Shane van Gisbergen celebrated his latest NASCAR Sonoma victory with a lighthearted message for teammate Connor Zilisch, marking another milestone in his impressive rookie year and highlighting the strong competitive bond between the two drivers at Trackhouse Racing. Their recent performances have put both van Gisbergen and Zilisch in the spotlight, with fans and analysts eager to see how their rivalry will develop throughout the season, especially after the electrifying events at Sonoma Raceway.
Memorable Exchange After Sonoma Win
After clinching the win in the NASCAR Cup Series at Sonoma, Shane van Gisbergen was asked in his post-race press conference about what he would say to Connor Zilisch when they met next. Van Gisbergen responded with a quick quip, reflecting their friendly yet competitive relationship.
“Thanks for not being in the race,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
This was followed by more complimentary remarks about Zilisch’s talent and potential on the track. Van Gisbergen, who knows Zilisch well from both the Cup and Xfinity Series, did not hide his admiration for the younger driver‘s abilities.
“I don’t know, I’m going to have to race him a lot in the future, right. He’s a star of the sport or going to be, even more so. Racing him yesterday, he doesn’t look like he’s 18. He’s placing the car in perfect spots and drives amazing, and he’s an awesome young kid. If he ends up being my teammate or not next year, I hope he does, it’ll be a lot of fun.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Currently, Zilisch is a part-time Cup Series driver for Trackhouse Racing and races full-time for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, while van Gisbergen drives full-time for Trackhouse’s Cup team and part-time with JR in Xfinity. Their paths have therefore crossed on several occasions this season.
On-Track Battles Intensify Friendly Rivalry
Recent weeks have seen van Gisbergen and Zilisch compete closely, trading victories in NASCAR’s major series. At the Chicago Street Race, van Gisbergen clinched victory as Zilisch finished in second place. The tables turned a week later at Sonoma’s Xfinity event, with Zilisch taking the win while van Gisbergen ended up the runner-up.
After his Xfinity win in Sonoma, Zilisch had nothing but praise for van Gisbergen, reflecting the mutual respect between the two drivers.
“That was awesome. All race long, I felt like we were racing each other with respect. I wheel-hopped a little bit in Turn 7 one time and got into him. Otherwise, it was awesome to get to race against him finally and battle with him the whole race long.”
—Connor Zilisch, Driver
Their duels have become a highlight for fans, especially given their contrasting experience levels. Zilisch, who is just 18, continues to impress with both his technical skill and composure during races, while van Gisbergen, newer to the Cup Series but established in motorsports, maintains a competitive edge and sportsmanship worthy of his status.
Strong Rookie Seasons for Both Drivers
Both Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch are making their mark as standout rookies. In just 34 Cup Series races, van Gisbergen has now earned four wins and eight top-10 finishes, joining an elite group of drivers who have reached three or more victories this season. His success not only cements his presence in the upper tier of the NASCAR Cup Series but also signals his potential for continued achievements as the year progresses.
Meanwhile, Zilisch’s performance in the Xfinity Series has turned heads. He has secured three wins so far this season, finished in the top five over his last seven starts, and boasts four victories along with 13 top-10 results in just 22 Xfinity Series races. Together, their achievements have added excitement and energy to both the Cup and Xfinity seasons, keeping the competition intense on every track.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Van Gisbergen and Zilisch?
The dynamic between Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch highlights a new chapter in NASCAR, where youthful exuberance meets proven racing acumen. As both drivers continue to rack up wins for Trackhouse Racing and JR Motorsports, their friendly yet intense rivalry is sure to inspire even more memorable moments on the track. Fans and fellow drivers alike will be watching to see how their partnership—or competition—evolves next, and whether their success will translate into championships down the line.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?
A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last races didn’t turn out to be the storybook ending people hoped for. On Saturday, during the first lap, he crashed into Will Brown’s already damaged car at Turn 4. On Sunday, brake problems prevented him from completing the race.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen still with Jessica Dane?
A. Shane van Gisbergen is dating Jessica Dane. They announced their relationship in 2022, but they started dating before that. Jessica is the daughter of Roland Dane, who founded Triple Eight Race Engineering and is well-known in Australian motorsport.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen an American citizen?
A. He was the first person from New Zealand to win a NASCAR Cup Series race. He also holds the most wins among drivers who are not American in this series.
