Shane van Gisbergen, competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Sonoma Raceway, has detailed his thinking behind a conservative final-lap strategy that prioritized team interests over personal victory. His explanation, shared on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, highlights how the presence of teammate Connor Zilisch at JR Motorsports influenced his approach, especially in the tense closing moments of the race.
During the podcast conversation with team co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., van Gisbergen underscored that his teammate dynamic with Zilisch played a critical role. The former Supercars champion said he willingly stepped back from making a potentially risky move in the final corner, which could have easily compromised both cars and the overall team result.
Van Gisbergen Details Reasoning Behind Final-Lap Actions
When prompted by Earnhardt Jr. to consider what he would have done if Zilisch were not a JR Motorsports teammate, van Gisbergen responded candidly:
Yeah, Yeah, I raced him as a teammate rather than a friend right? You don’t want to you try not to have friends, but you don’t want to wreck your own team’s cars.
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
He explained that although he briefly considered an outside move for the win, he was mindful not to overstep, weighing the risk to both vehicles. Van Gisbergen acknowledged that his tactics would have shifted dramatically were he racing a non-teammate, even mentioning a different, more aggressive decision might have been on the table under such circumstances:
You know, like I if it wasn’t a teammate, I probably wouldn’t have gone down or I wouldn’t have gone down the outside at the last corner. That’s never going to work. You’re never going to drive around the outside of anyone,
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Commitment to Team Above Personal Glory
Despite ultimately crossing the line behind Zilisch after an intense contest at Sonoma, van Gisbergen was clear that taking a win by risking his teammate’s race—or the team’s equipment—was not a morally sound choice. He described the alternatives he faced in the finale, emphasizing that respect for teammates can sometimes outweigh the immediacy of a race victory:
There’s no other options really. The other two options is you just follow them around the corner or you drive into the back of them and push them wide and win the race. Even though that would be great, it wouldn’t feel good, especially doing that to a teammate, you know, but if it was anyone else in the field, you’d probably highly consider giving them a little bump. So, it definitely did change it.
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
His remarks shine a light on the balance between competitive spirit and team loyalty, values that resonate strongly within the JR Motorsports organization and the wider NASCAR community. Such composure and ethical judgment are hallmarks of van Gisbergen’s reputation, bolstered by his championship pedigree and extensive experience in road course competition.
What Van Gisbergen’s Approach Means for NASCAR
Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR race decision at Sonoma is a notable example of professionalism and respect in a sport where on-track aggression is often hailed. His actions reaffirm a commitment to team unity over individual success, a principle that may influence other drivers evaluating the costs and benefits of last-lap brawls, especially within their own squads. As van Gisbergen continues his first full NASCAR Cup Series season, his measured approach and ethical standards mark him as a key influence as both driver and teammate, earning recognition in the garage and among fans alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?
A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last races did not turn out as many hoped. On Saturday, during the first lap, he crashed into Will Brown’s car at Turn 4. Then on Sunday, brake problems forced him to drop out of the race.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen an American citizen?
A. Shane Robert van Gisbergen, also called SVG, was born on May 9, 1989. He is a professional racing driver from New Zealand.
Q. How many Supercar Championships did Shane van Gisbergen win?
A. Often called “SVG,” van Gisbergen has a strong record in racing. He has victories in the Bathurst 12 Hour race and a top finish in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Additionally, he has claimed three championships in the Australian Supercars series.
