For the better part of the NASCAR Cup Series season, Shane van Gisbergen has been learning the ropes, often the hard way. The New Zealander, fresh off a groundbreaking victory on the streets of Chicago last year, had yet to string together consistent runs on ovals — the bread and butter of American stock car racing. But on a breezy Friday afternoon at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the tides began to shift.
The 36-year-old Cup Series rookie surged to the front of the field in the All-Star Open qualifying session, earning the pole with a sharp on-track effort and a lights-out performance from the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing pit crew. It was the first time van Gisbergen had ever started on the front row of an oval race in NASCAR — and it came at one of the sport’s most iconic bullrings.
“I think we finally got all the things right,” van Gisbergen said after his run. “Qualifying has been a weakness. My lap was pretty good, coming in was good, and the pit stop guys were insane. So really good for them.”
Though the All-Star Race itself requires past victories or fan votes for entry, van Gisbergen still has to earn his way into Sunday’s million-dollar showdown. Only the top two finishers in the Open — along with one fan-voted driver — will advance to the main event. That puts pressure squarely on his shoulders, but SVG welcomed the challenge with typical calm.
“I’ve never started at the front for an oval, so I don’t know what to do there,” he admitted with a chuckle. “I have to learn the rules and see how we go.”
A Well-Timed Surge for Trackhouse and SVG
Trackhouse Racing entered the All-Star weekend needing a morale boost, and van Gisbergen delivered. His total qualifying time, which included a four-tire pit stop during a three-lap segment, edged out a competitive field of Open contenders. For a driver ranked 35th in the overall Cup Series standings — with no wins, no top 10s, and a slate of oval learning curves — this run marked his most complete performance of the season.
It wasn’t just SVG behind the wheel; the Trackhouse pit crew was sharp and precise. The total stop time was quicker than several main event teams — a testament to the behind-the-wall chemistry that’s beginning to form around the No. 88 effort. Though the crew hasn’t grabbed headlines like others this year, Friday’s effort showed they’re capable of executing when it matters most.
SVG, meanwhile, has remained candid about his ongoing adjustment to oval tracks. While he’s proven elite on road and street courses — winning three Xfinity Series races last year — he hasn’t yet adapted that dominance to NASCAR’s high-speed circle dance. Still, there’s progress, and he knows it.
SVG Admits: Oval Racing Still a Steep Climb
Van Gisbergen’s honesty about his struggles is refreshing in a sport where bravado often overshadows reality. Speaking to media ahead of the All-Star weekend, the three-time Supercars champion offered no excuses for his performance to date but stressed patience.
“I never expected [ovals] to be easy,” van Gisbergen said. “I thought I was making strides last season in Xfinity and really getting some good results halfway through the year… but I need to be a bit better with car placement and getting up to speed quicker.”
Cup Series practice sessions, often as short as 15-20 minutes, haven’t helped. For a driver unfamiliar with most oval layouts, it’s not nearly enough time to master braking points, corner arcs, or tire conservation techniques.
“It’s hard to get up to speed on these places I haven’t been before,” he added. “It will take time, and I’m not trying to force it or get desperate. Just going to keep working and building.”
The road has been uneven so far, but Trackhouse Racing’s faith in SVG hasn’t wavered. After all, the team made headlines last year by launching PROJECT91 to showcase international driving talent — and SVG rewarded them with a historic debut win in Chicago. There’s little doubt they believe more milestones lie ahead.
A Glimpse of What’s Possible
Van Gisbergen’s front-row start in the Open doesn’t guarantee him a spot in the All-Star Race, but it sends a strong message. He and his team are improving. They’ve trimmed the fat from pit stops, cleaned up execution, and brought focus back to basics. The result is a competitive piece heading into Saturday’s Open — and perhaps a surprise ticket into Sunday night’s main event.
How about the No. 88?! @shanevg97 is fastest in Open qualifying. 👊
And the @TeamTrackhouse pit crew are having some fun! pic.twitter.com/ZzkKiYahmv
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 16, 2025
Even if SVG doesn’t advance, his performance is the latest proof that he’s capable of more than just road course flashes. It’s a mark of progress — measured not in wins or trophies, but in split-second improvements, calmer entries to pit road, and smoother lines through the corners.
For now, the Kiwi will take his place on the front row and prepare for his shot. It’s another step in a long journey — but a necessary one.
News in Brief: Shane van Gisbergen wins All-Star Open Pole
Shane van Gisbergen’s pole run in the All-Star Open isn’t just a headline — it’s a sign of growth. For a driver still learning the rhythm of NASCAR ovals, Friday was a breakthrough. With help from a dialed-in pit crew and a solid qualifying lap, SVG positioned himself for his best oval performance to date. And while the main event remains just out of reach for now, one thing is certain: van Gisbergen is getting closer with every lap.
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