Shane van Gisbergen made history in a way few expected, and Red Bull did something it had never done before in the NASCAR Cup Series. At Sonoma Raceway, the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing car wasn’t just fast—it rewrote records. The result? A moment that may change how global brands look at American stock car racing. But this win meant more than a trophy. What happened during and after the race turned one strong finish into something far bigger.
SVG’s Masterclass at Sonoma Raceway
Shane van Gisbergen, already hailed as a generational road course talent, delivered a performance for the record books. Starting from the pole, he led 97 laps—eclipsing Jeff Gordon’s previous Sonoma benchmark of 92. Through every caution, pit cycle, and restart, SVG was in total command.
Facing pressure from Chase Briscoe, Chase Elliott, and Christopher Bell, van Gisbergen’s control never wavered. Even with multiple late-race restarts threatening to shake up the order, the New Zealander’s pace and poise proved unmatched. The victory marked his third Cup Series win of the season—all on road courses—and tied him atop the 2025 win leaderboard with heavyweights like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Bell.
Even more impressive? SVG achieved his fourth Cup win in just 34 starts, making him the fastest to reach that milestone since Parnelli Jones in the 1960s.
Red Bull’s Breakthrough on American Soil
Though Red Bull had previously fielded Cup teams from 2006 to 2011, this victory was its first as a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series. The No. 88 car, wrapped in Red Bull’s iconic blue, red, and yellow, became a rolling symbol of the brand’s global motorsports legacy—one that now includes a NASCAR trophy to match its success in Formula 1 and rallycross.
Sonoma marked a turning point. After years of failed efforts and one-off appearances, Red Bull finally stood atop the NASCAR podium. The win validated the brand’s U.S. motorsports strategy and demonstrated that a global sponsor can connect meaningfully with American racing culture.
“This was an amazing weekend. I’m stoked for Red Bull, Trackhouse, and Chevy. Being able to get it done with Red Bull as our main partner just made it that much more special.” – Shane van Gisbergen
A Win That Echoes Across the NASCAR Garage
Shane van Gisbergen’s performance was praised throughout the garage. But it wasn’t just about speed—it was about respect.
Runner-up Chase Briscoe captured the moment perfectly:
“I’ve never played against Michael Jordan, but I imagine this was very similar. That guy is unbelievable on road courses.”
The respect extended beyond SVG. Red Bull’s presence as a winning sponsor sparked conversation throughout the sport. For NASCAR, it represented an encouraging shift—an openness to global brands and talent that may expand the series’ reach.
Van Gisbergen’s win is now part of a growing list of crossover success stories, drawing comparisons to international standouts who’ve transitioned into U.S. racing with impact. For Trackhouse Racing, it reaffirmed their bold approach to driver development and sponsor alignment.
NASCAR Playoff Implications and What Comes Next
SVG’s victory not only adds to his legacy—it solidifies his place in the 2025 NASCAR Playoffs. With three road course wins, he now sits third in the playoff standings and carries 17 valuable playoff points.
His consistency on street and road circuits makes him a serious title threat, especially with more technical tracks remaining. Red Bull’s continued involvement could also attract more global partners to the sport, setting the stage for NASCAR’s international growth strategy.
As the regular season nears its final stretch, all eyes will be on SVG to see if he can translate his road course dominance to the ovals—an evolution that could make him a complete contender come championship time.
News in Brief: Red Bull Returns to Victory Lane in NASCAR
Shane van Gisbergen’s win at Sonoma was more than a personal achievement—it was a cultural pivot. Red Bull’s breakthrough as a winning Cup Series sponsor, paired with SVG’s dominant performance, marked a bold step forward for NASCAR. It was a statement that the sport is ready to embrace new talent, new brands, and a wider world.
With Trackhouse Racing leading the charge, van Gisbergen flying the Red Bull flag, and fans responding to this fresh wave of competition, July 13, 2025, won’t just be remembered for who won—it’ll be remembered for how the sport grew.
ALSO READ: Can Shane van Gisbergen Win the 2025 NASCAR Championship?
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who’s leaving Red Bull in 2025?
A. “Red Bull has relieved Christian Horner of his operational duties effective Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and named Laurent Mekies as the new CEO of Red Bull Racing,” a Red Bull spokesperson confirmed.
Q. Why did Red Bull quit NASCAR?
A. On June 20, 2011, the Associated Press reported that Red Bull intended to exit NASCAR at the close of the season. The decision was driven by the team’s on-track struggles and an underwhelming connection with the 18–34 demographic.
