Michael McDowell, an accomplished NASCAR driver, has weighed in on the current discussion surrounding Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR road course dominance. In a recent appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, McDowell expressed respect for van Gisbergen’s road course skills but made it clear he does not see the New Zealand driver as invincible.
Shane van Gisbergen, originally from New Zealand, has quickly become a force in the NASCAR Cup Series during his rookie season. His adaptability across various road course layouts—including both permanent tracks and temporary street circuits—has set him apart from many American competitors. Remarkably, van Gisbergen has secured three consecutive Cup Series wins on road courses in Mexico, Chicago, and Sonoma, starting each race from the pole position. This historic streak mirrors the last similar achievement by Chase Elliott in 2020.
Despite SVG’s impressive results, McDowell drew attention to van Gisbergen’s depth of experience, stating:
“It’s that he’s a really, really good race car driver, very experienced on road courses and cars that are similar style, and it’s what he’s done for the last 20 years, and he knows exactly the feel that he needs and the feel that he wants, and you know, he’s just that good. I mean, he’s just that good, so you know, in my mind, it pushes me to be better. I don’t think he’s unbeatable.” —Michael McDowell, NASCAR Driver
McDowell’s remarks highlight both respect and determination, pointing out how SVG’s expertise motivates other drivers to improve and challenge the current standards on road course tracks.
McDowell’s Career and Impact at Spire Motorsports
Michael McDowell joined Spire Motorsports in the 2025 season following seven years with Front Row Motorsports. Known for his prowess on road and street courses, McDowell demonstrated his continued competitiveness with a strong fourth-place finish at Sonoma Raceway and several other top-five results this season. His arrival at Spire was significant; McDowell’s leadership is credited with quickly enhancing the team’s performance, mentoring younger talent, and positioning Spire to contend for wins and playoff spots moving forward. His enduring presence as a road course specialist remains vital in a Cup Series season highlighted by increasing attention on such layouts.
Debate Intensifies Over Road Course Proliferation in NASCAR
The growing prominence of road courses in NASCAR has sparked debate among drivers and fans. Brad Keselowski, a veteran competitor, recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the surge of road course events, saying the series was rooted in oval racing traditions. According to Keselowski, increasing the road course count—now at six or more annually since the introduction of the NextGen car in 2022—could divert NASCAR from its core strengths. His performance on road courses has notably declined, fueling his concern over this trend.
Responding to Keselowski’s comments on a Dirty Mo Media podcast, McDowell offered an unfiltered opinion about the reasons behind Keselowski‘s stance:
“I think Brad is one of those guys that…when this NextGen car came, the road course stuff was over for him. I mean, you can’t ask a guy that’s not very good at roadcourses if he thinks there should be more road courses.” —Michael McDowell, NASCAR Driver
This exchange between prominent drivers marks an ongoing conversation about the evolution of cup series racing. The topic has gained urgency in light of SVG’s continued victories on challenging circuits like those in Mexico, Chicago, and Sonoma.
What the Debate Means for NASCAR’s Future
The current discussion, fueled by McDowell and Keselowski‘s differing views, reflects wider tensions within NASCAR over the sport’s direction in the wake of Shane van Gisbergen’s road course dominance. While critics argue for a return to oval racing’s roots, others—like McDowell—see opportunity for growth and renewed competition. SVG’s rapid ascent has heightened stakes, prompting both established and up-and-coming teams, like Spire Motorsports, to rethink their strategies. As the Cup Series calendar offers more road courses, the outcomes may reshape competitive approaches, placing increased value on diverse driving skills and opening the door for more international talent and change within the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?
A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last races didn’t go as smoothly as people hoped. On Saturday, he accidentally hit Will Brown’s crashed car during the first lap at Turn 4. Then, on Sunday, he faced braking problems that forced him to leave the race early.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen an American citizen?
A. Shane Robert van Gisbergen, born on May 9, 1989, is a professional race car driver from New Zealand, sometimes called SVG.
Q. How many Supercar Championships did Shane van Gisbergen win?
A. Often called “SVG,” van Gisbergen has an outstanding career. He has victories in the Bathurst 12 Hour race and a podium finish in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Additionally, he has won three championships in the Australian Supercars series.
