Shane Van Gisbergen Breaks Silence on Richard Petty’s BRUTAL Playoff Format Criticism After His Mexico City Win

Shane van Gisbergen addressed Richard Petty's comments over his controversial Playoff spot after Mexico triumph.

Shane Van Gisbergen Breaks Silence on Richard Petty’s BRUTAL Playoff Format Criticism After His Mexico City Win

Shane van Gisbergen (via NASCAR), Richard Petty (via Britannica)

Shane van Gisbergen has been making waves in NASCAR. The Trackhouse Racing star shocked the competition in Mexico when he clinched victory in the Cup race, guaranteeing him a spot in the Playoffs. Van Gisbergen received backlash from critics, including NASCAR veteran Richard Petty over the current Playoff system. Now, the Kiwi driver has responded to such comments.

As per the NASCAR Cup Series format, any driver who wins a race automatically secures a spot in the Playoffs. In total, 16 drivers make their way to the high-stakes round of the season which spans across 10 races.

Richard Petty was not happy with Shane van Gisbergen‘s qualification to the Playoffs. Van Gisbergen is undoubtedly a great driver on road courses considering his experience in V8 Supercars. However, the Trackhouse Racing star has continued to underperform on ovals. Petty had claimed that it was unfair to see a road course specialist take up a Playoff spot instead of a potentially better all-around driver in the field.

Shane van Gisbergen addressed these comments recently. The 36-year-old claimed that such a situation was not unusual in NASCAR. Often, drivers who do better on one type of circuit are able to make their way to the final leg of the season. Van Gisbergen acknowledged that this was his plan, and he was not embarrassed by it. The Trackhouse Racing star knew that he could use the format to his advantage and compete in the Playoffs if he wins a race on a road course.

It kind of happened last year as well, another guy in the thirties (in points) made it. That’s how this championship is, I guess, and I don’t shy away from it. That’s the reason I’m here: to win road courses and get in the playoffs.

Shane van Gisbergen told Shannon Spake.

Shane van Gisbergen working hard to fix oval weakness

NASCAR is a sport based primarily around ovals. The stock car series is known for its speedways and superspeedways, and iconic races such as the Daytona 500. Road courses have added spice to the field, providing fans with an exciting spectacle. However, for any driver to win the Cup Series, it is essential to perform at ovals.

Christopher Bell, Shane van Gisbergen and Chase Elliott at Mexico City race podium (via Getty)
Christopher Bell, Shane van Gisbergen and Chase Elliott at Mexico City race podium (via Getty)

Shane van Gisbergen understands that he needs to address this chink in his armor. The 36-year-old is working hard to improve on such tracks. Van Gisbergen reckoned that he wants to find the perfect balance of performance between road courses and ovals, making him a complete driver in NASCAR. He continues to work with his team to get the extract the most pace out of the car on speedways.

But I’m also trying to improve on my ovals. I really think I’m doing that, and I want to be right in the mix on ovals, and I feel like we’re making big strides for that. I hope by the end of the season that talk goes away because we’re competitive on ovals… We’ll just keep doing our thing.

Shane van Gisbergen added.

Certainly, Shane van Gisbergen deserves his spot in the Playoffs. The Trackhouse Racing star has earned the place as per the NASCAR regulations. Though, if van Gisbergen wants to make it big in the Playoffs, he will need to improve his performances at ovals, considering that the competition will only get tougher by the end of the season.

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