Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR road course dominance has become a defining storyline in the current Cup Series, as his consistently strong performances reveal a clear gap in road racing proficiency among top drivers. The conversation surrounding these skill disparities intensified ahead of the latest Chicago Street Race, as multi-time champion Joey Logano voiced concerns about the abilities of his peers compared to van Gisbergen, particularly on challenging track layouts.
In recent years, NASCAR Cup Series schedules have adopted more road course events, positioning stock car drivers against a format unfamiliar to many of them. While most drivers in the largely oval-focused championship continue adjusting to the technical demands of road racing, van Gisbergen—three-time Supercars champion—has showcased an immediate aptitude, often outpacing established Cup competitors.
Joey Logano Opens Up About the Challenge of Road Course Racing
Joey Logano, a reigning and three-time Cup Series titleholder, addressed the performance gap ahead of the third Chicago Street Race. Acknowledging van Gisbergen’s superior pace, Logano emphasized the collective learning curve faced by other drivers as they adapt to the complexities of road courses.
“Yeah, it’s easy to say that until Shane is out there a second faster than you and you have to go put yourself in some uncomfortable situations… We’re not road racers to speak of. There’s only one out there that really is, and so all of us are, in a way, playing catch-up.”
—Joey Logano, Cup Champion, speaking at Chicago.
Logano’s remarks quickly gained traction, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the Cup field. As van Gisbergen continues to outperform contemporaries in road course settings, debate swirls around who can possibly close the gap and whether the skill discrepancy stems from background, experience, or the rapid schedule evolution.
Van Gisbergen Responds: Experience Makes the Difference
Addressing Logano’s observations in a recent interview, Shane van Gisbergen highlighted the central role of diverse racing backgrounds in shaping driver performance. He admitted that, while his mastery on road courses stands out in NASCAR, he still faces challenges on oval tracks, underscoring the mutual nature of the adaptation process for drivers.
“Yeah, I can just flip what he says, and that’s what I feel on ovals. You know, that’s the reason why I’m doing Summer Shootout and stuff, just trying to get experience on ovals… So yeah, just the experience levels are different in what we do. And I feel like, yes, they’ve definitely gotten a lot better since the first one on this track, for sure.”
—Shane van Gisbergen via Cup Scene.
Van Gisbergen praised the improvement among his fellow Cup drivers, noting noticeable advancements since the inaugural races on these road layouts. However, he believes that practical experience—not just raw skill—continues to set competitors apart, whether on street circuits or ovals.
Mixed Results for Van Gisbergen in the 2025 Season
Despite securing a notable victory in Mexico City, van Gisbergen’s 2025 Cup campaign has produced inconsistent results on road courses, leaving him outside the top 30 in the overall points standings. While his road racing prowess is indisputable, translating that form into consistent points remains an ongoing challenge.
Nonetheless, van Gisbergen remains focused on leveraging upcoming road course events to narrow the gap to key rivals and further establish his place among NASCAR’s elite. Alongside efforts to improve his own performance on ovals—like participating in the Summer Shootout—he aims to maximize every opportunity available on the series’ unique mix of tracks.
Logano’s Perspective: Embracing the Variety of NASCAR Tracks
Beyond openly acknowledging the existing skill gulf, Logano has maintained a pragmatic view towards the expansion of road course racing in NASCAR’s schedule. He regards these specialized events simply as another element in the championship pursuit, underlining that each track type adds a distinct challenge for teams and drivers.
“We’ve got to do them, so I’m kind of good either way. I just think in the playoffs you need to have a good mixture of racetracks throughout the 10 weeks, but the other regular season races, I mean, if we’re gonna do them, then I don’t really care. Whatever works best for the schedule, and weather, and fans, and that type of stuff is fine with me.”
—Joey Logano, speaking to media in Chicago.
For Logano, adaptability remains central. He acknowledges his strengths and weaknesses, and recognizes that circumstances—including race conditions and a touch of good fortune—play a role in determining success at these technically demanding venues.
The Road Ahead: Spotlight on Upcoming Races and Rivalries
Looking toward the next critical event at Watkins Glen, Logano seeks to replicate his luck-driven 2024 victory as the playoff picture evolves. For van Gisbergen, continued NASCAR road course dominance could further solidify his reputation as the championship’s leading road racer, and may inspire further adaptation among rivals like William Byron, Daniel Suarez, and other Cup regulars.
With the debate around road course skills fueling competitive energy in the paddock, drivers such as Ben Kennedy, Joe Gibbs, and others are watching closely to see how the blend of formats challenges established assumptions. As the season unfolds, both van Gisbergen’s mastery and Logano’s resilience will likely shape the broader conversation about the future composition of NASCAR’s most prestigious series, especially as new talent and seasoned veterans adapt to a mix of road, street, and oval tracks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit Supercars?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes he made the “right choice” by leaving Supercars to focus on a NASCAR career. This year, he starts his first full season in the second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing. He previously spent 15 years competing in Supercars.
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen leave Supercars?
A. I’m leaving V8 Supercars for personal reasons that I prefer not to share publicly. I’m going back to New Zealand and have no set plans for what comes next.
