Trackhouse Racing Team has recently revealed that Shane van Gisbergen will be their third driver, taking the wheel of the #88 Chevy. NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin has voiced his apprehensions regarding SVG’s potential success in his full-time rookie season.
Van Gisbergen is embarking on his full-time rookie journey in the Xfinity Series, driving the #97 Chevrolet Camaro for Kaulig Racing. With an illustrious career across various motorsport arenas, he has an impressive track record that includes three Australian Supercars championships and notable top-five finishes in both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and GT Racing.
The New Zealander made a remarkable entry into NASCAR at the first-ever Cup Series race on the Chicago Road Course, where he shocked the racing world by clinching victory in his debut.
Despite his impressive background, Denny Hamlin, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, believes that van Gisbergen may face challenges in his rookie full-time season with Trackhouse. On a recent episode of the Dirty Mo Media podcast, Hamlin remarked,
“If SVG finishes in the top 25 in points next year, I would be shocked, honestly[…] He’s probably going to win a road course, and then end up around 16th or better. As long as there are multiple road courses in the playoffs, he could, I don’t know, make it to the top eight.”
Currently, van Gisbergen sits in 12th place in the Xfinity Series standings. Over 22 races, the 35-year-old has achieved three victories, six top-ten finishes, and three top-five finishes, earning him a place in the playoffs.
Kevin Harvick is convinced that Shane van Gisbergen’s transition to Trackhouse Racing is driven by more than just numbers. The NASCAR veteran points out that Trackhouse is keen on van Gisbergen’s road course skills, especially with the anticipated addition of a road course race in Mexico to the 2025 schedule, which they aim to leverage.
During a recent episode of the Happy Hour podcast, Harvick discussed SVG’s entry into the Cup Series and the exciting prospects for his rookie year.
“Many people wonder why Trackhouse would choose SVG over continuing to develop Zane Smith. The reality is, with Mexico City likely being added to the schedule and six road courses in total, it makes sense,” Harvick explained.
“For me, it’s about positioning yourself to win and making the playoffs. It’s a calculated risk, with the belief that SVG can clinch a victory in one of these road course events. I think Justin Marks, the owner of Trackhouse, is confident in this strategy, aiming to secure a playoff spot with one of their cars,” he continued.
While van Gisbergen has already made a few appearances in Cup races this season, a full-time role could allow him to truly demonstrate his skills and potential within the series.
