Shane van Gisbergen’s latest win at Watkins Glen has reignited the conversation over his place among NASCAR’s elite road course drivers. His fourth consecutive road course victory in the Cup Series wasn’t just another win—it was another statement. In a field where road racing skills are sharper than ever, SVG continues to make dominant performances look routine. Whether his style would have translated in past eras is now part of a heated debate between fans and longtime observers of the sport.
Key Highlights
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Shane van Gisbergen scores fourth straight Cup Series road course win.
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Victory margin of 11.116 seconds over Christopher Bell.
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Ties Chase Elliott for second-longest road course win streak; record held by Jeff Gordon.
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Ryan Blaney leads 35 laps but finishes sixth.
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Playoff spots tighten with two regular-season races remaining.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Commanding Performance
At Watkins Glen, van Gisbergen delivered a calculated, dominant run that left little room for doubt about his current road racing supremacy. Piloting the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, he took control in the final stage and held it with precision, leading 38 laps and crossing the finish line more than 11 seconds ahead of Christopher Bell. His ability to manage pace while maintaining flawless execution through the track’s technical sections kept any potential challengers at bay.
His latest win puts him alongside Dan Gurney as the only drivers to earn their first five Cup Series victories exclusively on road courses. The achievement was made even more significant by Trackhouse Racing’s announcement of a multiyear contract extension, signaling both faith in his ability and plans for a long-term partnership.
“Good to get that one back. What an awesome race. Coming back through the field after my final pit stop, I had a lot of fun. The car was just amazing again. Another win. Awesome.” – Shane van Gisbergen
Wins earlier this season at Mexico City, Chicago, and Sonoma have given him a share of the series lead in total victories with Denny Hamlin. The rookie win record now belongs solely to him, making his transition from Supercars to NASCAR one of the most seamless in modern history.
Fans’ Reactions Range from Respect to Debate
SVG’s success has inspired admiration, but it has also sparked spirited conversations about how he would have fared in different NASCAR eras. Some fans believe his skill set is so finely tuned that he would be a threat in any generation of Cup car. Others argue the current Next Gen design plays into his strengths, making his dominance less surprising.
“It’s going to be insane watching Zilisch and SVG going at it next year. Trackhouse going to win all the Road Courses next year.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
“I think guys like Montoya and Ambrose might’ve been more impressive if they had more than 2 road courses on the schedule year after year … I’m not saying SVG isn’t the best, but he certainly wouldn’t be as big of a factor 10-15 years ago.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
For some, the comparison to past drivers highlights just how different the landscape is today. With more road courses on the calendar, SVG has more opportunities to showcase his strengths. Yet there’s acknowledgment that drivers like Marcos Ambrose proved capable even in earlier-generation cars.
“Plus, look at the car. This is a glorified super car, he’s basically driving what he’s been driven his whole life. If he came over in Gen 6 or 5 or 4, he wouldn’t be near as much of a threat.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
“I mean Ambrose came over in the Gen 5/6 and was elite. I don’t see any reason SVG wouldn’t be the same.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
Others view SVG’s early success as evidence that he is on a level no one else has reached in modern NASCAR road racing. His adaptability and speed in a spec car have set a new benchmark.
“He was really good, but he only got two wins in his career. SVG already has 5, including a win at both road courses Ambrose raced at.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
“SVG would be good in past generations of cars too. His road course experience is what makes him good.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
“SVG is way more dominant than any of them.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
The Road Ahead
With only two regular-season races remaining, the focus now shifts to whether van Gisbergen can translate his road course dominance into championship contention. The playoffs will present a different challenge, with a heavier mix of oval tracks where the competition is fierce and his experience less extensive. Still, his adaptability suggests he will not fade easily. Trackhouse Racing’s continued investment in him makes clear that they see his value extending well beyond road course events.
If his rapid rise is any indication, SVG’s role in shaping the future of NASCAR’s road racing scene is far from finished. Each win strengthens his case as not only the best of the current generation but possibly the best road course driver the series has ever seen. The debate about how he compares to legends like Gordon, Stewart, and Ambrose may never be fully settled, but his results continue to speak louder than any opinion.
News in Brief: NASCAR Best-Ever Road Racer Debate
Shane van Gisbergen claimed his fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series road course victory at Watkins Glen, leading 38 laps and finishing over 11 seconds ahead of Christopher Bell. The win ties him with Chase Elliott for the second-longest road course streak in history. Fans remain divided over how his dominance compares to past generations, with some crediting the Next Gen car and others calling him the best ever. With playoffs ahead, SVG’s impact on NASCAR’s road racing legacy is undeniable.
ALSO READ: Shane van Gisbergen Dedicates Watkins Glen Victory to Father After Family Heartbreak
