Shane van Gisbergen made history at Sonoma Raceway, but the story didn’t end at the checkered flag. His latest win added to a record-setting streak in the NASCAR Cup Series, yet it also opened the door to a bigger question. As the 2025 playoffs approach, talk is building about what lies ahead. Each race seems to bring more than just results—it adds pressure, and possibly, a turning point in how far Shane van Gisbergen can go.
Key Highlights
-
SVG broke Jeff Gordon’s record for most laps led (97) in a Sonoma win
-
He now has three road course wins in 2025 and four overall in just 34 starts
-
Van Gisbergen is the fastest driver to reach four Cup wins since Parnelli Jones in 1969
-
Fans believe an oval win is inevitable—with Talladega and Martinsville circled as top contenders
-
Trackhouse Racing continues to earn praise for its bold vision and SVG’s breakout success
History at Sonoma Raises the Bar
Shane van Gisbergen made NASCAR history at Sonoma Raceway with one of the most dominant road course performances the series has ever seen. Driving the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, SVG led 97 of 110 laps, shattering Jeff Gordon’s 2004 mark of 92 laps led at Sonoma. Not only was it SVG’s third win of the 2025 season—all on road courses—but it also marked his fourth career Cup Series victory in just 34 starts.
That feat makes him the fastest driver to reach four wins in NASCAR’s modern era, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1969, when Parnelli Jones achieved it in 34 starts.
His 97 laps led at Sonoma also set the modern-era record for most laps led on a road course since Cale Yarborough’s 102 at Riverside in 1977. With wins at Chicago, Mexico City, and now Sonoma, van Gisbergen is firmly established as NASCAR’s road course king.
NASCAR Fans See an Oval Win on the Horizon
But for many fans, the question isn’t about SVG’s talent on road courses—it’s about when he’ll break through on an oval.
“SVG runs the super speedways incredibly well for a newbie,” one fan wrote.
“He is a smart race car driver and puts himself in good spots to avoid the crashes and take the runs. He just needs to be more aggressive blocking. He drove to the front and led laps in some of his Cup starts. More than many Cup regulars have done.”
Others think his playoff position could help him shift focus.
“He has enough wins where they should just focus on playoff points for ovals instead of wins until the playoffs. Although it would be nice to see him win an oval race.” – a nascar fan
Another NASCAR fan took things a step further with bold optimism:
“AND SVG WINS AT TALLADEGA AND ADVANCES TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP 4!”
Even the sport’s most technical ovals, such as Martinsville and Phoenix, are starting to look more achievable in SVG’s future. “Phoenix and Martinsville kinda feel like road courses as well, especially the former,” a user noted.
The Trackhouse Effect: Vision, Risk, Reward
Van Gisbergen’s success isn’t just about natural talent—it’s also a result of Trackhouse Racing’s bold approach to driver development and promotion. Team co-owner Justin Marks has been applauded for thinking outside the traditional NASCAR playbook, and fans are taking notice.
“Crazy, isn’t it? Justin Marks knew exactly what he was doing.”
“Even if SVG doesn’t end up being oval-elite and competing for championships, he’s still a huge sell for sponsors with that high of a chance for multiple wins per year. The exposure that Red Bull and WeatherTech are getting between Shane and Connor right now is insane.” – a nascar fan
Another fan chimed in,
“It’s why I’m a big Justin Marks/Trackhouse fan. Their willingness to think outside the box is something to be applauded.”
From Montoya to SVG: A Different Trajectory?
The last major international open-wheel star to transition to NASCAR was Juan Pablo Montoya, and fans are already drawing comparisons.
“Took Juan Pablo Montoya 2.5 years before he came close to winning on an oval. Granted, he started off stronger on ovals than SVG has thus far. SVG has had only a handful of races on ovals still—not even 30 on traditional non super-speedway ovals.” – a nascar fan
But while Montoya had the schedule and equipment, SVG seems to be progressing faster—even without as many oval reps.
“Haven’t seen a summer run like this since Kyle Busch came back from his broken leg,” another user pointed out.
News in Brief: NASCAR Fans Sound Off on Shane van Gisbergen’s Future
Shane van Gisbergen’s record-breaking win at Sonoma further cemented his status as the top road course racer in NASCAR, but it also reignited speculation about his future on ovals. Fans believe that SVG, who now has four Cup wins in just 34 starts, is poised to grab his first oval victory sooner rather than later. Whether it’s Martinsville, Talladega, or Phoenix, SVG’s oval breakthrough seems inevitable—and with Trackhouse Racing and sponsor support behind him, he’s on a trajectory few saw coming just one year ago.
ALSO READ: 2025 Sonoma Cup Highlights: Shane van Gisbergen Wins, Ryan Blaney Crashes, Tempers Flare
