Michael McDowell remains one of the few NASCAR Cup drivers unwilling to buy into the narrative of Shane van Gisbergen\u2019s invincibility. To him, SVG isn\u2019t untouchable; the real hurdle lies in the mindset of the competition.<\/p>\n
Even before Watkins Glen, McDowell openly dismissed the idea that SVG was miles ahead, stressing that the Cup Series is all about execution. He even took a jab at rivals who seemed to show up to road courses defeated before the green flag dropped.<\/p>\n
Now, with the field grinding through ovals where SVG has shown cracks, the Kiwi still looms large over the playoff picture. If he manages to sneak into the Round of 12, Charlotte\u2019s road course sits waiting, a type of track where his dominance speaks volumes. In six Cup road course starts, SVG has gone for five of them.<\/p>\n
Still, McDowell<\/a><\/strong> refuses to crown him king of the discipline, even as stars like Kyle Larson and seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson have tipped their cap to his skill. \u201cI have a different perspective of this. What he\u2019s doing right now is incredible. But he\u2019s not Superman,\u201d McDowell said of SVG\u2019s streak.<\/p>\n The Spire Motorsports driver broke it down with precision: \u201cHe\u2019s (SVG) 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\u2019s a matter of feet. But it\u2019s turn after turn, lap after lap.\u201d<\/p>\n McDowell sees SVG\u2019s presence as a rising tide that forces every driver to sharpen their craft as he\u2019s pushing everyone to make some adjustments. \u201cAnd it will happen. It\u2019s just a matter of time,\u201d he insisted.<\/p>\n .@Mc_Driver<\/a>: \u201cI have a different perspective of this. What he\u2019s doing right now is incredible. But he\u2019s not Superman. \u2026 He\u2019s pushing all of us to be better. He\u2019s pushing everyone to make some adjustments. And it will happen. It\u2019s just a matter of time.\u201d https:\/\/t.co\/0mKT7xNObc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Adam Stern (@A_S12) September 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n McDowell also pointed out that timing has been on SVG\u2019s side. The Next Gen car, far more versatile and road-course friendly than its predecessors, arrived right as the Trackhouse Racing driver jumped into the Cup ranks. Its specifications mirror the SuperCars machines he mastered, giving him a natural edge while others are still learning the ropes.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why even Johnson tempers the hype. He\u2019s adamant that two seasons aren\u2019t enough to declare anyone the GOAT. He reminded fans that legends like Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart built their reputations on road courses, too. If SVG keeps delivering five or ten years down the line, only then will he earn that crown.<\/p>\n Johnson also underlined that NASCAR\u2019s embrace of road and street courses helps broaden its horizons, bringing new fans into the fold. Later this month, the sport will announce the official layout and seating plan for next June\u2019s historic triple-series weekend at Naval Base Coronado. But with the streets and tarmacs set to host the featured Cup race, SVG<\/a><\/strong> already looks like the man to beat.<\/p>\n\n