Overview

• Clinching Rookie of the Year, van Gisbergen is tied with Denny Hamlin for a season-high four wins, all on road or street courses.
• Seeded sixth on bonus points, he arrives off improving oval form with a 14th at Richmond and a 16th at Daytona.
• The opening slate features Darlington, Gateway and Bristol, including his first Cup start at Gateway and prior struggles at Bristol.
• SVG says he feels no added pressure and welcomes underdog status, vowing to “prove people wrong” by focusing on clean, consistent runs.
• Insiders are split: Alex Hayden and Todd Gordon see a potential path to the Round of 8 with continued gains and the Roval later on, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. forecasts a tight fight just to advance.