In the high-paced world of NASCAR, every win is questioned and dissected. Shane van Gisbergen secured his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series win in the rain-delayed and darkened Grant Park 220 at the Chicago Street Course race. Van Gisbergen’s masterful drive and outstanding performance saw him conquer difficult conditions and numerous cautions to cross the finish line as the winning driver. 

However, Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch had some theories regarding van Gisbergen’s performance in the Next Gen car. 

Kyle Busch explains why van Gisbergen has an edge over the Cup drivers 

During the Winner’s Press Conference, the reporters asked the 3 times Supercars Championship winner for his opinion on Busch’s comment. Earlier, Busch had stated that SVG’s V-8 Supercars experience and their influence on the Next Gen counterparts added an edge to him. Kyle Busch had suggested that SVG’s expertise in supercars could provide him a four- to eight-year advantage over full-time Cup drivers, the New Zealander provided a nuanced viewpoint. 

“The way the car achieves its speed is very different with the aero under the floor rather than over the top with the spoilers and wings like we have,” van Gisbergen explained.

The #97 Chevrolet Camaro driver acknowledged his aptitude for street circuits but underlined noteworthy variations between the two racing series. The Chicago Street race champion emphasized distinctions in aerodynamics, which convolute how the cars maneuver on the track. 

Realizing his proficiency in street circuit races, Van Gisbergen did not refute the initial advantage it gave him. He accounted that their performance level would improve as full-time Cup drivers gained more practice in this environment. 

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Van Gisbergen’s daring moves on street circuits enabled him to take tight corner exits and remain close to walls. Many Cup drivers have yet to master an edge that empowers him.

Another major contrast accentuated by the Trackhouse Racing Team’s #97 driver was the rear differential configuration. V-8 Supercars use a locked differential, while the Next-Gen car is equipped with an open differential. According to Van Gisbergen, the open differential on the Next-Gen car allows for increased cornering, bestowing improved turning capabilities in contrast to the V-8 Supercars. This fundamental distinction in maneuverability approach further cements the challenges posed to drivers switching between these racing series. 

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Watching drivers with assorted backgrounds adjust to the novel challenges is intriguing as the NASCAR Next-Gen era progresses. The knowledge and insights of drivers like Shane Van Gisbergen will likely induct ongoing progress and competition into the sport.