Shane van Gisbergen, known as SVG, has become a sensation in NASCAR’s Cup Series, particularly for his prowess on road courses. Competing in his first full-time season, SVG captured five wins, all coming on the twisting tracks where his background in Australian V8 Supercars serves him well. His rapid ascendancy on these challenging circuits has drawn the attention—and admiration—of seasoned NASCAR figures like Denny Hamlin, establishing Denny Hamlin NASCAR road racing debates across the sport.
Denny Hamlin’s Take on SVG’s Unique Skills
Denny Hamlin discussed SVG’s adaptation to NASCAR’s unique demands during his Actions Detrimental podcast, praising his development as he transitions from his specialty in right and left turns to the series’ persistent ovals.
“You’re gonna need SVG not just to win on the road courses, especially when they change the Playoff format, you’re definitely going to have to put the whole package together,”
Hamlin commented, suggesting that well-rounded performance is now more crucial than ever.
A Debate Over the Greatest Road Racer
The conversation quickly turned to the longstanding debate about the greatest road course driver in NASCAR history. When The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi named Jeff Gordon as the best, Hamlin responded pointedly.
“Jordan Bianchi is absolutely out of his mind,”
Hamlin remarked, dismissing the notion.
Hamlin expanded on his praise for SVG, directly contrasting his feats with those of Jeff Gordon, noting the difference in competition and vehicle parity.
“Yeah, he’s [SVG] on the short-list for the best NASCAR road racer ever. 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 remote chance. Jeff Gordon was not winning by this margin. Jeff Gordon was not racing cars this equal to everyone else’s,”
Hamlin stated, emphasizing SVG’s dominance in a tightly matched field.
SVG Responds with Humility Amid Rising Expectations
Despite the accolades from competitors and media alike, SVG responded with characteristic modesty to suggestions that he sits atop NASCAR’s road racing hierarchy.
“I don’t agree with it, but it’s pretty amazing that my peers think that of me, and I had some amazing races this year on the road course, and yeah, my car is obviously very good as well.”
He continued by sharing gratitude towards his team and his desire to be recognized as a well-rounded competitor.
“So, thank you to Trackhouse. But yeah, I’d hopefully race these guys better on ovals and they start thinking of me of a serious competitor on ovals. But yeah, pretty humbling for them to say that,”
SVG added.
Trackhouse Driver’s Path Forward
The Trackhouse Racing driver now boasts six Cup Series victories, and his efforts to improve on oval tracks are starting to show results—SVG secured his first top-10 finish on an oval at Kansas following his elimination in the opening playoff round. His NASCAR journey signals a clear intent: to extend his road racing excellence to oval dominance.
As Shane van Gisbergen continues to redefine what’s possible for a rookie coming from a different racing discipline, the anticipation grows. Many in the NASCAR community are watching to see if he can combine his road course mastery with consistent oval success, potentially cementing his reputation as one of NASCAR’s most adaptable and formidable talents.
