HomeNASCAR NewsNASCAR Drivers NewsShane van Gisbergen wins Chicago pole, top stars start at back after...

Shane van Gisbergen wins Chicago pole, top stars start at back after wild NASCAR Cup qualifying shakeup

Shane van Gisbergen wins Chicago pole in a dramatic NASCAR Cup Series qualifying session on Saturday, securing the top starting position for Sunday’s race through the streets of Chicago. While van Gisbergen led the field with a blistering lap, several notable contenders, including points leader William Byron, were relegated to the back after chaotic incidents in practice and qualifying.

Van Gisbergen Captures Third Career Cup Pole

Van Gisbergen, building on his impressive record, delivered a fastest lap of 88.338 mph to claim his third pole in the Cup Series. His previous pole position was in Mexico, where he also went on to win the race, demonstrating his strong form on road courses. The New Zealander, who won the inaugural Chicago Street Race in 2023 during his series debut, returns to defend his title from the front spot.

Front Row and Top Ten Qualifiers Announced

Michael McDowell locked in the second starting position with a lap at 87.979 mph, joining van Gisbergen on the front row. Carson Hocevar achieved his personal best road course start in third with 87.824 mph, followed closely by Tyler Reddick in fourth at 87.779 mph. Chase Briscoe rounds out the top five after notching 87.734 mph. Richard Childress Racing celebrated both Kyle Busch, starting sixth with 87.639 mph, and Austin Dillon, who secured tenth at 87.303 mph.

Incidents Force Leading Drivers to the Back

In a surprising twist, several top drivers were forced to start at the rear of the field. William Byron and Chase Elliott, first and second in the championship standings, crashed in separate practice incidents. Their teams opted out of qualifying to repair their damaged cars. Denny Hamlin, fourth in points, suffered an engine failure on his opening practice lap, also requiring him to start at the back. These developments shake up the familiar order for Sunday’s race and open the door to unexpected contenders.

Other Notable Qualifiers and Dramatic Eliminations

Will Brown, current Supercars titleholder, continued his NASCAR journey by qualifying 19th with a solid lap at 86.990 mph, making just his second Cup Series start. Bubba Wallace, fighting for the last playoff position with eight regular-season races remaining, will begin from 37th after an incident affected his qualifying attempt. This Chicago event is the first since the Daytona 500 to see more than 40 entries—specifically, 41 cars—meaning a tough battle for final grid spots.

Katherine Legge narrowly claimed the final qualifying slot, edging out Corey Heim. Heim’s attempt was hampered after his 23XI Racing car struck the wall, shortening his session and ending his hopes of making the field.

Made a mistake on my first lap and bent the toe link. Tried to get everything I could out of it after that but clearly wasn’t enough. That’s completely my fault and still trying to process all of it. Thank you @23XIRacing for a car plenty capable enough to make the race.— Corey Heim (@CoreyHeim_) July 5, 2025

Impact and Expectations for the Chicago Street Race

With prominent drivers like Byron, Elliott, and Hamlin starting at the back due to unexpected incidents, the field is set for a competitive and unpredictable street race. Shane van Gisbergen’s pole emphasizes his dominance on these circuits and sets up a compelling battle up front, while mid-pack and back markers, including seasoned names and new faces, will be pushing to capitalize on a shuffled order in one of NASCAR’s most unique venues.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit Supercars?

A. Shane van Gisbergen believes he made the \x26quot;right decision\x26quot; to leave Supercars and focus on NASCAR. This year is his debut season racing full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing. He joins NASCAR after spending 15 years in Supercars.

Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?

A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last few races didn’t go as people hoped for a storybook ending. On Saturday’s first lap, he hit Will Brown’s wrecked car at Turn 4. Then, on Sunday, brake problems kept him from finishing the race.

Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen leave Supercars?

A. I’m leaving V8 Supercars for personal reasons that I prefer to keep private. I’m returning to New Zealand and have no firm future plans yet.

Q. Who wrecked Shane van Gisbergen?

A. Often known as “SVG,” van Gisbergen has an outstanding record. He has won the Bathurst 12 Hour race and secured a podium finish in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Additionally, he has claimed three championships in the Australian Supercars series.

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