When Shane van Gisbergen took the checkered flag at Watkins Glen, his father, Robert, stood in Victory Lane with tears in his eyes. For the first time, he was there to see his son cross the finish line in a NASCAR Cup Series race. It was a moment years in the making, and Robert had plenty to say, not just for his son, but for the long road that finally brought them together at the track.

Back in Chicago, when Shane shocked the racing world with his incredible debut win, his father Robert wasn’t there. Illness and the heartbreak of losing his wife, mother, and sister had kept him away. But at Watkins Glen, when Shane climbed out of the car and saw his dad waiting, the moment between them said everything. No words were needed, just the look they shared told the whole story.

SVG’s rookie NASCAR Cup season has been historic: 4 wins, 4 poles, and a No. 2 playoff seed. But his favorite moment came at Watkins Glen, where his dad, Robert, was waiting in Victory Lane. After all they’d been through, that hug meant more than any trophy.

Father, son, and a moment worth the miles

After a dominant performance at Watkins Glen International, Shane van Gisbergen took a moment to dedicate his victory to his father, Robert saying, “This one was for dear old dad.” 

Robert van Gisbergen three-week visit was scheduled to coincide with a trio of his son Shane’s NASCAR Cup Series races, and the first event he attended would prove to be unforgettable, witnessing his son’s win. The triumph was particularly meaningful as it was a shared moment between a son and a father, who had traveled 8,000 miles to witness the race.

During the post-race interview, a visibly proud Robert van Gisbergen shared his thoughts on witnessing his son’s victory. “I was pretty impressed in Chicago a couple of years ago, but this is pretty cool,” he said, admiring both the team’s efforts and the venue itself. “This is my first time here, and I’m very impressed with everything.” He then added with a touch of a grin, “I got in early. I probably shouldn’t say this, but I went to Knoxville for three nights. I couldn’t help myself, and it was pretty cool, too.”

With Shane’s sister also having moved out, the racer’s father had been feeling a deep sense of loneliness. This family hardship was the source of van Gisbergen’s homesickness, making his father’s presence at the track all the more special.

Despite the emotional distance, their bond remains strong. Robert spoke of his son’s independence but also of their cherished time together, saying, “He’s a big boy now and can decide what he wants. He comes to New Zealand most Christmases, so we have a fair bit of fun and activities going on when he’s back.”

Now that SVG has already proved his dominance on road courses, the real challenge lies ahead with the oval tracks that stand in his way.

SVG bets big on the Roval as oval tracks threaten playoff hopes

Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Cup Series debut season has been a road-course masterclass. His dominated at Watkins Glen, leading 38 of 90 laps and finished over 11 seconds ahead of Christopher Bell. This marked his fourth road-course victory of the year, tying Denny Hamlin for most wins and setting a new rookie record. But with the playoffs around the corner, the spotlight shifts from his road-course brilliance to the oval tracks that have haunted his season.

SVG’s next challenge is the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on August 17, an oval where he’ll need to show progress. His oval finishes have mostly hovered mid-pack, and the first round of the playoffs includes tough tracks like Darlington, Gateway, and Bristol.

If he can survive those, his best shot may come at the Charlotte Roval on October 5, the final race of the second playoff round. The Roval, a 2.28-mile hybrid road course built into the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval, plays to SVG’s strengths.

Calling the Roval a “funky, odd track but a pretty cool challenge,” he’s banking on experience and momentum to carry him through. If he reaches the Roval, it could be the turning point in his playoff run, a chance to convert road-course magic into championship momentum.