MOTORSPORT: SvG wins on NASCAR debut
Supercar champ now has his sights on a full-time 2025 USA campaignShane van Gisbergen has become the first driver to win on their NASCAR Cup Series debut in 60 years, with a commanding performance in the inaugural Chicago Street Race this morning (Australian time).
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the three-time Supercars champion after a mid-race strategy call and subsequent move to shorten the race in fading light saw the Kiwi mired down the order.
However, van Gisbergen rallied in the closing laps to gain the ultimate race lead with five circuits remaining.
Post-race, he noted that he is committed to the Repco Supercars Championship through to the end of next season, at which point he would be open to a full-time move Stateside.
The smile says it all. @shanevg97 | #NASCARChicago pic.twitter.com/mSVYoa9ZdF
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 3, 2023
“You always dream about it,” said van Gisbergen.
“What an experience, and the crowd out here, this was so cool, it’s what you dream of.
“Hopefully I can come and do more.
“When we had the bad strategy back to 18th, I started to worry a bit. I had some full sends on some people. The racing was really good. Everyone was really respectful. It was tough, but a lot of fun.”
Participating as essentially a wildcard entry under Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 initiative, van Gisbergen was guided to victory by crew chief Darian Grubb, who had previously been victorious with luminaries such as Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards and Casey Mears.
Owned by noted racer Justin Marks and entertainer Pitbull, Trackhouse is the same outfit that claimed the most recent race win with regular driver Ross Chastain.
After topping the event’s sole practice session, van Gisbergen qualified third for the race, which experienced a delayed start due to heavy rain.
Running within the lead pack during the early exchanges on a slick track, the Kiwi restarted from 18th on lap 48 after taking a second stop for fresh slick tyres.
However, the complexion of the race changed when a pile-up blocked the track on the restart, with SvG seemingly able to sneak by undamaged to claim 10th.
Strangely, NASCAR reset the running order, with the number 91 Chevrolet Camaro lining up from 18th once again for the next restart.
From there, he set to work, using his tyre advantage to the fullest in making some bold moves stick.
With a handful of laps to go, van Gisbergen snuck by race leader Justin Haley, however, he had to give the place back after the caution flashed on for the crashed car of Martin Truex Jr.
Acing the restart, van Gisbergen swapped places repeatedly with Haley before settling at the head of the field, and he was able to hold on in a green-white-chequered flag finish to claim the victory.
Next up for van Gisbergen is a quick return to Australia for the Supercars series – and this weekend’s NTI Townsville 500 – in which he sits fourth in the 2023 season standings.
Related: MOTORSPORT: van Gisbergen set for NASCAR debut
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
