Michael McDowell challenges van Gisbergen at the eagerly awaited Cup Series race on the Chicago Street Course, setting off a wave of anticipation across the racing community. The third running of this event may be the last on the urban layout, intensifying the spotlight on drivers like Shane van Gisbergen, whose recent road course supremacy has left fans asking if he can be overtaken.
Shane van Gisbergen, backing his reputation as an Australian Supercars champion, delivered a commanding win at Mexico’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in the prior month, where his blend of speed and technical skill resulted in a victory margin exceeding 16 seconds. This performance reinforced his status as a road course specialist among Cup contenders. However, his consistency takes a hit on oval tracks, offering rivals a glimmer of opportunity. Not everyone is convinced by the current narrative praising van Gisbergen’s relentless form — notably, fellow driver Michael McDowell.
McDowell Confident Ahead of Showdown
Amid heightened speculation about van Gisbergen’s edge, McDowell has voiced his belief that the reigning road course star remains beatable. Reflecting on van Gisbergen’s dominant showing in Mexico, McDowell directly addressed the perception of invincibility, stating,
He is beatable. He is not unbeatable.
—Michael McDowell, Driver.
The Spire Motorsports competitor also highlighted the importance of race strategy and timing, contending that van Gisbergen’s Mexico triumph benefited from a favorable caution flag. According to McDowell, a different sequence of events could have meant a far tighter contest, particularly had he or Ty Gibbs started alongside van Gisbergen. As McDowell put it,
I think had I started next to him, he would have had a challenge,
—Michael McDowell, Driver.
Chicago Track Record Fuels Debate
McDowell remains undeterred by van Gisbergen’s reputation, pointing to the 2024 Cup Series stop in Chicago as evidence that the Supercars champion is not infallible. Although van Gisbergen impressed with his speed in both the Xfinity Series and the opening laps of the Cup race, his pursuit of another win was cut short by a collision involving Chase Briscoe, prematurely ending his run on the challenging street circuit.
This fact adds nuance to the narrative, suggesting that fortune and race dynamics can quickly alter the fate of even elite competitors. For McDowell, this serves as fuel for his ambition to shake up the status quo and prove that van Gisbergen can be dethroned on the streets of Chicago.
Anticipation Builds for a Dramatic Clash
With the Cup Series showdown at the Chicago Street Course on the horizon, both fans and competitors are bracing for a battle filled with tension and competitive fire. McDowell’s public challenge raises the stakes, drawing broader attention to road course experts like Ty Gibbs and the resilience of rising stars. As NASCAR’s top drivers prepare to face off, the event promises high drama, spectacular racing, and the possibility of a new road course king emerging from the heart of Chicago’s urban racing landscape.
The outcome will not only influence the championship battle but also determine who among the field — from McDowell to van Gisbergen and beyond — will cement their legacy on one of NASCAR’s most demanding tracks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Michael McDowell going in 2025?
A. DePaul University is set to support Michael McDowell in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race, taking place at the Chicago Street Course. This was announced by Spire Motorsports.
