Kevin Harvick on NASCAR road course gap has become a focal discussion point after Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealander, continued his impressive run by clinching another victory at the Chicago Street Race. As Sonoma Raceway beckons in the upcoming weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series event, Harvick, a former champion, expects van Gisbergen’s lead over competitors to grow even more pronounced.
Van Gisbergen’s Mastery on Road Courses Continues
Shane van Gisbergen added another accomplishment to his NASCAR career by triumphing in Chicago for the second time in three years. Since entering the NASCAR Cup Series, van Gisbergen has stood out, and his recent stretch has only solidified his reputation as a road course expert. His adaptability and technical prowess behind the wheel have left an impression not only on fans but also on respected peers like Kevin Harvick.
Harvick reflected on van Gisbergen’s rapid rise and ability to navigate tough courses. Describing van Gisbergen’s arrival and swift success, Harvick underscored how rare it is to see such immediate impact from a newcomer. He noted,
“The way that SVG came into the sport in 2023, when he won his very first race, and now we’re on the third year, and I think he’s won four of the six races at Chicago, with the Xfinity and the Cup races. He was in position to win the Cup race last year, as well. Got taken out there, or run into. The thing about Shane, on these types of courses, where the braking is rough, the way that he can manipulate the brakes, and do the things that he does, the driving style that he has,”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
Harvick pointed to van Gisbergen’s evolving skill set, highlighting that as van Gisbergen becomes more attuned to Team Trackhouse Racing’s vehicles, his competitive edge continues to sharpen. This growing mastery makes him an even more formidable presence whenever a road or street course is on the calendar.
The Competition Struggles to Close the Gap
While the series boasts talented drivers, Harvick observed that van Gisbergen’s margin of victory on these challenging tracks is starting to widen. In recent races, Ty Gibbs has come closest to threatening van Gisbergen, with Connor Zilisch also identified as a future contender at Watkins Glen. However, as things stand, Harvick sees no one matching van Gisbergen’s consistency or technical control.
Discussing what separates van Gisbergen from his peers, Harvick elaborated,
“But I think his experience in the car, knowing what he wants in the car, being more comfortable as a Cup driver, having the same crew chief week-in and week-out, the same team week-in and week-out, has allowed him to evolve in what he likes even better than he had before. I think it’s just making him more dominant on the road courses.”
—Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
Harvick mentioned that while competitors like Ty Gibbs have shown flashes of potential to challenge, the gap remains significant. With each event, van Gisbergen’s approach and technical input with his team appear to create a growing separation from the rest of the field.
Looking Ahead to Sonoma and the Road Course Season
With the NASCAR Cup Series moving to Sonoma Raceway this weekend, all eyes will again be on Shane van Gisbergen, who seems poised for another standout performance. Van Gisbergen’s previous wins at Chicago and an early-season triumph in Mexico City underscore just how special his talent is on these types of circuits.
Harvick and many in the racing community will be watching closely, eager to see if anyone can disrupt van Gisbergen’s momentum or if another victory is inevitable. Given his track record and the confidence expressed by experienced observers, van Gisbergen’s growing dominance poses a tough challenge for the rest of the NASCAR field as the road course segment of the season ramps up.
