Shane van Gisbergen Drawing Interest From Top NASCAR Teams Ahead of 2028

Shane van Gisbergen, renowned for his prowess on road courses, is drawing interest from top NASCAR teams ahead of the 2028 season. As he continues to race stock cars, it's becoming increasingly difficult to label him solely as a road-course specialist. This development presents a potential predicament for Trackhouse Racing, as van Gisbergen could become a valuable asset in the sport's next significant round of contract negotiations.

According to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, several NASCAR organizations are taking notice of his abilities. With the 2028 NASCAR Cup Series season still months away, van Gisbergen is already being considered as a driver of interest in the upcoming driver market. Bianchi notes that van Gisbergen, who has a contract with Trackhouse beyond 2027, is essentially a free agent after that year.

As such, rival teams are already contemplating how incorporating him into their lineup could give them an edge, especially in races where they might otherwise struggle. His recent performance at the Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway serves as a testament to his growth. Despite being seventh overall, he outpaced several more experienced drivers, showcasing a noteworthy improvement on intermediate ovals.

This consistent performance on ovals, a question mark in his NASCAR career, is becoming increasingly clear. Bianchi also emphasizes that van Gisbergen's potential extends beyond road courses. With a higher-performing team backing him, his impact could be even more profound. However, this situation adds another layer of uncertainty for Trackhouse Racing, which is already grappling with the uncertain future of other key drivers.

While there's no indication that Trackhouse is ready to let van Gisbergen go, the changing conversation around him highlights the team's potential loss if he decides to join another organization.