potential and consistent performance to survive in NASCAR.
Denny Hamlin’s Rookie Outlook and the 2025 Cup Rookie Struggles
In the world of NASCAR, anticipation often gives way to reality, and this season has been a sobering lesson in expectations versus outcomes for the 2025 Cup rookies. Denny Hamlin had predicted that surprises would come only through unforeseen chaos, and his words ring true as Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst find themselves grappling with the harsh truths of competitive racing.
“I think yes, you’ll see a few in there that you probably would consider underdogs or surprise winners, but it’s going to be because something wacky happens.” – Denny Hamlin
Both drivers, once heralded as bright prospects, now face a rookie season that has been more about managing disappointments than celebrating victories. Their performances have been blemished by inconsistency, each race a fleeting memory rather than a stepping stone.
Occupying the lower rungs of the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, Van Gisbergen and Herbst are locked in a struggle for redemption, their dreams of stardom shadowed by the harsh reality of the points board. The strain mounts, as neither wishes to be eclipsed in this high-stakes showdown.
Background and Performance of Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst
As the 2025 NASCAR season unfolds, Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the weight of unmet expectations and the relentless strain of the Cup Series.
Shane, with his electrifying debut victory at the 2023 Chicago Street Course, was anticipated to dominate the road courses. Yet, his performances have been erratic, interspersed with flashes of brilliance that remind fans of his skill.
Conversely, Riley, fueled by the formidable resources of 23XI Racing and the buzz surrounding his potential, has struggled to capitalize on his opportunities. His season has been blemished by mid-pack finishes and an unsettling stagnation that belies the promise he once showed.
Both drivers face the harsh reality of the standings, a glaring reminder of the gap between potential and performance. Their path highlights the unforgiving nature of NASCAR, where talent must meet execution for success.
Rookie Standings and Statistical Breakdown
The harsh reality of the NASCAR rookie standings is a sobering indication of the challenges Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst face in their debut Cup Series season. With Shane holding a fragile lead with 189 points over Riley’s 165, both find themselves languishing at the bottom, trailing considerably behind Carson Hocevar’s 309 points. This statistical landscape paints a grim picture of their current standing.
| Rookie | Points | Best Finish | Average Finish | DNFs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Van Gisbergen | 189 | 12th (COTA) | 25.6 | 3 |
| Riley Herbst | 165 | 14th (Las Vegas) | 27.8 | 4 |
The numbers reveal Shane’s fleeting brilliance at COTA, while Riley’s best result at Las Vegas is a mere consolation. Their average finishes highlight ongoing struggles. The challenging path ahead is evident, as both rookies vie for redemption amidst a season riddled with unmet expectations.
Reactions from Denny Hamlin, Fans, and the Road Ahead
While Shane Van Gisbergen navigates the turbulent waters of his rookie NASCAR season, Denny Hamlin’s perspective offers a sympathetic, yet analytical lens on the challenges faced by newcomers like Shane and Riley Herbst.
On his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin acknowledged the difficulties Shane faces adapting to NASCAR, emphasizing the steep learning curve and the inadequate support from Trackhouse Racing.
“He’s learning. Trying to learn something. A new technique, a new craft. I mean, that’s really, really hard to do. I don’t know. It’s just — it’s tough to ask someone to just come over here and just change their — the way, you know, what they’re driving and all that stuff. This is not what he grew up doing.”
“Trackhouse’s performance is underwhelming, and it’s killing their rookie.” – Denny Hamlin
Fans resonate with Hamlin’s insights, expressing empathy for Shane and frustration toward his team.
“SVG’s stuck with a car that can’t keep up.” – nascar fan reaction
Hamlin’s comments sparked considerable fan engagement:
- Social Media Support: Fans expressed understanding, attributing Shane’s struggles to his car’s performance rather than his skill.
- Critical Observations: Riley Herbst faced criticism, with fans questioning his results despite being part of a prominent team.
- Hope for Redemption: Enthusiasts keenly anticipate Shane’s potential comeback on upcoming road courses, banking on his Supercars pedigree for redemption.
Kyle Busch on Jesse Love and Rookie Mentorship
Though the world of NASCAR is no stranger to seasoned veterans and fresh talent, Kyle Busch finds himself particularly captivated by the audacity and potential of his Richard Childress Racing teammate, Jesse Love.
Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is genuinely surprised by Love’s fearless approach, especially evident in his daring laps during the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Love, at just 20 years old, has impressed Busch not only with his on-track skill but also with his willingness to seek guidance.
Busch appreciates Love’s initiative, noting that few drivers today make the effort to reach out for mentorship.
“Just that he picked up the phone and asked and called, you know? That’s the first thing, right? A lot of drivers don’t do that anymore these days.”
A lot of drivers don’t do that anymore these days. But if you call, I’m willing to talk to you and help you and give you as much as you ask and try to give you what you can to get you started and be ready to go when you get here.” – Kyle Busch
Love’s proactive approach, as seen in his call to Busch, sets him apart in a competitive environment where many hesitate to ask questions.
As Busch mentors Love, he feels both pride and nostalgia, recognizing the importance of sharing his wealth of experience and ensuring the next generation of drivers is well-prepared.
News in Brief: NASCAR 2025 Rookie Showdown
As the 2025 Cup season unfolds, the narratives of Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst intertwine in a dramatic dance of ambition and resilience. Van Gisbergen, with his road course finesse, and Herbst, under the weight of expectations, both endeavor for victory in a relentless arena. Their expedition, punctuated by moments of brilliance and introspection, reflects the enduring spirit of competition. In this crucible of speed and strategy, their destinies remain unwritten, with each race offering a new chapter of possibility.
ALSO READ: Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Hype Turns Sour: How Long Will Trackhouse Racing Stick With Him?
