Shane van Gisbergen’s Stunning Pole at North Wilkesboro Shocks NASCAR

Shane van Gisbergen (SVG), the Australian supercars legend, sent shockwaves through NASCAR by clinching pole position for the All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2025. His remarkable qualifying run, paired with a bold statement, has fans and analysts buzzing about his potential to conquer oval racing, marking a pivotal moment in his challenging Cup Series journey.

A Historic Breakthrough

SVG, a three-time Australian Supercars champion, stunned the racing world with his 2023 Chicago street race win, becoming the first driver to win on NASCAR debut since 1963. However, transitioning to ovals proved daunting, with a 35th-place Cup Series ranking in 2025. At North Wilkesboro, SVG silenced doubters, posting a blazing 88.685-second lap to secure pole. “We finally got all things right,” he told NascarOvertime, crediting his Trackhouse Racing crew’s lightning-fast pit stop. Fans on X erupted, with one posting, “SVG on pole? He’s cracking the oval code!”

Mastering the All-Star Challenge

The All-Star Open’s unique format—requiring a fast lap, four-tire pit stop, and another flying lap—tested SVG’s adaptability. His late braking into pit road, honed on road courses, and his crew’s precision gave him the edge. Leading 54 laps early in the race, SVG looked dominant, admitting, “It felt easy, like driving like a grandma.” Despite a strategic tire choice dropping him to 13th, his performance proved his oval prowess.

A Kiwi Sensation

SVG’s pole coincided with fellow New Zealander Scott McLaughlin’s Indy 500 practice lead, sparking talk of a “Kiwi takeover.” Trackhouse owner Justin Marks’ gamble on SVG is paying off, as the driver’s humility and grit win fans. On X, #SVGTime trended, with supporters praising his resilience.

A Turning Point

Though SVG missed the All-Star main event, leading laps from pole signals a breakout. His journey from oval struggles to North Wilkesboro heroics shows he’s adapting. As NASCAR’s 2025 season unfolds, SVG’s statement—both on track and in words—hints at a bright future, challenging rivals like Carson Hocevar and reigniting his American dream.