As NASCAR Cup schedule shifts to ovals, Shane van Gisbergen wants to keep improving

For a New Zealand native who raced exclusively on road and street courses until three years ago, it’s been a slog to figure out. With eight races remaining in the regular season, van Gisbergen is the highest-ranked Trackhouse Racing driver at 14th in the standings — ahead of teammates Ross Chastain (22nd) and Connor Zilisch (34th) — and in a provisional spot for the Chase. Sunday at Sonoma Raceway marked his eighth win in 15 career starts on road and street courses, but the final 18 races in 2026 will be held only on ovals.

By Jason Griffith for PeeDeeWire

Yahoo Sports reports: For a New Zealand native who raced exclusively on road and street courses until three years ago, it’s been a slog to figure out. With eight races remaining in the regular season, van Gisbergen is the highest-ranked Trackhouse Racing driver at 14th in the standings — ahead of teammates Ross Chastain (22nd) and Connor Zilisch (34th) — and in a provisional spot for the Chase. Sunday at Sonoma Raceway marked his eighth win in 15 career starts on road and street courses, but the final 18 races in 2026 will be held only on ovals.