Van Gisbergen's place in the NASCAR Cup playoffs it nearly certain now, but with nine ovals in the final ten races, he knows ...

And even though SVG has not been particularly racing the ovals well, his racing prowess can be seen on the road courses. And for any team, just one win can be enough to make the playoffs.

"I am getting better and more competitive on ovals," noted SVG. "I said earlier, my average oval running position has gone from 85th to 10th to 20th or 10th to 15th on a good day.

Despite Mexico win, SVG says "I need to keep getting better to justify" Cup ride. ... "I am getting better and more competitive on ovals," noted SVG. "I said earlier, my average oval running position ...