Shane van Gisbergen delivered a remarkable victory for Trackhouse Racing at the Viva Mexico 250 in Mexico City, showcasing Trackhouse Racing and Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR road course dominance and securing a critical playoff spot for himself and teammate Ross Chastain. This win not only extended the team’s reputation on road courses but also highlighted van Gisbergen’s commitment to growing his skills on ovals, as he seeks a complete NASCAR Cup Series profile.
The 36-year-old driver crossed the finish line at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez with the largest victory margin for a Next-Gen car in the Cup Series, pulling ahead by 16.567 seconds. This achievement stands as the widest gap seen on a NASCAR road circuit since 1979, underscoring van Gisbergen’s technical mastery, shaped by his three Supercars championships. Trackhouse Racing’s focus on nurturing his talents has paid off, especially with the significance of this win coming in just his 30th Cup start.
Trackhouse Racing’s strategic growth fuels road course excellence
As van Gisbergen’s journey in the Cup Series unfolds, his road course record sets him apart. In eight Cup Series races on road circuits, van Gisbergen boasts two wins, three top‑fives, and six top‑ten results, maintaining a strong average finish of 10.9. This streak of strength reflects not only his Supercars background but also the well-tuned strategies deployed by Trackhouse Racing and his No. 88 team.
However, the transition to oval tracks has introduced new challenges. Van Gisbergen’s average result on intermediate tracks is 25th place across ten starts, and he averages 28th in five superspeedway appearances, with no top-ten finishes so far. These figures point to a learning curve that the driver is eager to overcome for greater consistency across all NASCAR venues.
“That’s why I’m here, to win road races, but I’m not here to run last on the ovals either. I need to keep getting better and to justify being a Cup Series driver, I need to be performing on the ovals, too. So, I feel like we’re really making strides,”
said van Gisbergen. —Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing driver
Despite early struggles, the latest road race triumph makes it clear that both SVG and Trackhouse Racing are on an upward path. The organization has grown notably around its standout rookie, bolstering his postseason hopes and the team’s standing in the Cup Series grid.
Glimpses of progress on ovals signal future championship potential
Van Gisbergen’s impressive road course results echo his earlier climb at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), where he collected a season-best finish before his Mexico win. His only other Cup Series victory came on the Chicago Street Course in 2023, another road race, reflecting his comfort in these technical layouts. However, competing mainly on ovals remains the primary test in NASCAR’s demanding schedule, making his adjustment crucial.
In the initial phase of his rookie campaign, van Gisbergen finished outside the top 20 in 12 of his first 16 starts, a testament to the steep learning curve he has faced. In recent weeks, however, he has demonstrated greater adaptability, as highlighted by improved finishes and his collaborative work with the No. 88 crew.
“My average oval running position’s gone from 85th to 10th to 20th or 10th or 15th on a good day. We’re really making a lot of progress and I’ve sort of just not been forcing it. I’ve been methodical, gotten better every week, and it’s been really fun working with my 88 crew the last all year, but the last couple of months,”
Gisbergen said. —Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing driver
Progress on ovals has become increasingly evident, with van Gisbergen recording five top-20 finishes in his last six races. Notably, an 18th-place result at Michigan and a strong 14th-place run at Charlotte after starting deep in the field illustrate his adaptability and growing comfort with these circuits. These performances are encouraging for Trackhouse Racing and solidify his status as a driver to watch as he rounds out his rookie season.
Opportunities ahead as Trackhouse Racing and SVG eye postseason glory
With four more road course events on the horizon in the 2025 regular season, van Gisbergen has ample opportunity to boost his points tally and secure his position in the playoffs. His continued growth on ovals could further transform him from a formidable road racer to a complete championship contender.
As Trackhouse Racing builds on its foundation, the partnership with van Gisbergen promises to shake up the competition—especially as he works to match his road course dominance with competitive oval performances. The combination of strategic support from the team, and van Gisbergen’s relentless pursuit of improvement, suggests that both are on track for lasting success in the Cup Series postseason and beyond.
