Shane van Gisbergen’s Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Camaro at Kansas. Image: HHP/Tom Copeland
Since missing the Chase, van Gisbegren has not finished higher than 20th in three starts across Darlington, Gateway and Bristol.
His most recent result at Bristol remains his best at the bullring to date after being classified 38th and 36th in 2025 and 34th earlier this year.
Although encouraged by improvement at Bristol, it’s been an otherwise lacklustre run, with his 26th at Darlington in September a step backwards on his earlier effort of 14th in March.
It’s been an otherwise lackluster run, with his 26th at Darlington in September a step backwards on his earlier effort of 14th in March.
Van Gisbergen hasn’t scored a top 10 since his standout fifth place finish at North Wilkesboro nine races ago. The closest he’s come to cracking the ten was 14th at Richmond.
“We just need to get it turned around a bit,” said van Gisbergen.
“We’ve been pretty average the last month.
“We have been trying different stuff, which I guess is the reason, but obviously it hasn’t been working.
“So hopefully we can get everything pointed in the right direction and get started on next season and try to find some speed in our cars.”
The remaining seven races present a chance to make strides forward ahead of the 2027 season.
Returning to Kansas, there is an air of optimism. Last year van Gisbergen achieved his first Cup Series oval top 10 finish.
Upon returning to the 1.5-mile oval, van Gisbergen suffered through set-up issues to finish 36th and four laps down.
“Last year we got a really good result,” said van Gisbergen.
“I guess because it was later in the year, we were coming back to that track for the second time, and we were just getting better and better.
“But earlier this year we really struggled there, so hopefully this weekend we are able to try some different things.
“With a 50-minute practice, I should be able to get a good feel for the car.
“We have the potential to run really well there, just need to execute.”
The NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas gets underway on Monday at 5am AEST.