“More than we probably ever hoped”: Shane van Gisbergen reflects on rookie NASCAR Cup campaign after getting ‘competitive on ovals’

As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season concluded, Shane van Gisbergen has reflected on his rookie Cup campaign, expressing gratitude and satisfaction with how much he and his team have achieved. His first full-time season has been nothing short of a remarkable adaptation story. He was also crowned as the NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year for his impressive campaign.

Coming from a decorated Supercars Championship background, many wondered how quickly or even if Shane van Gisbergen could adjust to the challenges of NASCAR’s demanding oval tracks. Now, as the 2025 season ended, SVG admitted the season had been great, exceeding his expectations, both in results and growth. He rates his improvement on NASCAR oval tracks as a major personal milestone.

Reflecting on his 2025 rookie campaign, van Gisbergen said (via racer.com):

“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.”

The 36-year-old New Zealander showed steady improvements on the oval track this season, as in the first 14 oval races his average finish was 26.6, and in the next 16 oval races his average finish improved to 23.2. His career-best finish on an oval was 10th place, which came at Kansas Speedway in the postseason.

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“I like how the tracks vary throughout the year”: Shane van Gisbergen on diverse NASCAR schedule

Coming from a different racing background, Shane van Gisbergen admitted he was uncertain about how he’d adapt to the unique NASCAR schedule, but he’s found himself truly enjoying it. The NASCAR schedule includes a mix of short tracks, intermediate tracks, superspeedways, and road courses.

Sharing his genuine appreciation for the diversity and challenge of NASCAR’s racing schedule, here’s what The Giz said (via racer.com):

“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 wrapped up his rookie season with five wins, all of them coming on road courses; three poles; five top-five and seven top-10 finishes; and led 312 laps with an average finish of 21. He also reached the playoffs and ended up finishing 12th in the championship standings.

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Edited by Yash Soni