Shane van Gisbergen shattered the NASCAR Cup Series rookie wins record on Sunday with a commanding performance at Watkins Glen International, finishing over 11 seconds ahead of Christopher Bell and securing his fourth victory of the season. The Trackhouse Racing driver has now surpassed legends Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart for the most wins by a rookie in a single season, with all his triumphs coming on road courses.
Van Gisbergen’s Record-Breaking Season Continues
On a day when many believed Watkins Glen could challenge van Gisbergen’s road course dominance, he proved otherwise by leading 38 laps and cruising to an 11.116-second victory. This win marks the first time in the Era of Electronic Timing and Scoring that a driver has posted multiple season victories with margins larger than 10 seconds, according to Seth Eggert of Race Face Digital. Ryan Blaney edged out van Gisbergen for the pole, and Chris Buescher beat him at last year’s event, yet this year, van Gisbergen’s pace set him apart from the field.
Shane van Gisbergen is UNSTOPPABLE. The No. 88 Trackhouse driver takes his FOURTH consecutive NASCAR road course win at Watkins Glen 🔥Details: https://t.co/qVEiUpj5Dcpic.twitter.com/oBv0k9YV4x— 5 GOATs, August 10, 2025
Emotional Victory Shared With Family
The win at Watkins Glen carried extra meaning for van Gisbergen, as his father Robert was in attendance after a year plagued by health challenges that kept him from traveling. Van Gisbergen celebrated by kicking a rugby ball into the stands, marking a joyful reunion with his father, whom he had not seen since Christmas due to Robert’s blood clots in his legs. This heartfelt moment added emotional weight to his milestone achievement.
“It’s amazing to have him here,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
“It’s been a very tough year for dad, and he hasn’t been able to travel. Having him here for the next three weeks and sharing this with him — it’s amazing.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
A Look Ahead to the Cup Series Playoffs
With four wins this season, van Gisbergen has now accumulated 22 playoff points, placing him third among drivers heading into his first NASCAR Cup Series postseason. The rookie will face a demanding playoff schedule and admits he is still mastering the oval tracks that dominate the later rounds. The challenge grows, especially since the first round includes several difficult circuits, but one of van Gisbergen’s favored events at the Charlotte ROVAL awaits in the next stage if he advances.
“It ain’t going to be easy, that’s for sure,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
“The first round has some very difficult left-handed tracks, but I’m getting better at it, I’m enjoying myself and it’s a challenge. But that’s why we’re here.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Potential Impact on NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
Van Gisbergen’s remarkable rise has brought renewed focus to the NASCAR Cup Series rookie wins record and the accomplishments of fresh talent racing alongside established names like Christopher Bell and Ryan Blaney. Cup champions such as Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart have now been eclipsed in the rookie record books, and as van Gisbergen enters the postseason with a strong slate of road course victories, attention turns to whether his momentum will translate into further playoff success.
