In a season marked by struggles and steep learning curves, Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand racing sensation, just delivered a performance that sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world. At the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the three-time Supercars champion silenced doubters by clinching pole position with a blistering 88.685-second run and leading an impressive 54 laps. Though he didn’t advance to the main event, this breakout moment proved that “SVG” is not just a road-course wizard—he’s starting to master the ovals, too. This is the kind of story that has NASCAR fans buzzing, and it’s no surprise why it’s lighting up social media feeds.
For those unfamiliar, van Gisbergen’s journey in NASCAR has been anything but ordinary. After dominating Australia’s Supercars series with three championships and a storied victory at the Bathurst 12 Hour, SVG shocked the motorsport world in 2023 by winning his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Chicago Street Race. It was a feat not seen in over six decades, marking him as a global racing talent. In 2024, he tackled the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time, racking up three road-course wins with Kaulig Racing. Now, in his rookie NASCAR Cup Series season with Trackhouse Racing’s No. 88 Chevrolet, the 36-year-old is navigating the steep challenge of oval racing—a discipline he’s admitted is a “different world” compared to the road courses he’s conquered.
The All-Star Open was van Gisbergen’s chance to shine on NASCAR’s biggest stage yet. The event’s unique qualifying format, which combines a high-speed lap with a mandatory four-tire pit stop, tests both driver skill and team precision. SVG and his Trackhouse crew executed it flawlessly, outpacing a field of 18 drivers, including rising stars like Carson Hocevar and Noah Gragson. His pole-winning time was a testament to his raw talent and the team’s synergy, with SVG crediting his pit crew’s “insane” performance for the edge. “Qualifying has been a weakness,” he admitted post-race. “My lap was pretty good, coming in was good, pit stop guys were insane. Thanks to WeatherTech, thanks to the Trackhouse pit crew.”
When the green flag dropped, SVG didn’t just hold his own—he dominated early, leading by as much as 3.5 seconds at the halfway mark. His No. 88 Chevrolet looked untouchable as he fended off challenges from Hocevar and Michael McDowell. But a strategic misstep during a competition caution changed the race’s trajectory. Opting for four fresh tires while others took two, SVG lost track position, dropping to sixth. The second stint saw him struggle in traffic, with the car losing grip and ultimately finishing 13th. A post-race clash with Todd Gilliland, where SVG bumped the No. 34 Ford after perceived brake-checking, showed the fiery frustration of a driver hungry for more.
“I don’t know whether to smile or cry,” van Gisbergen told reporters, encapsulating the rollercoaster of emotions. “It’s been a dismal year for us, but I feel like we’re getting better every week. This shows it.” Despite the 13th-place finish, leading 54 laps from pole was a massive statement for a driver ranked 35th in the Cup Series standings, with only one top-10 finish in 2025. His confidence in Trackhouse’s progress is palpable, and fans are taking notice, flooding platforms like Facebook with praise for the Kiwi’s grit and potential.
This performance isn’t just a one-off—it’s a glimpse of SVG’s growing prowess. Oval racing has been his Achilles’ heel, with accidents and poor qualifying plaguing his season. Yet, at North Wilkesboro, he showed he’s learning fast, leveraging his road-course-honed braking skills to gain time entering pit road. With upcoming road courses like Chicago, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen, where he’s expected to excel, SVG could soon vault into playoff contention with a win. For now, his All-Star Open showing has sparked excitement about what’s next.
NASCAR fans, this is your cue to keep an eye on Shane van Gisbergen. His journey from Supercars legend to NASCAR contender is hitting a new gear, and the buzz is real. Will he translate this momentum into a breakthrough win? Share your thoughts, and let’s get this conversation racing!
