Shane van Gisbergen has shifted gears in his approach to oval racing, with significant results emerging during the recent NASCAR season. The New Zealand driver, renowned for his road and street course success, adapted his preparation style—which has led to notable progress on oval tracks and stirred discussion across the motorsport community.
In an interview, NASCAR broadcaster Leigh Diffey discussed van Gisbergen’s change in preparation methods. While previously relying heavily on simulation, van Gisbergen began spending more time reviewing in-car camera footage and dissecting race videos. Diffey emphasized that this immersive method enabled the driver to better recall and correct past mistakes, contributing to measurable improvements in his oval racing performance.
The driver’s skills on non-oval courses have long been unquestioned. In his NASCAR Cup Series debut season, van Gisbergen claimed five victories—marking his arrival in spectacular fashion. Proving his adaptability, he scored an oval track win at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the concluding round of the Cook Out Summer Shootout, adding another layer to his growing reputation.
Leigh Diffey, drawing from his extensive background covering motorsport, directly addressed critics who questioned the speed of van Gisbergen’s transition. In an interview with Fox, he highlighted how the Kiwi racer made steady, tangible progress over a recent five-week span, signifying a critical transformation in his approach and results on ovals.
“He’s been able to build a book with his engineers, build that package and in himself as a driver be able to go back to these tracks and say, ‘I remember what I did wrong last time, this is what I’m going to be better.’
“He has changed the way that he prepares for them. He’s no longer really doing much sim. There’s a lot of in-car-camera watching, he finds that more real and relatable and whatever his program of learning is that he has implemented himself with his team, it’s working on ovals.”
Van Gisbergen’s achievements extend beyond ovals. He made a memorable Cup debut in Chicago with Trackhouse Racing‘s Project 91 in 2023, before taking on a full-time role in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing. He notched victories at tracks such as Chicago, Mexico City, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval. These wins secured him the 2025 Sunoco Rookie of the Year title, underscoring his impact on NASCAR in a short period.
Recognition Grows for Shane van Gisbergen within NASCAR
Leigh Diffey also noted a growing level of regard for van Gisbergen among his fellow competitors. NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett, recognized for his achievements driving the No. 88 car between 1996 and 2006, hailed van Gisbergen as the greatest road course driver in the sport’s history, while also affirming his oval improvement. Cup Series contender Kyle Larson further warned that seasoned drivers may have to watch out if the 36-year-old continues mastering oval racing.
“The respect level for Shane has gone up even more than what it was, because he has shown them on a variety of ovals that he is now learning very rapidly how to drive,” Leigh Diffey said.
Van Gisbergen’s recent performances make a compelling case. He scored a top-10 finish in the NASCAR Cup playoff race at Kansas and posted consistent top-15 results at Charlotte, Richmond, Talladega, and Martinsville. His commitment to the Cup Series is further affirmed by a multi-year contract extension with Trackhouse Racing, setting him up to return in the No. 97 Chevy for the 2026 season. This ongoing evolution highlights not only van Gisbergen’s resilience but also shifts the competitive landscape within NASCAR.
Shane van Gisbergen’s oval progress is being closely watched by fans and competitors alike. As he continues to refine his preparation—leaning on real race data rather than virtual simulations—expectations remain high for his future performances in top-tier events. His trajectory could redefine what is possible for international drivers making their mark in American motorsport.
