Shane van Gisbergen aims for a historic Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR 3-peat as he returns to Chicago’s street circuit, where he already holds two consecutive victories and sports-betting favorite status for this weekend. The New Zealand driver hopes to match the Windy City dominance of Michael Jordan, seeking his third straight title at The Loop 110 and solidifying his reputation in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Van Gisbergen’s Chicago Legacy and Recent Dominance
Drawing inspiration from NBA legend Michael Jordan’s era with the Chicago Bulls, where the team secured two stretches of three consecutive championships, Shane van Gisbergen chases an elusive trifecta of his own in Chicago. His 2023 NASCAR Cup Series debut was nothing short of spectacular as he conquered the city’s inaugural street race under challenging rain-soaked conditions, introducing himself in style to American motorsport fans.
In 2024, van Gisbergen seamlessly transitioned into the Xfinity Series as a rookie, notching his third win of the season and besting Ty Gibbs in a gripping closing sequence. With just two laps to go, van Gisbergen executed a decisive pass and finished over a second ahead, further reinforcing his image as a formidable road-course specialist. His success has continued onto international circuits, including a Cup Series victory in Mexico City, ensuring he enters the Chicago round with significant momentum.
Sportsbooks widely consider van Gisbergen the clear favorite for The Loop 110, crediting his remarkable road-racing pedigree. Despite being ranked 32nd in Cup drivers’ standings, he remains poised to compete in the playoffs and is heavily tipped (-115 odds according to FanDuel Sportsbook) to grab another win in the Windy City on Saturday. As excitement builds, this could mark his third Xfinity road-race victory in succession, a feat that would place him firmly in the city’s motorsports lore.
Van Gisbergen Faces Stiff Competition From JR Motorsports Drivers
The depth of talent at Chicago is apparent, with JR Motorsports fielding strong contenders alongside van Gisbergen. Connor Zilisch, his teammate at JR Motorsports, holds the second-best odds for the win at +135, while Sam Mayer trails behind at +1500, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The team is stoking friendly rivalry between their two top competitors with unique co-branded cars for the Chicago street showdown.
We’re adding a little friendly competition to Chi-Town 🙂↕️
The No. 9 of Shane van Gisbergen and the No. 88 of Connor Zilisch will go head-to-head in co-branded Weathertech and Red Bull Chevrolets in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/NiTmvZgigj
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) June 25, 2025
This internal rivalry at JR Motorsports gives fans even more to cheer for on race day, adding another layer of intrigue to an already anticipated event. With the Chicago street circuit favoring road course expertise, van Gisbergen’s proven record puts him in a strong position, but Zilisch and Mayer offer credible challenges for the top spot.
Lavar Scott Earns His First Xfinity Series Start
Alongside the main event in Chicago, ARCA Menards Series standout Lavar Scott will debut at the Xfinity level. Alpha Prime Racing announced Scott’s two-race deal, which launches at Dover Motor Speedway on July 19 and continues at St. Louis in September. Scott’s energy and passion for the sport were clear as he shared his excitement online, shining a spotlight on his long-held aspirations.
LETS GO XFINITY RACING! So happy to finally announce this. This is been something I have been working on and trying to achieve for a very long time. Can’t wait to make my debut at @MonsterMile!@TeamAlphaPrime pic.twitter.com/zJulgHUhRl
— Lavar Scott (@LavarScott) July 1, 2025
Scott’s remarkable consistency in ARCA competition, highlighted by six top-five finishes in nine races this season, sets high expectations for his Xfinity performances. As a rookie last year, Scott’s second-place finish in the standings and an average finish of 8.1 over 20 races demonstrate his potential to impress at the next level, beginning with his anticipated debut at Dover.
Detailed Odds for The Loop 110 at Chicago
The battle lines for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 are clear, with FanDuel Sportsbook’s latest odds underscoring the competitive field. Van Gisbergen leads as the overwhelming favorite, followed by Connor Zilisch, while Sam Mayer is seen as an underdog with a distant third-best chance. These numbers reflect not just driver reputations but also recent form, team dynamics, and the unique demands of Chicago’s street course.
Racing fans are primed for a memorable day as the Xfinity Series’ marquee event in Chicago draws closer. Whether van Gisbergen can deliver a Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR 3-peat and etch his name alongside Chicago’s sporting legends remains to be seen, but anticipation is at an all-time high as the engines prepare to roar on the streets of the Windy City.
