Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 12 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Shane Van Gisbergen

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Moving from

No. 88 Car

to

No. 97 Car – Trackhouse Racing

2025 Stats

Standings	12th
Wins	5
Points	2,232
Stage Points	76
Stage Wins	3
Laps Led	312
Lead Lap Finishes	20
Average Finish	21.0
DNFs	4
Races since last win	4

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

Clearly Shane Van Gisbergen is an absolute beast on the road courses.  It would be shocking if he went winless in 2026.  However, I think a successful year for SVG would be to continue to grow his oval skills.  We saw glimpses of progress near the tail end of last year, but he’ll want that to keep getting better so he can become a more well-rounded (no pun intended) driver in NASCAR.

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

With four road courses on the schedule in 2026, best-case would be that SVG wins them all.  That’s not really all that crazy to imagine, but a few things would still have to go right for him to accomplish that.  Best-case is that he wins all four, but also makes The Chase, due to increased winner points and an improved oval package.

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

SVG is going to be challenged this year on the road courses.  There are some of the old guard, who are no slouches on the lefts and rights – Elliott, Reddick, etc. and you’ve also got to worry about up-and-comer Connor Zilisch, who has shown in the lower ranks to be quite the road course ringer, himself.  SVG will win a race in 2026, that feels certain.

Bold Prediction?

SVG wins an oval race in 2026.  I’ll guess Richmond.