Kevin Harvick breakdown why Trackhouse overlooked Zane Smith for Shane van Gisbergen

Kevin Harvick has argued that commercial appeal isn’t the only reason Justin Marks has decided to sign Shane van Gisbergen for 2025.

Kevin Harvick breakdown why Trackhouse overlooked Zane Smith for Shane van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen, Kevin Harvick (In Circle) and Zane Smith (Via IMAGO)

Shane van Gisbergen was announced as the new driver Trackhouse Racing for the 2025 Cup season as they set to field the No:88 Chevy for him. The team was impressed by the impressive season the Kiwi driver is having the Xfinity Series, that saw how in thrice, and this was enough to convince them to sign him over rookie Zane Smith.

2014 Cup champion Kevin Harvick shared his verdict on the announcement in the recent episode of his podcast and explained why Zane Smith was overlooked. He pointed out that the Supercars champion is a better playoff contender because of his road course prowess, hence Justin Marks didn’t have to think again to sign SVG.

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To me, it’s about being able to be in position and putting yourself in the playoffs, taking a chance and saying we feel like we’re going to win one of these road courses with SVG in the car. I feel like that’s what Justin Marks is saying to himself and his team and his situation, and saying we’re going to win one of these races, and we’re going to put ourselves in the playoffs with one of our cars right here.
Kevin Harvick said via Happy Hour podcast.

He further shared his view on the great season the 2023 Chicago Street Race winner is having, by highlighting how he is being the class of the field with Kaulig Racing despite the cars feeling unnatural for him. The Next-Gen suits him better; hence it would be interesting to see how impressive he can perform when he actually gets a competitive Cup car consistently.

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Shane van Gisbergen names his favorite NACAR track

Despite 2024 being only his second being associated with the sport, SVG has already found his favorite track. He feels the challenging Darlington raceway is one of his favorite tracks he has raced. Gisbergen is set to race at the track in this coming Saturday with the Kaulig Racing.

Shane van Gisbergen and Trackhouse Racing owner, Justin Marks
Shane van Gisbergen and Trackhouse Racing owner, Justin Marks (Credits: Supercars)
Darlington is one of my favourite tracks I've raced so far in my NASCAR career. It's a challenging track, but one I'm hoping to someday accomplish. Excited to have WeatherTech back on board this weekend. Hoping for another fun Saturday with my #97 Kaulig Racing team.
Shane van Gisbergen said.

It would be great to see SVG be competitive at Darlington and setting himself in the fight for his first non-road course win the sport. If the team ca successfully gives him a car with a speed advantage that can help him to over his lack of experience on ovals, a victory is possible.

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