Shane van Gisbergen playoff chances in the NASCAR Cup Series are drawing scrutiny as the New Zealander, known for winning on street tracks, heads into the playoffs facing challenges on oval circuits. Despite securing his postseason spot with three street course victories for Trackhouse Racing, the type of tracks awaiting in the playoffs raise tough questions about the potential for championship glory.
SVG’s Street Circuit Strength and Looming Oval Hurdles
Shane van Gisbergen has shown tremendous pace on street courses in 2025, clinching three race wins and leading much of the conversation around breakout drivers this season. Entering the playoffs, he benefits from these successes, locking in his place among elite drivers. However, racing on oval tracks continues to test his adaptability; his most competitive oval finish so far has only been 14th place at the grueling Coke 600, revealing a stark contrast with his street course performances.
With the playoffs comprising a significant number of oval track events, Gisbergen’s campaign now comes with the added pressure of adapting swiftly. He will be up against seasoned competitors who excel on these tracks, making his playoff journey especially demanding.
Trackhouse Leadership Sets Expectations for Playoff Run
Trackhouse Racing’s boss, Justin Marks, has been candid about what may be realistic for Shane van Gisbergen’s playoff chances. As the owner of the #88 crew, Marks recognizes SVG’s strengths yet appears cautious about projecting deep championship success given the team’s oval form. He emphasized maintaining perspective on what’s achievable and the potential value of collecting playoff points to provide a buffer if results falter.
“I don’t know if I think about what’s realistic or what the goals are from like a finishing standings position or anything like that, What we have an opportunity to do with the 88 team is to go into the playoffs, have a lot of playoff points and be able to have somewhat of a cushion.”
—Justin Marks, Team Owner
This approach positions the playoff effort as a long-term development project rather than a championship-or-bust season, especially as van Gisbergen navigates his first full campaign at this level. According to Marks, early momentum will set the tone, possibly opening a path to the Round of 8. Reaching that stage, though, brings another escalation in difficulty as it collects the sport’s elite performers at their best.
“I think as the momentum continues to grow and his experience continues to grow, I think the Round of 8 is something that’s very possible for us. And then you’re really among the best guys in this sport, executing at the most important time of the year, and that’s when it just gets really, really hard.”
—Justin Marks, Team Owner
Continuous Improvement Remains the Team’s Mantra
The regular season is nearing its conclusion, with just four races remaining after the upcoming Go Bowling at The Glen event at Watkins Glen. With a strong start position for that race, van Gisbergen is eager to carry his momentum forward. Trackhouse Racing, however, places the main priority on consistent progress and adaptation, especially on oval circuits where experience is still being built.
As van Gisbergen recently signed a multi-year extension, Marks stressed that each week offers valuable learning opportunities, and playoff participation is more a starting point than a conclusion. The leadership believes van Gisbergen’s growth over the coming weeks could determine just how competitive he becomes when it matters most.
“The focus is to really just stay with the week in and week out of just improving and grinding, I think this is the first of many playoff appearances for him, so I think it would be good for him to just get the experience of how the dynamic of the championship changes once we get to those rounds.”
—Justin Marks, Team Owner
What’s at Stake for SVG and Trackhouse Racing
Shane van Gisbergen’s performances this season have sparked excitement within NASCAR circles and among Trackhouse Racing fans, demonstrating both immediate results and significant promise. While his street course expertise has positioned him well, taking the next step means confronting his relative inexperience on ovals. The team is hopeful the playoffs will provide essential learning experiences, with the chance to push further as both SVG and his crew adapt.
Although a Cup Series title may remain a long shot if short-oval performance does not improve, the experience of navigating the pressure and competition of the postseason could provide crucial groundwork for future contending seasons. For now, the racing world will be watching whether van Gisbergen and Trackhouse Racing can translate their high-energy approach and moments of brilliance into playoff success.
