- BIST10011,798+3.22%
- USD49.55+0.21%
- EUR55.57-0.09%
- GOLD4,143.90+0.03%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,941+1.34%
- October 21, 202617°
- BIST10011,798+3.22%
- USD49.55+0.21%
- EUR55.57-0.09%
- GOLD4,143.90+0.03%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,941+1.34%
- October 21, 202617°
Van Gisbergen's rise highlighted Trackhouse's problem
Kevin Harvick said Shane van Gisbergen's recent success revealed a qualifying issue at Trackhouse Racing. Rain...
NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick said Shane van Gisbergen's recent rise has made a significant problem at Trackhouse Racing visible. According to Harvick, the team cannot turn this form into lasting success without performing better especially in qualifying rounds.
Considering all races this season, van Gisbergen's average starting position was recorded as 18.1. When road courses are excluded, this average rises to 19.9 over 12 races. Teammates Ross Chastain and Connor Zilisch also struggled on oval tracks; Chastain's average start was 21.9, and Zilisch's average was 27.7.
Rain changed the picture
One of the key points in Harvick's assessment was that qualifying sessions could not be held due to rain in the last two races at Charlotte and Nashville. The starting lineup was determined by NASCAR's qualifying metric, which considers data from the last points-paying race.
In this system, the fastest lap counts for 15%, race finish position 25%, owner finish position 25%, and owner points standing 35%. As a result of this calculation, van Gisbergen started third at Charlotte behind Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs.
The 11th place he achieved at Charlotte also gave him an advantage at Nashville. When qualifying was again canceled due to rain at Nashville, van Gisbergen started 10th from the pit lane.
Harvick: There is a qualifying problem
Harvick said these conditions gave van Gisbergen the opportunity to race at the front, but this should not hide the team's real qualifying performance. According to him, if Trackhouse can get the #97 car a good qualifying position, it has the potential to stay much higher in the race.
Harvick noted that the team has the speed and pit crew performance to bring the cars forward, but to make this consistent, the same level must be achieved in qualifying rounds. Harvick said this advantage is partly artificial and emphasized that racing well alone is not enough.
Harvick also acknowledged that van Gisbergen's recent results have been strong. He said van Gisbergen scored points in all stages at Charlotte and that a poorly timed yellow flag and strategy decisions at Nashville could have led to a different result. Nevertheless, van Gisbergen finished the race in fifth place.
Van Gisbergen's on-track rise
Van Gisbergen described being at the front of the race in Nashville as very special for him. He said racing at the front was exciting, the car felt much better there, and a brief lead gave him pleasure.
He said that regaining the lead with a new strategy also increased the enjoyment of the race and that competing in the front group gave him confidence. The fundamental question pointed out by Harvick remains the same: Can Trackhouse carry this performance to qualifying without rain support?
Sponsored Ads
Featured Listings
Loading featured properties...
Stay Updated with Ally Daily
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
