In the high-octane world of NASCAR, where rivalries burn as fiercely as the engines, one driver’s meteoric rise has sparked both admiration and contention. Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand-born road course maestro, has taken the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series by storm, tying veteran Denny Hamlin with a record-setting four wins this season. Yet, despite his undeniable talent, van Gisbergen—affectionately known as SVG—has faced criticism from some drivers who question his place in the sport. Amid this backdrop, Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner and one of NASCAR’s most respected voices, has emerged as a vocal supporter, praising SVG’s fair play and predicting he’ll be a formidable force on the track.

Van Gisbergen’s journey to NASCAR stardom is nothing short of remarkable. A three-time Supercars Champion in Australia, he burst onto the American racing scene in 2023, winning his Cup Series debut at the Chicago Street Course—a feat not accomplished in over 50 years. Since then, his dominance on road courses has been unmatched, with four victories in 2025 alone, including Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen. His latest triumph at Watkins Glen saw him lead by an astonishing 11 seconds over Christopher Bell, cementing his reputation as a road course virtuoso. “I think there’s certainly a real discussion to be had on the best road course racer that NASCAR has seen,” Hamlin said on his Actions Detrimental podcast, acknowledging SVG’s unparalleled skill.

However, SVG’s success has not come without controversy. His struggles on oval tracks, a staple of NASCAR’s schedule, have drawn skepticism from peers and fans alike. Many drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., have expressed doubts about SVG’s ability to compete in the playoffs, particularly on ovals like Darlington, Gateway, and Bristol, which dominate the Round of 16. Earnhardt Jr. didn’t mince words on his podcast, stating, “I do not believe that SVG [will advance].” Similarly, NASCAR commentator Steve Letarte pointed out the challenge of SVG scoring stage points on ovals, noting, “He ain’t going to score one stage point in the first three races.” These critiques stem from SVG’s inexperience on NASCAR’s traditional tracks, where his average finish in the first six oval races of 2025 was a dismal 31st.

Despite this, Hamlin sees something others might be missing. On his podcast, he praised SVG’s approach, emphasizing his clean racing style and competitive spirit. “He’s been progressing and getting better on the ovals,” Hamlin noted, pointing to SVG’s recent improvement, with finishes in the low 20s and teens. “He’s putting himself in a decent spot going into that last cutoff race.” Hamlin’s endorsement carries weight, not only because of his own four-win streak in 2025, tying him with SVG for the season’s most victories, but also due to his deep understanding of the sport’s nuances. As a veteran with 58 career wins, Hamlin recognizes that SVG’s road course dominance—coupled with 22 playoff points, ranking fifth among drivers—gives him a fighting chance in the postseason.

The debate around SVG’s playoff prospects has ignited a broader conversation about NASCAR’s playoff system. Some fans and drivers argue that a driver like SVG, who excels on road courses but struggles on ovals, could exploit the “win and you’re in” format to secure a playoff spot despite a low points standing. This scenario echoes last season’s controversy when Harrison Burton’s surprise Daytona win vaulted him into the playoffs despite languishing in the 30s in points, a move that frustrated consistent performers like Bubba Wallace. When asked about the possibility of SVG following a similar path, Hamlin took a pragmatic stance: “I don’t think I’d have an issue with it. I think the fans, more than likely, when and if it happens and Shane is in the 30s in points, they’ll probably have something to say about it.”

Fan reactions on social media platforms like X have been mixed, with some praising SVG’s raw talent and others decrying the system that allows a road course specialist to potentially outshine drivers with stronger overall records. One fan remarked, “I will absolutely hate it, but I do not fault Trackhouse for gaming a broken system.” Another added, “It’s absolutely awful, should have to be top 20 in points if this is going to be a rule.” These sentiments highlight the tension between NASCAR’s traditional oval-centric roots and the growing influence of road courses, where SVG reigns supreme.

Yet, SVG’s story is one of adaptation and resilience. After a challenging start to his full-time Cup Series campaign, where he managed just one top-10 finish in the first 15 races, he has shown signs of growth. A test at Charlotte in May marked a turning point, with SVG leading 54 laps at the All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro, a short oval. “It was like a lightbulb moment,” he said, describing how he began to understand the rhythm and car placement needed for oval racing. His 20th-place finish at Darlington earlier this season, starting from 36th, further demonstrated his progress.

Hamlin’s support extends beyond SVG’s on-track performance. He admires the Kiwi’s willingness to embrace NASCAR’s challenges, moving from New Zealand to Mooresville, North Carolina, to chase his racing dreams. “He’s a lightning-fast driver,” Hamlin said after SVG’s impressive qualifying at the 2023 Chicago Street Race, where he nearly claimed pole position. This respect is mutual, with SVG citing Hamlin as an inspiration for his oval racing development. “It was really cool to see 3 Trackhouse cars in the top-10 last week,” SVG said, referencing Hamlin’s techniques as a guide for his own improvement.

As the 2025 playoffs loom, SVG faces a daunting challenge in the Round of 16. Darlington, a track he considers a favorite, offers some hope, but Gateway is uncharted territory, and Bristol remains a sore spot after a 38th-place finish earlier this year. Still, Hamlin believes SVG’s 22 playoff points provide a buffer, stating, “He could go through the first round just by not messing up.” If SVG can navigate these ovals and reach the Round of 12, the Charlotte Roval—a road course—could propel him further, potentially into the Round of 8.

What makes SVG’s story so compelling is the question of whether a road course specialist can defy the odds in a sport defined by ovals. His four wins have already etched his name in NASCAR history as the first rookie to achieve such a feat in a single season. But can he silence his critics and prove he belongs among the elite? Hamlin’s backing suggests he can. “He’s not unskilled, not unfast,” Hamlin said, dismissing notions that SVG’s success hinges on luck.

As the NASCAR Cup Series heads toward its postseason climax, all eyes will be on Shane van Gisbergen. Will he falter on the ovals, as some predict, or will he continue to rewrite the script, as Hamlin believes? One thing is certain: SVG’s fair play and raw talent have earned him a powerful ally in Denny Hamlin, and together, they’re making the 2025 season one for the history books. For fans eager to see how this unfolds, the playoffs promise a thrilling ride—share this story on Facebook to join the conversation and follow SVG’s quest for NASCAR glory.