Following the NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago, Shane van Gisbergen expressed deep concern over the handling of a late-race crash involving Cody Ware, calling for changes after witnessing what he described as harrowing circumstances. The Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR Chicago reaction comes in the wake of a dramatic incident and subsequent scrutiny over NASCAR’s caution procedures at the event’s climax.
Van Gisbergen’s Candid Response to Chicago Street Race Incident
After Cody Ware crashed into the tire barriers at Turn 6 during the final laps, Shane van Gisbergen, who was leading at the time, was quick to share his reaction. Speaking to NASCAR reporter Claire B. Lang, van Gisbergen admitted he was disturbed by the severity of the wreck:
“Looking at that fan vision of the car passing by, it’s sickening to watch that,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
He also addressed the broader issue of safety improvements in NASCAR, stating:
“I guess there needs to be something to be improved. But I feel like NASCAR in general is fast-moving with that stuff. I’m sure it’ll be better.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
NASCAR faced criticism for delaying the caution flag, with Ware’s collision into the tires happening as van Gisbergen headed to the start/finish line for his victory—his second win of the season and fourth overall in the NASCAR Cup Series. The delayed caution decision effectively secured the win for van Gisbergen as the yellow was finally flown when he crossed the line.
Driver and Team Concerns Over Delayed Caution Flag
During the post-race press conference, van Gisbergen discussed how he perceived the moments before the finish and raised questions about NASCAR’s decision-making:
“There was a tire carcass on the exit of 6, and there was a yellow flag, or a blue flag they have here,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
He noted that the expected flag was delayed for two laps, leading him to suspect that officials were hoping to complete the race before weather conditions forced a halt:
“I feel like you never know what’s going to happen here with the yellows. And when they left the tire carcass, I thought they’re going to try and finish this race before weather affects it.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
The incident brought renewed attention to NASCAR’s caution protocol, with many questioning whether driver safety is being prioritized appropriately in fast-moving race situations.
Ware’s Condition and Van Gisbergen’s Outlook for the Season
Despite the violent wreck, Cody Ware was able to exit his No. 51 car on his own and was cleared at the care center with no injuries reported. Van Gisbergen, meanwhile, is turning his attention to maintaining momentum as the regular season heads into its final stretch and the playoffs approach. He reflected on what lies ahead in his campaign:
“Yeah, that first round is going to be very difficult. It’s got one track I haven’t been to, Gateway,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
“It’s got my favorite oval in it, Darlington. I love that place. And then Bristol, which is what I’ve found the most difficult track. I feel like I may as well be driving the other way there. It’s so hard. It’s some pretty difficult places for me. But I feel like we’re making still massive leaps on the oval, and there’s still a few weeks left to keep getting better.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Van Gisbergen’s determined approach highlights his focus not only on individual tracks like Darlington and Bristol but on adapting to the evolving challenges across the remaining schedule. His Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR Chicago reaction and calls for safety reflect the intensity and conflicted atmosphere following the Chicago race, with implications for how NASCAR addresses such incidents in the future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes that leaving Supercars to try his luck in NASCAR was the best decision. This year, he’s competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing. After spending 15 years racing in Supercars, this is his first full season in the second-tier NASCAR series.
Q. How much did Shane van Gisbergen win in NASCAR?
A. Stewart-Haas Racing shut down after 16 years, partly because it was tough for their four-car team to get sponsors. Stewart’s departure comes amid tension between NASCAR and its teams about the sport’s future.
