Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR rookie has ended his debut season in the NASCAR Cup Series on a high note, securing the coveted Rookie of the Year award after an impressive performance throughout 2025. Taking on new challenges far removed from his Supercars Championship background, van Gisbergen adapted quickly and delivered results that exceeded even his own predictions.
Adjusting to NASCAR’s Intensity and Ovals
Known for his dominance in the Supercars Championship, van Gisbergen entered his rookie Cup campaign with many eyes watching to see if he could transfer those skills to NASCAR’s unique oval tracks. The transition was a point of intrigue, as adapting from road and street circuits to high-speed ovals represents a major shift in racing style. As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season came to a close, van Gisbergen openly reflected on this journey, expressing pride in both his personal growth and the achievements of his team.
As he looked back on his first full-time season, van Gisbergen shared his satisfaction and optimism for the future.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, and the wins have been great. That is more than we probably ever hoped for, but getting competitive on the ovals has been a plus, and I feel like we’ll have some good momentum going into next year. Our team isn’t changing much on the [No.] 88 car, so it’s pretty cool.”
– Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
The New Zealand driver steadily improved over the course of the year: averaging a finish of 26.6 across his first 14 oval races, then lowering that to 23.2 in the subsequent 16 events. His determination paid off with a career-best 10th place at Kansas Speedway during the postseason, highlighting his adaptability and drive to succeed in every format.
Embracing NASCAR’s Diverse Racing Calendar
Shifting from his accustomed racing environment, van Gisbergen initially did not know if he would enjoy the nature of the NASCAR schedule, which mixes everything from short tracks to superspeedways and road courses. By season’s end, however, he discovered a deep appreciation for this variety.
“I wasn’t sure how I’d find it, and I’ve really liked it,” van Gisbergen said of the NASCAR schedule. “I like the challenges. I like how the tracks vary throughout the year – you’re not doing the same thing all the time. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself here.”
– Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Throughout his rookie campaign, van Gisbergen tallied five wins—all achieved on demanding road courses—secured three pole positions, earned five top-five finishes, and placed in the top ten seven times. He also led 312 laps with an average finishing position of 21, proving competitive across multiple settings and rounding out his debut year by making the Cup Series playoffs, where he finished 12th in the championship standings.
Looking Forward After a Breakthrough Year
Van Gisbergen’s successful transition to NASCAR, coupled with his recognition as Rookie of the Year, is a significant milestone both for his team and for international drivers considering similar moves. His steady improvement on ovals and consistency on road courses highlight his adaptability and dedication. As he and the team behind the No. 88 car aim to build on this momentum next season, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how this New Zealander continues to shape his NASCAR legacy.
