Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR road course performances turned heads once again at Talladega Superspeedway, where his progress on the track—and a humorous off-track incident—caught the attention of both fans and drivers, including veteran Denny Hamlin. As van Gisbergen continued his impressive rookie campaign, a lighthearted moment involving his dog added levity to a dramatic race weekend.
Unexpected Laughter Off the Track at Talladega
The Talladega weekend delivered drama and amusement in equal measure. Denny Hamlin, a well-established figure at Joe Gibbs Racing, found himself laughing at a peculiar coincidence involving van Gisbergen’s pet during the track walk prior to the race. According to The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck, a moment unfolded that would later go viral among the NASCAR community.
“Apropos of nothing: Yesterday during the track walk, I saw SVG’s dog Ronald take a dump not far from where SVG got stuck.”
Hamlin amplified the laughter when he took to social media, reacting to Gluck’s observation.
“I have stared at this tweet for 20 min and absolutely cannot stop laughing 😂😂😂”
While the off-track laughter set a lighter tone, the actual race brought its own set of challenges for van Gisbergen, also known as SVG.
SVG’s Talladega Race: Setbacks and Comeback
During the YellowWood 400, the middle race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8, SVG demonstrated the skills that have fueled his rapid ascent. Starting from 31st position, he surged through the field and climbed into second place during the early stage, proving his adaptability even as a rookie. On Lap 111, as green-flag pit stops began, SVG encountered trouble on the pit lane entry after he lost control on a damp patch near the tri-oval—the very area where his dog had drawn previous attention. This misstep caused his No. 88 Chevrolet to slide, briefly colliding with Christopher Bell and William Byron before coming to rest in the grass.
Despite this setback, van Gisbergen quickly regained composure and managed to recover lost ground. He finished 11th, narrowly missing out on a top-10 result by just 0.030 seconds, a performance that illustrated both his tenacity and improving skill on oval tracks. For the three-time Supercars champion, it was among his most polished drives on an oval to date, further reinforcing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Hamlin, whose own playoff destiny was already secured following a victory in Las Vegas, opted for a more conservative approach at Talladega. Steering clear of major incidents, he finished outside the top twenty but solidified his place among the final four competitors heading into Phoenix. With that burden lifted, Hamlin’s attention naturally shifted toward van Gisbergen’s continuing adaptation to NASCAR racing.
Hamlin Praises Van Gisbergen’s Unmatched Road Course Talent
Denny Hamlin has not been shy in his praise for van Gisbergen’s performances on road courses. Speaking earlier this month, Hamlin declared that the Trackhouse Racing newcomer had redefined the standards for NASCAR road course driving, even outperforming drivers from previous generations. Comparing SVG’s rapid success to his own record of six road course wins through 2025, Hamlin pointed out that van Gisbergen is the only other active driver close to matching that feat, having claimed five victories at venues such as Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval—all on road courses.
Hamlin noted that van Gisbergen’s pace remains unmatched among his Trackhouse Racing teammates, even though they all have access to equivalent data and equipment. Addressing comparisons with NASCAR icons such as Jeff Gordon, Hamlin emphasized that racing conditions have become far more competitive and equal in recent years, diminishing the relevance of past accomplishments compared to what SVG is currently achieving.
“Does he (Jordan Bianchi) really think that Jeff Gordon in his prime would beat SVG today in a Next Gen car? Not a chance. 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 Everham’ed up. That is not even a remote comparison.
“Now, I’m talking about someone in Jeff Gordon that’s on the Mount Rushmore of greatest drivers ever. But when it comes to turning left and right, they are not close. SVG is the greatest road course NASCAR driver in history. And he’s only been doing it for a year and a half. And it’s undisputed.” (37:35 onwards)
Since van Gisbergen’s memorable debut win on the Chicago street circuit in 2023, he has repeatedly challenged the expectations traditionally held for international drivers entering NASCAR. His unbeaten streak of five road course wins puts him just behind Jeff Gordon’s historic record of six.
Adapting Beyond Road Courses: SVG’s Steady Progress on Ovals
While his expertise on road courses is undebatable, van Gisbergen’s progress on ovals is fast becoming a notable storyline. His recent efforts, including a near top-10 finish at Talladega and a strong showing at Kansas, highlight a steep learning curve that he is navigating with commendable poise. These results suggest that SVG is not only maintaining his edge on twisty circuits but is also positioning himself as a consistent challenger on the high-speed ovals that are a hallmark of the NASCAR Cup Series.
What SVG’s Rise Means for NASCAR’s Future
Shane van Gisbergen’s continued evolution, particularly his command on NASCAR road courses, has injected a sense of unpredictability and international flair into the series. His record-breaking potential, combined with growing proficiency on ovals, raises the possibility of future championship contention. As established drivers such as Denny Hamlin and legends like Jeff Gordon acknowledge SVG’s achievements, the spotlight on international talent and road course expertise in NASCAR will only shine brighter, signaling new opportunities and challenges for the sport in the years to come.
