Shane van Gisbergen is aiming for Shane van Gisbergen back-to-back wins at Sonoma Raceway after a controversial showdown with Connor Zilisch in Chicago, while Zilisch’s father shared a humorous message about the possibility of SVG taking another victory. The battle between the two drivers has sparked tension and anticipation ahead of the upcoming road course race, with both teams looking to make a statement.
Humor and Frustration Bubble Up After Chicago Battle
Following Trackhouse Racing‘s social media post about Shane van Gisbergen potentially securing consecutive victories, Connor Zilisch’s father reacted with playful reluctance, writing, “Hope not!” —Connor Zilisch’s father, in response to Trackhouse Racing. The lighthearted commentary comes in the wake of a heated clash between the two drivers during the street race in Chicago, where van Gisbergen forced Zilisch off course, causing him to relinquish the lead just before the finish.
The incident on the penultimate lap saw the New Zealand driver overtake Zilisch in a dramatic maneuver that resulted in the 18-year-old brushing the wall and dropping to second place. While Zilisch started from the back of the grid in 35th, he managed to fight his way forward, narrowly missing out on victory. Shane van Gisbergen, behind the wheel of the #9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, led the most laps in the event and seized the win from the pole position.
Preparation and High Stakes for Sonoma Race
The focus now shifts to the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 at Sonoma Raceway, featuring 39 entries, including van Gisbergen’s #9 and Riley Herbst in the #19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing. Scheduled for July 12, the 79-lap contest will be broadcast on The CW Network, with drivers, teams, and fans eager to see if SVG can continue his impressive performance. The tension from Chicago lingers, fueling anticipation as both drivers return to action on the challenging California road course.
In the broader context, Connor Zilisch races full-time for JR Motorsports, while Shane van Gisbergen, best known as a three-time Supercars champion, usually competes in the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing. The Chicago weekend marked a high point for SVG, who swept both the Xfinity and Cup Series events, leaving Zilisch and his team eager for redemption at Sonoma.
Connor Zilisch Reflects on the Race’s Defining Moment
Despite the aggressive nature of Shane van Gisbergen’s move in Chicago, Zilisch remained measured in his assessment. He acknowledged that a different approach might have changed the outcome, noting his surprise at the Kiwi driver‘s tactics on the restart. Zilisch reflected,
“Just before the brake zone, I got called to clear and I didn’t take it because I wanted to be on the inside for turn two, expecting us to exit turn one, side-by-side. And if I knew that I wouldn’t have exited turn one, side-by-side, and he was going to take it and clear himself, I would have blocked and protected the inside line more.”
—Connor Zilisch
He further commented on his decision-making under pressure, stating,
“So yeah. I definitely would have done it differently, knowing what his plan was. But that’s racing, and it wasn’t dirty. It was just aggressive and something I’ll take note of,”
he added. —Connor Zilisch
Zilisch’s rookie season continues to impress, as he sits fifth in the standings despite missing one race due to a back injury at Texas Motor Speedway. With two wins, seven top-five finishes, and nine top-10s so far, he remains a strong contender, but the rivalry with Shane van Gisbergen promises to intensify as the season progresses.
Anticipation Grows Ahead of Rematch at Sonoma
As Sonoma Raceway prepares to host its next road course showdown, the ongoing rivalry between Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen draws attention from fans and insiders alike. With the disappointment and agitation still simmering from Chicago’s dramatic finish, all eyes will be on whether van Gisbergen can repeat his success and secure Shane van Gisbergen back-to-back wins, or if Zilisch will claim redemption and shift momentum in the championship race.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes he made the correct decision by leaving Supercars to chase a career in NASCAR. This marks his first full year in the second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing after spending 15 years in Supercars.
Q. How much did Shane van Gisbergen win in NASCAR?
A. Stewart-Haas Racing is shutting down after 16 years because it’s hard to find sponsors for four cars.
Stewart is leaving NASCAR just as tension is rising between NASCAR and its teams about what lies ahead for the sport.
