Shane van Gisbergen, aiming to improve his NASCAR oval performances, plans to study Denny Hamlin short track racing techniques during his debut at Richmond Raceway this Sunday. As van Gisbergen, a New Zealander still mastering American ovals, gears up for only his second run at the Virginia track, Hamlin’s expertise stands out as his model.
Learning from a Short Track Specialist
Denny Hamlin has set a high bar for his competitors on short tracks, having finished in the top five 20 times and won five out of 36 such events, with an exceptional average result. Van Gisbergen, after a strong road course season with four victories out of five races, recognizes that excelling on ovals requires a shift in approach.
Reflecting on Hamlin’s skill, van Gisbergen shared his thoughts before the Richmond race, saying,
“It’s just amazing… it’s just the different styles, right? And his (Hamlin’s) style is very unique. The way he’s mainly using a different gear and stabbing at the throttle, and it’s just techniques, I’ve never come across or needed to use before.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
He continued to highlight the diversity of techniques in NASCAR oval racing:
“But in NASCAR, there’s so many different ways to get the car around the track fast. And I’m trying to be as open-minded as possible and changing my style. And especially for a track I’ve never been to before. And I probably won’t try it today in practice, but if it gets stalled out in the race and or in a moment where I’ve got time to try stuff, I’ll experiment a bit,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Gaining Experience and Adapting Techniques
Van Gisbergen notes that each top NASCAR Cup Series driver brings subtle yet impactful differences to their racing, offering numerous learning opportunities for someone new to oval racing. To him, the nuances of these oval events are like a blank canvas, with each lap offering a chance to develop his own approach.
Last year, van Gisbergen finished 14th at Richmond while competing in the Xfinity Series, a respectable showing for his debut on the challenging short track. This upcoming race marks his second career start at Richmond, reflecting his commitment to improvement in NASCAR‘s most technical environments.
Recent Progress in Oval Racing
Van Gisbergen’s progression on ovals has become evident through recent competitions. Notably, he achieved his first oval victory in a Legends Car, winning the Pro Legends A-Feature at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the closing night of the 2025 Cook Out Summer Shootout. Continuing to hone his skills, he secured pole position at North Wilkesboro Speedway, and strong qualifying spots at Dover Motor Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
By participating in both NASCAR and Legends events, he demonstrates his adaptability and determination to learn the intricacies of oval racing. These experiences are expected to pay dividends as he incorporates elements of Hamlin’s style and seeks stronger finishes in future races.
What Lies Ahead for van Gisbergen
As Shane van Gisbergen prepares for his second appearance at Richmond and continues to study Denny Hamlin short track racing techniques, fans and competitors alike will watch closely to see how his evolving style translates to results. With every lap and each new challenge, van Gisbergen signals that he is not only adapting but also growing into a versatile force within the series, promising intriguing battles on NASCAR’s most demanding circuits.
