Shane van Gisbergen‘s exceptional transition from Supercars to the NASCAR Cup Series has made headlines, especially after his dominance on road courses—a testament to how his Supercars experience shapes his NASCAR success. Recent discussions among notable drivers, including Chase Briscoe and Corey LaJoie, highlight how van Gisbergen’s unique background continues to fuel his achievements during his rookie season in the United States.
How Supercars Experience Gives Shane van Gisbergen an Edge in NASCAR
Broc Feeney’s standout qualifying lap at Surfers Paradise Street Circuit recently sparked a discussion about what sets van Gisbergen apart in the Cup Series. Feeney’s lap reignited attention to the rigorous tracks and driving skills honed in Supercars, qualities that have translated into van Gisbergen’s road course dominance in NASCAR. Over the last five road course events on the American stock car racing calendar, van Gisbergen has emerged victorious, an achievement many attribute to the discipline and adaptability gained from years in Australian racing.
Supercars demand mastery of diverse track styles, particularly street and road circuits, which differ dramatically from the typical NASCAR oval layout. Van Gisbergen made a strong impression in the Supercars championship, where the vehicles and circuits challenge drivers to adapt and excel under varying conditions. This versatility has enabled him to consistently outshine competitors when NASCAR brings the action to more complex layouts.
During the qualifying sessions for the Gold Coast 500, Feeney’s seamless performance through technical sections of the circuit drew immediate attention, both from fans and professional drivers. Corey LaJoie acknowledged Feeney’s lap, leading Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing to comment publicly on social media.
“No wonder Shane van Gisbergen makes all our tracks look so easy 😂”
— Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
At 36 years old, van Gisbergen is competing in his first full-time NASCAR Cup Series season, reinforcing his reputation as an adaptable and formidable presence.
Adapting from Supercars to NASCAR: Shane van Gisbergen’s Perspective
Having raced for nearly 17 years in the Supercars circuit, van Gisbergen faced significant changes when switching continents and series. The decision to move to NASCAR was straightforward for him, but the adaptation process required both technical and mental adjustments. He described to Kevin Harvic on the Happy Hour podcast that the intensity and diversity of the NASCAR schedule present fresh challenges every week, mandating a rapid learning curve.
“It’s probably more intense, because it’s every single week and the challenge is so different every week. Like it’s not like you’re doing mile-and-a-halves each week, you’re doing a different style of racetrack every single week, and the preparation and stuff is so different.”
— Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Van Gisbergen expanded on the technical contrasts between the two series. He emphasized the difference in drivetrains and braking techniques, noting that while Supercars and NASCAR vehicles may appear similar on paper, they require completely different skillsets behind the wheel.
“They’re similar on paper. But the way they drive, I think the lock-diff is the biggest difference. Having an open diff here makes a big difference. You know, you don’t have to — the technique was so unique in a supercar, with the heel and toe and running all the rear brake you could. It’s a bit opposite in this car. You run as much front as you can. People make a big deal out of the right-foot braking, but it really does nothing in this car.”
— Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
These insights highlight the in-depth preparation and adaptability needed to succeed in both racing spheres, reinforcing why van Gisbergen continues to excel during his rookie Cup Series campaign.
Record-Breaking Rookie Performance and Broader Impact
Van Gisbergen has already set a new benchmark in the NASCAR Cup Series by capturing more race wins in his first season than any previous rookie, with five victories and counting. His historic performance has brought fresh excitement to the series, attracting more international attention and fans with diverse motorsport backgrounds, including lifelong followers of Formula 1 and IndyCar. Figures such as Broc Feeney, Corey LaJoie, and respected NASCAR personalities like Chase Briscoe have helped amplify his achievements, highlighting the growing global influence of NASCAR.
Enthusiasts and industry observers have taken note of van Gisbergen’s career trajectory, including his earlier accomplishments in Supercars and his rapid ascent on American tracks. Locations such as Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, and premier U.S. road courses underline the international connections now shaping modern stock car racing. Entities like Trackhouse Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing play essential roles in this evolution, bringing racing cultures together and raising the competitive bar for rookie talents.
As the NASCAR season continues, van Gisbergen’s Supercars-honed abilities are expected to influence strategies and development within the Cup Series paddock, turning attention toward broader international recruitment and collaboration. His example demonstrates the value of seeking challenges beyond familiar horizons, ensuring that innovation and passion remain at the heart of elite motorsports.
Broc Feeney FLIES around Surfers Paradise 🤯#RepcoSC #Supercars pic.twitter.com/PUu889gHKT
— Supercars (@supercars) October 25, 2025
No wonder @shanevg97 makes all our tracks look so easy 😂
— Chase Briscoe (@chasebriscoe) October 25, 2025
