Shane Van Gisbergen's Future | SVG | Kaulig Struggles Continue On Short Tracks | NASCAR

Is there any chance SVG remains with Kaulig in 2025? Kaulig continues to struggle mightily at short tracks! Is there a solution?
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[@ryanyount3250]

SVG has really impressed me this year! His ability to adapt so quickly week in and week out is crazy impressive.

[@johnobrien6869]

Many of us in Australia and NZ know nothing about NASCAR or oval racing. That said, from a fans perspective, we are learning vicariously through Shane's experience. I even bought some books including one on the Physics of NASCAR to try and learn more about a style of racing I had previously dismissed as inferior by far to "real" racing. I was wrong. The more you truly understand what you are looking at the more you can appreciate what you are looking at. The same can be said of SVG. We have watched SVG for many years evolve and expand his skill levels by testing himself across many different racing modalities. His racing intelligence is second to none. His adaptive racing ability is just plain freaky. He will learn Oval Racing. Shane will slowly absorb the intricacies (slowly is relative-he is a fast learner) and start testing boundaries (already is). Those who don't know SVG and haven't watched him evolve will understandably gauge him by the usual metrics. He is a different beast. Regardless of the path taken next year Shane will emerge at some point to become a real; and respected contender in the Cup Series. SVG needed a challenge. The Supercars were no longer offering what he craved. Real racing that tested him. Something he could sink his teeth into. Ovals fit the bill. Within the confines of the physics of Nascar Oval racing SVG will stamp his own unique mark. Watch. And enjoy the ride. We are 😀

[@user-to6kt5hc3d]

SVG will be better in a cup car than he is in an xfinity car. That being said, he will drive anything fast

[@KauligNation]

We are fans of him forsure

[@DogFish-NZ]

​@@KauligNationif you haven't seen the New Zealand grand prix where he had to start from pit lane in an open wheel car, give it a watch 👌🤌

[@stevemansfield3449]

As a Trackhouse/SVG fan his first year in NASCAR has been everything that I could hope for and more. This first year has been almost a “best case” scenario for SVG’s development. At just 16 races in he as won 2 road crosses (I had hopped he’d win one over the season) he is learning the fundamental techniques for racing an oval (yes still much to learn and needs more reps), he is learning how to “race” the NASCAR way. At COTA Austin Hill gave SVG a class in how to race in NASCAR; and clearly SVG learned from the experience. As a fan I am very pleased with his development. As far has next year; I can’t imagine a reasonable scenario where he isn’t driving cup. I agree even at the end of this season he will still have a lot to learn about ovals, but he might as well do that at Cup. The difference between the Cup cars and the Xfinity cars is so great that how you drive these ovals is significantly different between the cars. And that is not my opinion, it people like Kevin Harvick, Jimmy Johnson, Kyle Buseh, who say that. Chris Bell talking about this past week in NH said he learned very little in the Xfinity race that applied to the cup race, he made it sound like the 2 cars just race the track differently. My point is I think by the end of this season he will have learned as much as he can about general NASCAR oval racing at the Xfinity level, he needs to start learning how cup cars behave on these ovals. Also, all the other facts, some of which you touched on: His age, he will have a limited number of years in cup, I wouldn’t waist another in Xfinity. Depending on how the schedule shakes out he will be favored to win 5 or 6 races next year, you cannot leave that potential on the bench. He came here to run cup, not Xfinity and Marks put him under contract with the expectation he would be running cup. And lastly, the fans, both in North America and down under want to see it, NASCAR and the fans will push for this. Personally, I think the only real outstanding question on SVG’s 2025 cup ride is if Red Bull will be on the side of it. I had “hoped” they would have sponsored at least one or two rides this season.

[@KauligNation]

First off thank you for your detailed thoughts. We really appreciate you taking the time to convey your thoughts in a thoughtful manner. I agree with most of what you are saying here. I think if SVG was 24 and not 34 Trackhouse would probably be more patient with him. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of AJ and SVG running cup next year for Kaulig if TH isn’t willing to let Suarez or Smith go. That being said if you have six bullets in the chamber on road coursss next year plus the sponsor interest there is in SVG I would be surprised if he wasn’t in cup next year at this point. Regardless Ryan and I are SVG fans and will continue to provide SVG coverage even if he isn’t in a Kaulig car. Really appreciate the support mate. Shawn,

[@stevemansfield3449]

@@KauligNation To be honest, I was not expecting to write a dissertation lol - thanks for the response. Let me ask you this question, what do you think the chances are SVG sweeps Chicago in 2 weeks? I’m assuming Trackhouse will put him there 3rd cup car for the weekend.

[@ryanyount6975]

@@stevemansfield3449 Winning races in NASCAR is really hard. Even with his immense talent, a few things had to break his way last year to win the Cup race. I think he will win the Xfinity race and he will certainly be one of the favorites for the Cup race. Even with Trackhouse equipment I think it will be hard to go back to back. HE can certainly do it though!. But I would say less than 50% for a sweep.

[@stevemansfield3449]

@@ryanyount6975 Absolutely agree, even 50% is pretty damn high. Even if we were to say he has a 33% chance of a sweep, it would be an unusual statement. Last week we all knew CBell had "a chance" of sweeping, but I doubt most would have given it better than 10% possibility. If a person were to say SVG has a 25-30% chance of sweeping, no one would say it was unreasonable statement - that in itself is incredible. I can’t wait to see what the betting odd of this are.

[@johnbravo7542]

Totally agree with you.And I'm an Aussie.

[@jdoe9518]

Makes zero sense to spend a second season in a car that is completely different from Cup. Makes for more sense to move up. The results from the second half of this season will determine what seat in cup best suited.

[@donaldcopping8580]

I think so too, the cars are too different to chop and change all the time.. Why learn the handling of the Xfinity more when it's the cup car he should be learning to drive better.

[@ryanyount3250]

@@donaldcopping8580 @jdoe9518 While I do agree with your statement about NextGen car being totally different from Xfinity and it does drive much closer to what hes used to with Supercars. The Xfinity car is much more traditional in terms of feel and handling. I believe its important to learn the nuance of oval racing. To fully understand it the Xfinity car will be the better car. Nextgen doesn't provide the same physical feedback to the driver and could in tern make it harder for him to know what he needs in the car. But that ofcourse is just my 2 cent opinion.

[@since1961]

Seat time and track time can't be valued? Gaining experience 1 lap at a time learning the different and how the grooves change?

[@jdoe9518]

@@ryanyount3250 So what you're saying is to stay in the car that gives better feedback in a team that is under performing allowing all the Cup teams and drivers a full season more time to understand and develop the car he intends to drive? Which is also far closer in specification to what he's been driving for years. Thanks, you can keep your 2 cents.

[@jdoe9518]

@@since1961 I think you'll find that's what currently happening? Not sure if you know, the driver has team as well. In that team there is a crew chief. They are the link between the driver and well basically everything else race related. The teams also have simulators. So drivers can do 1 lap at time anywhere they want almost anytime they want.

[@user-zx8rj9wh6e]

I would put my money on SVG being in cup Full Time with Trackhouse next year, and likely running some Xfinity part time for Kaulig. He’s got the backing (sponsors), there is no way he stays full time Xfinity.

[@KauligNation]

Yeah there’s too much money on the cup side to not be in a TH or Kaulig cup car. Problem is Trackhouse has other guaranteed money on the books so there’s some shifting to do for sure. If I’m Kaulig I’m not taking Suarez or Smith on a loan. I’d outright want them released and signed. Loans do nothing for Kaulig in the long run. SVG to cup is super likely. If he was 10 years younger they would probably take their time.

[@donaldcopping8580]

I think SVG can and will do better in a cup car rather than Xfinity because it is setup to handle better like a Supercar with the rear end and sequential gears which is what he is used to driving and winning for many years. He has even mentioned how the Xfinity Car feels weird especially on corners on ovals how he says it feels like he is losing the rear buy he's not. I think he will push a bit harder towards the end of the season especially on ovals so it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.

[@KauligNation]

Yeah NASCAR in general needs to change the xfinity car closer to the cup car for developmental purposes

[@jimmyg5408]

Great discussion guys, if SVG consistently runs top 10 second half of the season he earns a seat in cup. Believe his capable with the right equipment if not his still exceeded expectations for mine

[@KauligNation]

He’s going to be fun to watch regardless of where he is.

[@LegacyOfWesteros]

Give me more of that SVG shit!

[@mintoxace5571]

Harsh on SVG on road courses in Cup. Every car he’s had in Cup on road courses since Chicago have had mechanical issues. In xfinity it’s even worse coz Kaulig are bringing terrible cars for him each week. Last two weeks he’s had cars with the same brake issues like they didn’t even fix it. Imagine getting into a car and doing over 200 mph on an oval you’ve never raced at with brakes that don’t work properly. If SVG was in a JGR car he’d be top ten most weeks in my opinion.

[@KauligNation]

You can say that for a lot of drivers. Hell AJ won at the Roval last year with electrical issues and has finished top 10 multiple times in cup with no power steering. I’m just saying it’s going to take some time.

[@gerardcrabb4556]

SVG and Kostecki had issues at Indy last year and Will Brown at Sonoma these extra cars don't seem to get tested as well as regular week to week cars...

[@The_Absolute_Dog]

@@KauligNation To be fair, I think brake issues might be a bit more impactful. But I see what you're getting at

[@ray.shoesmith]

If you look at SVGs stage results, he's always improving through oval races. Stage 1 he's down back, stage 2 hes top 20, by the finish hes normally fighting for top 10.

[@KauligNation]

He’s definitely getting better with seat time in equipment that’s not great

[@mintoxace5571]

As far as ovals go in Cup, he’s only driven two and one of them was rained out before he had a chance to really start his run. In Dega he was heading for a top ten finish by leading that third lane til Gibbs did a stupid block and killed that whole lines chances either way 2 laps to go. Don’t forget the Cup car moves the way he exoects a car to do where as the xfinity car doesn’t. He’s mentioned that before in interviews. I have no worries how he will do in Cup, after all, he’s only raced an oval around 15 times and is beating teammates and other drivers who have raced ovals all their lives.

[@KauligNation]

He’s beating Josh Williams. Make no mistake he’s no where near as good as AJ on ovals. SVG is still new to this. Just imagine how good he can be 2-3 years from now. He has a ton of value.

[@mintoxace5571]

@@KauligNation he’s only finishing a couple of positions behind AJ in most races on Oval, and he’s been in pretty easily beating him on road courses. He’s doing all of this in a car that’s completely unfamiliar in the way it drives and handles with no practice. He’s in a car that’s in line with what he’s used to, he will adapt a lot quicker on ovals.

[@crazyhorse2995]

Well said. As a fellow New Zealander,Im so proud of his efforts,how many other nonAmericans can say theyve got a Darlington stripe!🇳🇿🤘

[@alancoulam1613]

3rd charter trackhouse--SVG -- REDBULL

[@KauligNation]

I would love to see red Bull back on a car but I don’t think it’s happening

[@Gravy123-kp5ou]

Shawn I think you nailed it by saying you couldn’t have expected more for someone new to NASCAR and oval racing. Perhaps if he’s in a JGR car some of those top 15s become top 10s. Unrealistic to think otherwise.

[@ryanyount3250]

Absolutely agree! We recognize that Kaulig equipment isn’t up to JR motorsports or JGR. But he’s maximizing his results and finding his way to the front every week

[@richardgabinelli7805]

@@ryanyount3250he doesn’t deserve a top ride at any level in NASCAR except on a road course. This guys basically has zero experience on an oval. I don’t care who you are or what series you come from. This is an oval series going up against the best in the world at what they do. This guy isn’t someone who has been tearing up the short tracks in a super late model series. He a road racer. How many oval track races has he won on asphalt, anywhere??? First he has to learn how to race on any oval, then he needs to learn every track they race on. I don’t care who you are it’s going to take longer than a year.Again all he has to do is ride around and stay out of trouble and he gets top 15-20. You can’t rely on half the field in front of you to either wreck or run out of fuel every race. Sooner or later he’s going to have to race someone in order to get a good finish.

[@KauligNation]

I agree with these sentiments whole heartedly… including the “Shawn you nailed it” part 🤣

[@NowinLao]

@@richardgabinelli7805 You're right, this is an oval series, and he has come from a series that races ZERO ovals.. yet he is consistently finishing in the top 15 against drivers who have raced nothing but ovals. That doesn't say much for your dedicated oval drivers, does it? Riding around staying out of trouble and finishing high is a silly statement, he is still racing, improving the car and passing guys who have "earned" their way. You really do have blinders on Richard, and frankly sounding a bit salty. I'll say it again.. V8 supercars race on ZERO ovals and here he is being competitive in NASCAR from the word GO! Get any top NASCAR driver to race in V8 Supercars and he will finish dead last, every race, guaranteed.. and NASCAR races road courses. Absolutely no reason to hold somebody back with this much talent because he's not winning on ovals... Yet! Get him in the series they wanted him for ASAP

[@Gravy123-kp5ou]

Every week he gets 15 minutes practice then straight into qualifying. He then qualifies towards the back and has to work forward. If he qualified top 10 things are looking pretty good.

[@ryanyount3250]

As I mentioned on the show, I was scratching my head why he was struggling a bit this week at New Hampshire. But he had no practice , no qualifying, and had to start the race in the wet. Absolutely awful circumstances and he figured it out!

[@Gravy123-kp5ou]

@@ryanyount3250 same at Darlington. He’s also mentioned that the simulator hasn’t been overly helpful as it doesn’t give him the feel of each track.

[@mintoxace5571]

@@ryanyount3250also he’s has a crap car all year, but particularly last two tracks. He had a long brake pedal, brake shake and then one of the other cars reported brake fluid all over SVGs car. Kaulig aren’t even giving him a chance either gif equipment theyre bring at the moment. Even the road courses he’s had to overdrive the cat to win. Put him in a JGR car and I reckon he’s in the top ten most weeks.

[@KauligNation]

You share my thoughts on Kaulig equipment the last couple years

[@jakichan4]

Cup car handles more like his supercars car from aussie. Hell get ALOT better!

[@guieness1458]

Absolutely. SVG even says himself that the cup cars are more like the supercars. Shane had a lot of issues with the Gen 3 car. Braking, steering problems, and overheating. He would finish in the top 5 with a car not performing. Someone give him a decent car, please. 🙏

[@KauligNation]

Valid point

[@KauligNation]

Yeah Kaulig has had its issues

[@thefinallaps8333]

SVG will be a full time cup driver in 2025 I can feel it!

[@KauligNation]

I know you

[@munzy5865]

Great recap & opinions on SVG so far this year guys... If he does go cup series next year..would there be a chance of him just doing road courses in Xfinity as well. Imo if he's a major threat/contender in road courses wouldn't that be suffice to use his attributes to get wins in both Xfinity/Cup for whomever he drives for next season.

[@KauligNation]

I think it will depend honestly. We think AJ is going back to cup with Kaulig so he’s going to get 5 Xfinity road courses. If there sponsors to add another car for SVG or trackhouse is willing to foot the entire bill I don’t see why not.

[@munzy5865]

@@KauligNation Imo...be money well spent if he gets a few W's for whomever wants to foot the bill ... Also. what if a team has a gd oval driver but not at road courses, would that work for any team? .... just food for thought...

[@pagey007]

Kaulig ,,, Hell AJ is struggling , I listen to race radio each week , If AJ cannot win SVG has no chance on an oval , By the 3rd stage SVG and AJ have very similar lap times , On the road courses SVG had to over drive the car something horrible, He will be fine in cup in a good car ... His road car drove more like this 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXKmZ3ehesx8iqMsi=PGGOsBxuX8YxRhxS

[@Gravy123-kp5ou]

An excellent observation on lap times. New Hampshire was a great example.

[@KauligNation]

I like this take but let’s remember TH has taken a step back this year

[@AWSgraphics]

SVG to cup series

[@KauligNation]

More than likely

[@anthonydenny1001]

definitely 97 to cup full time for 10 wins

[@KauligNation]

97 cup car is likely… 10 wins not so much

[@danjaz2000]

Forgive me im new to nascar. But i can tell you ambrose and svg were/are/one of the best supercar drivers. I dont know ambrose oval record but im going to assume it was a hard road for some time and svg will be no different. Like you say he just hasn't done the laps since he was a kid. On the flip side the others not done the road coarses. I will say that svg looks happy. Real happy. The mans hungry. But when he is angry...better look out.

[@ryanyount3250]

Oh the comparisons are legit. Marcos took several years to get comfortable on the Ovals. But by the end of his career he was blazing fast at big tracks. I still remember his qualifying run at Michigan where he went 207. He still holds the track record. That arch for Shane is clearly on the table and with solid equipment should be able to run up front. But I do think it will take 2 to 3 years for him to get there

[@KauligNation]

Really appreciate you taking the time to leave a thoughtful comment

[@astonwards7236]

SVG is pretty much a guaranteed playoff spot in Cup, and he does a mean victory celebration, TH will put him in the 3rd car, no question

[@KauligNation]

That is where I would place my money. If he was 10 years younger they might be more patient. But we will see. I don’t think he’s a lock for the playoffs though. That will depend if Chicago stays. SVG has been just okay on cup road courses so far. He will get better with time though. We appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@williamgreen6179]

SVG is a technical driver with road courses. Ovals how ever require driving on the edge and SVG so far has not been able to find speed. while driving loose. That is why some of our top Nascar Cup drivers are dirt racers like Larson, Bell, Redrick. We then have a second class of drivers like Byron, Denny, Martian, and other drivers that can find speed and are technical drivers on Ovals. If we have 6 road courses in 2025 SVG is going to have to compete with Gibbs and Hendricks speed. Speed in cars will even the playing ground due to SVG not being in a top tier team. If he has a Trackhouse car he can compete with them; however if he is in a Kualing Car like AJ he will only have a chance to win on smaller type road courses. We will probably see a new Cup driver win Chicago Street Course next week. I can see Larson, Byron, or Denny winning Chicago next weekend. SVG will have a top 5 position with qualifying. Pit stops could lose him the race, He does have a edge on being able to pass due to being a top world class driver for road courses for setting up drivers for passing.

[@KauligNation]

I think SVG is still the favourite at Chicago simply because the other guys aren’t use to the no visibility. Also even though AJ struggled at Chicago last year Justin Haley did not.

[@Rassskle]

Not enough attention paid to the basic facts. Uncompetitive cars with little to NO practice on the race track combined with so little experience on ovals full stop. Then the problem of left hand drive......AND, the cup cars are more what he is used to.....the Xfinity cars are NOTHING like what he is used to. Another year in Xfinity is not as useful as running a cup car on ovals will be. The Xfinity cars give him nothing but false info and bad habits.

[@ryanyount3250]

Your statement about The Xfinity cars are simply incorrect. The Xfinity cars are the best versions of oval stock car racing Nascar has ever made. Learning to understand what the Xfinity car is telling you is the most important lesson SVG needs to learn this year. Learning to drive the Xfinity car will teach him Oval techniques he simply won't learn at the Cup level. Yes The Cup Cars drive very different and the sensation in the cars are very different. But learning the foundation in Xfinity will absolutely help him in the transition to Cup. The Kaulig Cars are not up to JGR or JR Motorsports standards, i'll agree with that. But he's not driving trash either. Kaulig Cars are capable of winning. With seat time and improved setups the cars can run up front.

[@Rassskle]

​@@ryanyount3250 Thank you Ryan. I was not sharp enough to consider that NASCAR would run their TOP cars in the learner 2nd grade Exfinity division and run the inferior cars in their premier Cup championship. But if you had ever competed in different cars on variable surfaces, you would have seen some ordinary drivers excell in one particular car or type of car, and sometimes on a particular surface. Then again, some brilliant drivers with a reputation for being quick learners and multi skilled over many or all formats, except just one or 2 they just cant seem to master. My own experience in a competitive Car Club based around autocana's, gymkana's , rallye's and speed event days on a proper race track, is that top class Sports Sedan, Fotmula Ford and local F2 drivers were NEVER competitive at Club events. Fact is, you perform as you practise and train. You want to race a Cup Car, then you practise in a Cup Car, not a very different Xfinity car.

[@volksdeutschewaffenss9670]

svg is a longgggg way off the ovals pace, he may never get over the fear of drifting up to the wall at 200mph on the ovals, not in the same league as Marcos

[@frankly88]

Couldnt be more wrong if you tried

[@lauriekibblewhite]

Have a look at some Gold Coast races and tell me he's scared of hitting the wall.

[@crazyhorse2995]

Hes got a Darlington stripe. Yourself?

[@ShaneSteel-om2cr]

Marcos, SVG hands down a better driver

[@gerardcrabb4556]

He loves Drifting plans to do NZ Speedway... Needs second shot at Ovals he has ran and get used to running high...