Denny Hamlin is never one to hold back his opinions, and his recent take on the battle between rising star Conor Zilisch and international sensation Shane Van Gisbergen is no different. According to Hamlin, Zilisch might just have an upper hand when it comes to making a name for himself in NASCAR, despite the buzz surrounding Van Gisbergen’s remarkable debut. Hamlin’s perspective sheds light on the nuances of NASCAR racing and highlights why Zilisch’s background could be a critical factor in his success compared to Van Gisbergen.
Van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion from New Zealand, stunned the NASCAR world with his impressive performance at the inaugural Chicago Street Race earlier this year. His background in road racing, characterized by tight corners and varied track surfaces, gave him an undeniable advantage on that type of track, allowing him to claim victory in his very first NASCAR Cup Series race—a feat that left fans and drivers alike in awe. His victory was not just a win but a clear demonstration of his raw talent and ability to adapt quickly to new racing environments. Yet, while Van Gisbergen’s debut has been nothing short of spectacular, Hamlin believes Conor Zilisch’s experience and skill set offer him a long-term advantage over the Kiwi driver in the NASCAR landscape.
At just 17 years old, Conor Zilisch is already making waves in the motorsports world. The young driver has been steadily climbing the ranks in U.S. racing, showing promise across various disciplines, including karting, sports cars, and late models. Zilisch’s adaptability and drive have positioned him as one of NASCAR’s next big prospects. His experience racing on American tracks from a young age provides him with a deep understanding of the nuances of U.S. racing circuits, which Hamlin believes is a crucial advantage.
Hamlin highlights Zilisch’s extensive experience in American racing as a significant factor that could help him outperform international drivers like Van Gisbergen. “Zilisch understands the ins and outs of U.S. racing circuits and has been competing on them for years,” Hamlin said. “That kind of knowledge can’t be taught overnight.” This familiarity with American tracks, particularly the ovals that form the backbone of NASCAR, is something Van Gisbergen will need time to acquire.
On the flip side, Shane Van Gisbergen entered the NASCAR scene with little fanfare but left a significant impression. His performance on the streets of Chicago showcased his exceptional talent, particularly on road courses. Van Gisbergen’s success in adapting to a new form of racing so quickly is a testament to his experience as a Supercars champion, where he honed his skills in precision and high-pressure environments. His ability to transition from one form of racing to another is impressive and speaks volumes about his versatility.
However, Hamlin points out that NASCAR is not just about excelling on road courses. The sport’s foundation is built on oval racing, which presents a completely different set of challenges compared to road racing. “Van Gisbergen is an exceptional road racer, but NASCAR is a different beast,” Hamlin explained. “If you can’t handle the ovals, your success will always be limited.” This observation underscores the unique demands of NASCAR, where mastery of oval tracks is essential for long-term success.
For Van Gisbergen, the road ahead in NASCAR involves mastering oval tracks, which make up the majority of the season. While his road course expertise has proven to be a strength, his future success in NASCAR hinges on how quickly he can adapt to the intricacies of oval racing—something that Zilisch has been working on from the start of his career. “Conor’s been racing on ovals since he was a kid,” Hamlin said. “It’s second nature to him now, and that’s what gives him a leg up over guys like Shane. It’s going to take time for Shane to catch up on that front, and by then, Conor could already be miles ahead.”
Zilisch’s advantage may not be immediately visible to casual fans, but those familiar with the sport understand that NASCAR isn’t just about turning left. It involves mastering car setups, pit strategies, tire wear, and navigating the draft on superspeedways—skills that Zilisch has been developing for years. Meanwhile, Van Gisbergen is still adapting to these aspects of NASCAR, which could impact his long-term success in the series.
Hamlin also hinted at the cultural aspect of NASCAR as a potential factor. “Being an American racing series, there’s a certain culture that you need to understand if you want to be successful here long-term,” Hamlin noted. “Zilisch grew up around NASCAR, so he knows what it takes to compete at this level in a way that someone coming from a completely different racing environment might not.” This cultural familiarity could play a crucial role in Zilisch’s ability to navigate the intricacies of NASCAR’s unique environment.
Van Gisbergen’s early success has made him a fan favorite, but as Hamlin suggests, the long-term grind of a full NASCAR season—particularly on oval-heavy tracks—could be a challenge for international drivers unaccustomed to the demands of the sport. Meanwhile, Zilisch, with his deep roots in American racing, appears well-prepared for success in NASCAR’s distinctive world.
Hamlin’s comments suggest that while Van Gisbergen has already demonstrated his road racing prowess, Zilisch’s extensive experience on oval tracks could give him a significant advantage in NASCAR. The competition between these two rising stars promises to be compelling, and the future of NASCAR looks bright with talented drivers like Zilisch and Van Gisbergen poised to make their mark. The rivalry between them could push both to new heights, offering fans the excitement of watching two distinct racing styles clash on the NASCAR stage.
Denny Hamlin Opines How Conor Zilisch “Has A Leg Up” On Shane Van Gisbergen In Nascar….
