The fallout from Darlington has left the NASCAR garages buzzing, and Shane van Gisbergen is suddenly at the center of tough conversations. The Southern 500, known for punishing even veterans, turned into a setback that no playoff hopeful can easily brush off. What was expected to be a steady run instead unraveled, slicing away at SVG’s margin above the cut line and sparking questions about his playoff resilience.

As NASCAR insiders weighed in, the sense was clear: SVG’s path forward in the postseason may be far more precarious than it appeared before Darlington.

Shane van Gisbergen cannot afford another slip

In the first round of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, the margin between safety and disaster is paper-thin. Each stage point can shift the cutline battle, and every finish outside

See Full Page