Shane van Gisbergen, embarking on his rookie NASCAR season, explained his unconventional preparation for the upcoming playoff race at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, scheduled for Sunday, September 7. In a high-stakes moment of the season, his methodical planning is crucial for staying competitive and supporting his bid for the championship, with his Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR playoff prep under intense scrutiny.
Van Gisbergen shared that, despite being new to the Gateway track and never seeing it before race day, he prioritized video analysis and Simulator Motion Technology (SMT) over conventional sim racing. Instead of hitting the virtual circuits, van Gisbergen and his crew focused on extracting data and learning from other drivers’ techniques, especially for tricky corners where gear selection can vary widely among competitors.
His team opted to install left-foot braking in his car, drawing on lessons learned from his previous outing at Martinsville. Van Gisbergen openly acknowledged the difficulty of racing as a rookie at an unfamiliar track but expressed confidence in developing consistency through practice, citing the stable track conditions and low tire fall-off at Gateway as factors he can leverage to his advantage.
He explained his meticulous preparation to Dustin Long of NBC Sports, saying:
“Yeah I haven’t really done sim for a while so yeah just video mainly and SMT so probably watch more drivers than usual and there’s a lot of technique and style differences at both ends especially the second corner you can use third or fourth gear and so yeah just trying to study trends and what works and what the good guys did and why but yeah it’s gonna be it’s a tough week coming to a pretty important race in a place I’ve never seen before today.” —Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Making an Impression in Qualifying Against Veteran Playoff Rivals
Despite unfamiliar territory, Shane van Gisbergen secured the 18th starting position for the 2025 NASCAR playoff race at Gateway, surpassing rivals like Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman, who lined up 19th and 25th, respectively. This qualifying result not only places him above the playoff cut line but also reinforces his presence as a viable championship contender even though he is only in his rookie campaign.
His ability to outperform more seasoned playoff competitors in high-pressure scenarios demonstrates the rapid adaptation that has marked his debut year in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Defying Doubts About His Championship Hopes
Emerging as a formidable force in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, Shane van Gisbergen has accumulated four race victories, a consistent record of top-10 finishes, and clinched his playoff spot following a win at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. His reputation as a road course specialist has preceded him, and he has already been recognized as NASCAR’s Rookie of the Year.
Despite his fifth-place seeding entering the playoffs, some observers remain skeptical due to his limited experience on oval tracks. Still, van Gisbergen has maintained a focused mindset, addressing both critics and supporters alike during the playoff media day at Darlington Raceway. He commented candidly on the pressures and opportunities that come with being labeled a championship dark horse:
“It doesn’t worry us. It puts no pressure on us, right? If we have a good week this week, it takes the next few harder. But if we have a tough week, it puts us in a hole, and it’s going to be hard to get out of it.” —Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
“Hopefully, it’ll be nice to prove people wrong,” he added. —Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Van Gisbergen’s confidence stands firm even in the face of skepticism, and he has already demonstrated that past achievements and a willingness to innovate in his preparation can keep him in the mix for the title.
What His Strategy Means for the NASCAR Playoff Race
Shane van Gisbergen’s unorthodox approach, which mixes video study, SMT analysis, and tailored car setup, is setting him apart among both fellow rookies and veteran drivers. His strong qualifying run and measured optimism suggest he is ready to challenge long-held expectations about what new drivers can achieve in NASCAR.
With key competitors like Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman starting behind him, and a team willing to adapt based on prior experiences, van Gisbergen’s preparation could influence strategies for rookies in seasons to come. As the chase for the championship intensifies, his story at Gateway will be closely watched for insights on how determination and innovative thinking can fuel a rookie’s run in the pressure-cooker that is the NASCAR playoffs.
