Shane van Gisbergen has dominated NASCAR’s road courses like no one else since stepping onto the tracks in 2023. Four Cup Series wins in 2025, all on road courses, have earned him a reputation as a “one-trick pony.” But what happens when the rest of the field figures out his secrets?
Why Is Michael McDowell Warning Shane Van Gisbergen About His Future?
Since his debut race and win at Chicago a couple of years ago, the three-time Supercars champion has been the talk of NASCAR. The New Zealander’s road course dominance has made him the prime contender to win such races, leaving drivers like Michael McDowell overlooked.
McDowell remains a name worth mentioning when heading to road races, but his dominance has faded. Having experienced it firsthand, the 40-year-old believes it won’t be long before the rest of the field catches up to van Gisbergen.
Speaking to the San Diego Union-Tribune, McDowell initially praised van Gisbergen’s driving skills at road courses. He said, “He’s doing everything just a little bit better because of his background. He brakes a little later and different going into a turn. His line through turns is a little different. He accelerates a little earlier exiting turns. It’s a matter of feet. But it’s turn after turn, lap after lap.”
However, McDowell then added that while the New Zealander is doing everything right, it won’t be long before others learn these techniques themselves.
“He’s pushing all of us to be better. He’s pushing everyone to make some adjustments. And it will happen. It’s just a matter of time.”
Despite van Gisbergen winning four of the five road course races he’s competed in during the 2025 season, McDowell remains firm in his stance: “He’s not superman.”
How Has Michael McDowell Backed Up His Bold Claims?
While many might dismiss McDowell’s words, the road course veteran has delivered performances that support his predictions. In Mexico, the 40-year-old nearly took the lead from van Gisbergen, but a timely caution helped the No. 88 car maintain its advantage.
The competition intensified at Chicago, where McDowell held the lead for several laps over the New Zealander. However, car troubles forced an early exit for him, allowing the No. 88 car to claim another victory.
Since winning remains his primary focus, Van Gisbergen may embrace the “one-trick pony” label. However, as McDowell’s warning suggests, that one trick might not stay exclusive much longer. The question isn’t whether van Gisbergen can keep winning on road courses, but whether he can stay ahead once everyone else catches up to his methods.