Shane van Gisbergen dominates NASCAR rain races, showing uncommon skill under challenging conditions, even as he openly says the experience is far from enjoyable for him. The New Zealand-born three-time Supercars champion has quickly become a major presence in the NASCAR world, especially after his remarkable debut victory two years ago at the Chicago Street Course, which was the first of its kind in the Cup Series in over six decades.
Van Gisbergen’s Remarkable Path Since Historic Chicago Win
Shane van Gisbergen’s entry into NASCAR was nothing short of extraordinary. The moment he clinched his first victory at the Chicago Street Course, it marked not just personal triumph, but also a watershed for the Cup Series, which had not seen such a debut winner in 60 years. Since then, van Gisbergen has transitioned from Supercars to being a full-time competitor in NASCAR, steadily sharpening his performance on oval tracks while setting himself apart on road and street circuits.
His adaptability and fierce competitiveness have enabled him to score a string of strong finishes, particularly as he becomes more comfortable on American ovals. This journey reflects his perseverance and continuous drive to excel among seasoned NASCAR competitors.
Unmatched Skill in Rain Conditions—Despite His Dislike
While van Gisbergen’s ability in wet-weather races is widely acknowledged, he is candid about his preferences.
“I absolutely hate racing in the rain, but I’m good at it.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Champion. Despite the chaos and unpredictability of rain races, van Gisbergen delivers outstanding performances whenever conditions are slippery and visibility is low. His control under pressure has made him a standout whenever the weather turns challenging, gaining admiration from fans and competitors alike—even if he personally thinks it’s less enjoyable.
Fresh Challenges and Opportunities on Unique Circuits
As the season progresses, four more road or street course events remain before the playoffs, offering new venues for van Gisbergen to display his expertise. The upcoming race at Mexico’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will be a novel test for the Cup Series field, providing another stage where van Gisbergen’s talent for adapting to uncharted territory could lead to success similar to his Chicago triumph. Given the Mexican circuit’s unique characteristics, anticipation is high that van Gisbergen may capture his second Cup Series win this season.
Adapting to NASCAR—Support, Strategy, and Drive for Playoff Spot
Van Gisbergen often describes his shift from oval tracks to road courses as almost like a break, thanks to the familiarity and comfort these venues offer him. Recently, he has notched multiple top-20 finishes on ovals, evidence of his growing competitiveness in the American series. He credits much of his steady progress and resilience in adaptation to the constant guidance of his team owner, Justin Marks, and the unified mindset of his crew.
Focused on learning and consistent improvement, van Gisbergen is now in a critical part of the season, where every strong result has heightened consequence. With playoff spots on the line, a victory at the upcoming races would lock in his place and serve as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence in NASCAR. As he continues to show promise in practice and hold his ground in the top ten, the next chapters of van Gisbergen’s NASCAR journey promise to be closely watched by fans across the racing world, from New Zealand to the United States and beyond.
With rivals like George Russell and Lance Stroll making headlines in other international racing arenas, van Gisbergen’s story stands out for his blend of raw skill and honest self-assessment, elevating him as both a fierce competitor and a relatable champion. As the season continues, the hope for more rain-soaked victories remains strong—even if he still dislikes racing in the wet.
