Shane van Gisbergen road course dominance has captured the attention of drivers and fans alike, as the New Zealand driver continues to excel in NASCAR events featuring road and street circuits. AJ Allmendinger, once recognized as a leader on these types of tracks, has openly acknowledged van Gisbergen’s superior performance and rising status among the Cup Series field. The competition between these skilled drivers is intensifying as van Gisbergen expands his list of achievements.
Van Gisbergen achieved a major milestone by winning his first NASCAR Cup Series race at the Chicago Street Course in 2023. Since that breakthrough, he has consistently impressed with standout performances on street and road courses. His skill behind the wheel has quickly made him a top contender whenever these specialized races appear on the schedule.
Remarkably, van Gisbergen became the first rookie full-time driver to claim four wins in the Cup Series, with victories in Mexico, Chicago, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen. These achievements have cemented his place as a go-to favorite whenever a road course event arises, with anticipation building each time the NASCAR calendar brings another such challenge.
AJ Allmendinger Reflects on Competing With Van Gisbergen
AJ Allmendinger, who has long been a standout on road circuits, now finds himself in the position of chasing van Gisbergen’s pace. When asked to compare his abilities to the reigning Supercars champion, Allmendinger responded candidly:
“I’m behind him right now. We are all behind him. I do think if we get it all right, we can go race with him for the win, but when you went four-in-a-row, it’s harder to go: ‘We are just as good as him,’ he’s stepped up a level up and we gotta get there.”
– AJ Allmendinger, NASCAR Driver
Allmendinger was also asked what sets van Gisbergen apart on these technically demanding tracks. He explained:
“It’s everything. I got to see it up close and personal last year as teammates. He’s super smooth; he knows the limit of going over the tire. Obviously, he’s super good [at] saving the tires… I think that truly is where he beats us, knowing how to do that but still have speed.”
– AJ Allmendinger, NASCAR Driver
Despite the challenge of catching up to van Gisbergen’s level, Allmendinger has shown strong form in the 2025 season with two top-five finishes, illustrating his ongoing competitiveness.
Allmendinger’s Determination for the Roval Race
After a solid start this season, including two top-five results, Allmendinger has faced setbacks, notably failing to finish in the top 10 since the Darlington race. Despite earning pole position at Bristol, his efforts have not always translated into race day success, highlighting the unpredictability and difficulty of competing at this level.
A previous winner at the Roval, Allmendinger is now recalibrating his expectations for the upcoming event with his team, Kaulig Racing. Outlining his goals for the Roval, Allmendinger said:
“Obviously, the ultimate goal is to compete for the win, but for how the year’s gone on the road course side of it, running top five, avoiding mistakes and giving ourselves an opportunity to be there at the end will be a successful day for us.”
– AJ Allmendinger, NASCAR Driver
Starting from ninth position, Allmendinger enters the Roval race with renewed focus, looking to maximize his opportunities and overcome recent challenges.
The Ongoing Impact of Van Gisbergen’s Success
Shane van Gisbergen’s rapid rise and dominant performances on road courses have brought fresh excitement to the NASCAR Cup Series. His continued road course dominance not only elevates his profile but also pushes established contenders like Allmendinger to adapt and improve. As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on these talented drivers, with fans and competitors anticipating who will claim the next victory on NASCAR’s most demanding circuits.
Starting 9th today @CLTMotorSpdwy @AJDinger ….What about this crazy Roval and can even @shanevg97 be beat….?????????? pic.twitter.com/048uUUGhYd
— Claire B Lang (@ClaireBLang) October 5, 2025
