In the world of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, road courses have always been a challenge for drivers. The twists and turns, the elevation changes, and the unpredictable weather make it a true test of skill and strategy. For years, it was believed that road-course specialists, or “ringers,” were necessary to succeed on these tracks. However, in 2025, this belief has been shattered by one driver – Shane Van Gisbergen.
Back in 2012, a FOX Sports article stated, “In NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series, there’s no such thing as road-course ringers.” At the time, this statement may have seemed bizarre to many in the NASCAR community. But fast forward to 2025, and it is clear that this prediction has become a reality. Van Gisbergen, the driver for Trackhouse Racing, has just secured his third road course victory of the season in Sonoma, solidifying his position as a true road-course master.
Van Gisbergen’s win at Sonoma was nothing short of commanding. He dominated the race from start to finish, leading 67 of the 90 laps and crossing the finish line with a comfortable lead of over 10 seconds. It was a flawless performance that left his competitors in awe and left fans on the edge of their seats.
What makes Van Gisbergen’s success on road courses even more impressive is the fact that he is not a traditional NASCAR driver. Hailing from New Zealand, Van Gisbergen made his name in the Australian V8 Supercars series before joining the NASCAR circuit in 2023. Many doubted his ability to adapt to the unique challenges of NASCAR, especially on road courses. But Van Gisbergen has proven all the doubters wrong with his exceptional skills behind the wheel.
His victory at Sonoma was not his first on a road course this season. In fact, it was his third, having previously won at Watkins Glen and the Charlotte Roval. This makes him the first driver since Jeff Gordon in 2007 to win three road course races in a single season. And with two more road courses left on the schedule, it is not far-fetched to believe that Van Gisbergen could break Gordon’s record and win five in a single season.
But it’s not just his on-track performance that has caught the attention of the NASCAR community. Van Gisbergen’s personality and attitude have also made him a fan favorite. He is known for his laid-back and fun-loving nature, which is a refreshing change from the intensity and pressure of the sport. And despite his success, he remains humble and grateful for the opportunity to race in NASCAR.
One person who is particularly impressed by Van Gisbergen’s road-course prowess is Dale Earnhardt Jr. The NASCAR legend, who retired from full-time racing in 2017, made his long-awaited return to Sonoma this year. And after witnessing Van Gisbergen’s dominant performance, he couldn’t help but express his admiration for the Kiwi driver.
In an interview after the race, Earnhardt Jr. said, “I’m just glad I got to race against Shane Van Gisbergen. He’s a hell of a road racer. I’m a big fan of his. I’m glad he’s in NASCAR, and I hope he’s here for a long time.” High praise from one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time.
Van Gisbergen’s success on road courses has also sparked a debate within the NASCAR community about the importance of road-course specialists. Many now believe that with the right skills and mindset, any driver can excel on these tracks. Van Gisbergen’s performance has shown that it’s not about being a “ringer,” but about being a well-rounded and talented driver.
As we look ahead to the future of NASCAR, it’s clear that Shane Van Gisbergen will be a force to be reckoned with on road courses. His back-to-back wins at Sonoma have left fans hungry for more, and it’s safe to say that he will be a top contender for the road-course races in the years to come. And who knows, maybe he will even become the first driver to win a road-course championship in NASCAR.
In conclusion, Shane Van Gisbergen’s commanding win at Sonoma has shattered the belief that road-course specialists are necessary for success in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series.
