Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR road course wins set a new benchmark as he stormed to victory at the Chicago Cup Series, solidifying his reputation with back-to-back triumphs on demanding tracks. Winning both in Mexico City and Chicago, van Gisbergen not only showcased superb driving skill but also elevated his status among the elite in the sport.
Trackhouse Racing’s Confidence in Van Gisbergen Grows
Trackhouse Racing’s owner, Justin Marks, expressed immense pride following van Gisbergen’s latest triumph at the Chicago Street Course. The talented driver, piloting the #88 car, started from pole in the Grant Park 165. Despite losing position in the early stages and slipping as low as 12th, van Gisbergen orchestrated a remarkable comeback during the final laps, overtaking Ty Gibbs from Joe Gibbs Racing to secure the top spot.
Marks shared his admiration for van Gisbergen’s racing ability and the excitement he brings to the team, describing the experience of watching him compete at this level:
“We just kind of turn into fans honestly when he’s out there, doing his thing. All just sort of sit back in awe and just watch him because it’s really unlike anything anybody in the sport I think has seen on these road courses and in a while.
“And I just try to think, you know you’re witnessing greatness and I think that you know when Shane’s time in NASCAR is over, I think he will stand alone on top of the mountains, the greatest road course driver that’s ever shown up in this series in those 75 years. So it’s an amazing thing to witness and we’re just really stoked at his doing with Track House,” Marks further added.
This Chicago victory followed van Gisbergen’s recent success in Mexico City, where he again led from pole to chequered flag at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Drawing from a background racing in several series, van Gisbergen is regarded as the best road course driver in NASCAR based on current results and overall performance.
Champion Driver Shares Reflections After Chicago Win
After his history-making performance, Shane van Gisbergen engaged with fans on his official X account to reflect on his latest win and pay tribute to fellow New Zealander Tim Miles. His own words offered insight into the significance of the race and his personal feelings toward both the victory and the Chicago circuit:
“Another great day driving a great @WeatherTech Chevy! 🏆 To win 4 of the 6 races here in Chicago is crazy, love this track. Thinking of Tim Miles & his family today, brilliant kiwi racer, think he would have enjoyed that race.”
With his second major victory in just weeks, van Gisbergen has now achieved the distinction of being the winningest foreign-born driver in NASCAR’s history. These achievements have also earned him qualification for the NASCAR playoffs. As of now, he holds 27th place in the Regular Season Championship standings with 308 points, while William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports leads the championship, closely followed by teammate Chase Elliott.
Looking Ahead: A New Era in Road Course Racing
Shane van Gisbergen’s stellar run on road courses, driving for Trackhouse Racing, signals a rising era for both the team and the driver in NASCAR’s premier events. His combination of international racing experience, unwavering focus, and competitive spirit has not only brought glory to his team but is influencing a new standard for road course competition. As the playoffs approach, all eyes remain on van Gisbergen to see how far his momentum will carry him through the season and into the history books, cementing his role as a transformative talent in the NASCAR landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes leaving Supercars to focus on NASCAR was the correct choice. This year, he is starting his first full season in the 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 stopped operations after 16 years, partly due to difficulties in securing sponsors for all four of its race cars. Stewart is leaving the sport during a period when there is tension between NASCAR and its teams regarding the sport’s future.
