Shane van Gisbergen, entering his second full-time NASCAR Cup Series season, is facing renewed challenges as NASCAR reverts to its Chase-style championship format. Previously, the Kiwi excelled on road courses and clinched multiple victories, but the revised rules mean consistent results across all events, including ovals, will be critical in his pursuit of a title. The Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR season stands as a significant test of his adaptability and skill.
Reflections on Format Change and Rising Oval Expectations
During a recent NASCAR media day, Shane van Gisbergen candidly discussed the championship restructuring and how it may impact his efforts. Last season, the former Supercars champion secured a playoff spot with an authoritative win in a road course event, tallying five Cup victories in his rookie year.
However, van Gisbergen acknowledged that while dominating road courses has come naturally, his best performance on an oval track so far is a tenth-place finish. The alteration in format, which heavily rewards week-to-week excellence, raises the bar for all contenders, including those like van Gisbergen, whose strengths have traditionally shown on road layouts.
“I think it kind of needed a change. Yeah, but it’s hard for me, like the reason I’m in this series is because of win-and-you’re-in right, but I feel like I’ve gotten better at ovals to where I don’t have to rely on it. But yeah, it’s certainly going to be an achievement to make that Top 16.”
— Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Emphasizing the competitive edge required for success in the new system, van Gisbergen added insight into how the championship would distinctly benefit consistent front-runners in the series.
“But I think it’s a good target for us and something that is achievable. I think it rewards those top guys now, you know, that are always winning and they were the guys calling for it, I guess. But yeah, for me, that’s more of a pure racing championship, so probably a good thing in that regard,”
— Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Preparation Intensifies Ahead of Daytona 500
As the forthcoming season draws near, van Gisbergen is fully focused on the renowned Daytona 500, the season’s flagship race. With the points system emphasizing all 26 regular-season races plus the high-stakes postseason, his performance on ovals will be just as crucial as his prowess on road courses. The new championship points process ensures only the most consistently strong drivers can claim the season’s biggest prize.
Switch to No. 97 Ignites Racing Legacy
This season brings another change for van Gisbergen: the transition from the No. 88 Chevrolet to his favored No. 97. After debuting with Trackhouse Racing in the 88 car, he will now compete under the number closely tied to his racing journey, reflecting a legacy from his Supercars days, where the No. 97 featured prominently.
“It means a lot to have the No. 97 on my Cup car. It’s a number that means so much to my family and me, so to see it on my car for the first time was surreal. I love the red flash designs on both sides of the car. It’s going to look epic on track.”
— Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Fans can look forward to seeing van Gisbergen and the No. 97 Chevrolet compete at the Daytona 500 on February 15, where he will aim to make a powerful statement at the outset of this pivotal NASCAR season.
Looking Ahead: Significance for Van Gisbergen and NASCAR
The upcoming season, with its heightened emphasis on all-around performance, underscores the evolving demands of the NASCAR Cup Series. For Shane van Gisbergen, the blend of a revised points format and the personal symbolism of No. 97 represents both a challenge and an opportunity to further his reputation among the world’s premier racing drivers. As anticipation builds for Daytona, his journey will be closely watched by both fans and fellow competitors on the quest for NASCAR glory.
"It's hard for me because the reason I'm in this series is because of win and you're in."
But @shanevg97 went on to say The Chase is more of a "pure form of racing championship" adding that the format needed a change. 🏆
Big words from SVG 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZU7a3iKi8I
— PRN (@PRNlive) January 23, 2026
