Daniel Suárez, former teammate of Shane van Gisbergen at Trackhouse Racing, has offered insight into why Van Gisbergen has excelled on road courses in the NASCAR Cup Series, particularly as the series returns to Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this weekend. Suárez emphasized Van Gisbergen’s unique skill set and growing advantage on road circuits as a key factor this season.
Since joining the NASCAR Cup Series, the New Zealand driver has emerged as a major contender on road and street courses. Van Gisbergen’s impressive victories include the Chicago Street Course in his 2023 debut and several wins last year at Mexico City, Sonoma Raceway, Watkins Glen International, and the Charlotte Roval. Despite these successes, COTA has remained an elusive circuit where he has yet to secure a top-5 finish after two starts.
Suárez highlighted Van Gisbergen’s specific edge at COTA in a recent interview, pointing out the driver’s exceptional braking technique and tire management as critical advantages on the demanding track in Austin, Texas.
“I think SVG is gonna have even a bigger advantage because he’s very very good. That’s his advantage, the way that he’s able to brake with the clutch and taking care of the tires at the same time. So the more fall off that we get on tires, the more that he’s gonna excel.”
?Daniel Suárez, Former Trackhouse Racing Teammate
NASCAR will utilize the Goodyear Racing Eagle tire compound at COTA again this season, a tire that was first introduced there last year. Suárez believes this tire, combined with increased horsepower, will amplify the importance of tire care, which plays to Van Gisbergen’s strengths.
“I think that before we came to this tire, he was good, but he wasn’t dominant. He was just one more of the good group of guys. I think that the more horsepower is gonna make one more step into, ‘Hey, you have to take care of the tires even more.’ So it’s gonna be (0:46) interesting, it’s gonna be a good challenge,”
?Daniel Suárez, Former Trackhouse Racing Teammate
Last year at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at COTA, Van Gisbergen finished 6th despite dealing with car issues, improving from his 20th-place result the previous year. As the NASCAR Cup Series heads back to Austin, expectations are high for him to make a breakthrough on the shortened layout.
Van Gisbergen Favors New Shorter COTA Layout for NASCAR Competition
Shane van Gisbergen has expressed strong support for the modified 2.40-mile configuration of COTA, which NASCAR adopted in 2025 to replace the longer 3.41-mile Formula One layout used in 2024. This change increased the number of laps and passing opportunities for the Cup Series, enhancing the racing experience for fans and drivers alike.
In the inaugural episode of his series, “SVG’s Racing School,” Van Gisbergen explained his approach to the tighter course and reflected positively on the transition to the shorter layout.
“I think it was a great change last year. More laps past the fans and then more passing zones. You didn’t really lose anything by not doing the longer circuit,”
?Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
NASCAR’s initial Cup race at COTA took place in 2021 on the full 3.41-mile circuit, but the shift to the national layout has made races more dynamic, with greater engagement for spectators thanks to increased on-track battles.
Significance of Van Gisbergen’s Road Course Skill and COTA’s Evolution
Van Gisbergen’s rapid rise as a top road course driver in NASCAR reflects both his adaptability and technical prowess, qualities that Daniel Suárez has emphasized. With the Goodyear Racing Eagle tires and the more powerful cars challenging teams and drivers to manage tire wear carefully, Van Gisbergen’s mastery of clutch braking and tire preservation could prove decisive in this weekend’s event.
The switch to the shorter COTA layout adds further intrigue, providing Van Gisbergen the opportunity to capitalize on his strengths with more laps and overtaking chances. As the Cup Series continues to evolve its races to enhance competition and fan experience, Van Gisbergen stands as a compelling figure to watch at COTA in this new chapter.
This weekend’s race at the Circuit of the Americas will be a key test that may solidify Van Gisbergen’s status as a dominant road course contender in NASCAR’s 2025 season.
"I think SVG is going to have an even bigger advantage."@Daniel_SuarezG explains what makes @shanevg97 so good on the long run at Road Courses 🧑🎓
With the added horsepower and tire fall off expected for this weekend, we're in for a show at @NASCARatCOTA pic.twitter.com/DFNowYUK3a
— PRN (@PRNlive) February 27, 2026
