Denny Hamlin has strongly asserted that Shane van Gisbergen’s current reign on road courses would overshadow Jeff Gordon’s era, fueling debate among NASCAR circles following SVG’s latest achievements. Hamlin’s comparison, aired after the recent Charlotte Roval playoff, reflects broader questions about legacy and current dominance, putting the spotlight squarely on Denny Hamlin on SVG dominance.
Hamlin Downplays Jeff Gordon Comparisons After SVG’s Record Surge
Denny Hamlin publicly challenged NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi for equating SVG’s recent run with legendary road racers like Jeff Gordon, stating that the eras and circumstances were far from comparable. Van Gisbergen’s performance at the Charlotte Roval added to his growing legacy, as he became the first driver since Bobby Allison in 1982 to secure multiple race wins with a gap larger than 15 seconds. SVG had already demonstrated this commanding form in Mexico City earlier in the season, reinforcing the growing excitement around his road course mastery.
Shane van Gisbergen’s consistency has also brought him close to a mark set by Jeff Gordon, as SVG is now only the second driver after Gordon to achieve five consecutive road course victories. Although Gordon still claims the record with six consecutive wins from 1997 to 2000, the context surrounding their records is a subject of debate for many fans and experts alike.
Explaining his stance on the debate about who truly dominates on road courses in the current environment, Denny Hamlin stated,
“Jordan Bianchi is absolutely out of his mind thinking that like well then yeah he’s on the short list for the best NASCAR road racer ever. Like what is he talking about? Does he really think that Jeff Gordon in his prime would beat SVG today in a Next Gen car? Not a chance. Not a not a remote chance.” — Denny Hamlin, Driver
“Jeff Gordon was not winning by this margin. Jeff Gordon was not racing cars this equal to everyone else’s. Jeff Gordon was in a Hendrick Motorsports car that was Ray Everhammed up. Like that is not even a remote comparison,” Denny Hamlin added. — Denny Hamlin, Driver
SVG’s equipment and his ability to exploit its capability have garnered notice, particularly during the Charlotte Roval race, where his car was described as “unreal” in its final stages. Van Gisbergen had to fend off strong competitors, including Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, over multiple laps, showcasing his overtaking prowess and strategic sense en route to the lead.
Hamlin Acknowledges SVG’s Unbeatable Pace
Hamlin didn’t shy away from admitting the stark pace gap SVG brings to the field, including in comparison to his Trackhouse Racing teammates. In analyzing SVG’s advantages, Hamlin brought up the measurable difference in performance, asserting that even top-tier drivers are struggling to match Van Gisbergen’s output.
“Trying to beat SVG at this point I just don’t think is realistic. It’s not like the guy’s got a couple tenths on the field. It’s a measurable amount. And it’s a measurable amount because his teammates have the same thing. You know what I mean? And the results are wildly different,” he said via aforementioned source [36:19 onwards] — Denny Hamlin, Driver
The race itself took yet another dramatic turn for Hamlin. On the final lap, he was eliminated after contact with Ross Chastain, who was vying for the last playoff transfer spot against Joey Logano. Chastain’s aggressive move ended with him and Hamlin both spinning out, and in the aftermath, Chastain tried to recover by launching his car in reverse. This bold attempt still fell short, as Logano beat him by just 0.167 seconds, adding to the turbulence and intensity of the playoff race outcome.
Implications for NASCAR and Road Course Racing Legacy
This ongoing discussion between generations—whether Jeff Gordon’s dominance in a different era can fairly be measured against SVG’s current feats—brings fresh focus to changing technology, team parity, and the evolving meaning of greatness in NASCAR. While the debate is fueled by the passionate nature of drivers like Denny Hamlin and the impressive performances by Shane van Gisbergen, fans and insiders alike will likely continue to revisit these comparisons as more road course races and high-stakes playoff moments unfold.
