(AP) WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. In NASCAR’s premier series, Shane van Gisbergen’s most recent triumph was both historic and poignant.
The Auckland, New Zealand, native dominated the competition at Watkins Glen International, setting a Cup Series rookie record with his fourth victory while his father, Robert, was present for the first time this year.
Van Gisbergen, who last saw his father on a Christmas break visit, said, “It’s just amazing to have him here.” Dad has had a really difficult year and hasn’t been able to travel, so it’s fantastic to have him here for the next three weeks and experience this with him.
As spectacular as van Gisbergen’s Cup series debut season.
As the only drivers to win four straight Cup races on road or street circuits, the Trackhouse Racing driver joins 2020 champion Chase Elliott and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon.
After losing to Ryan Blaney, van Gisbergen was unable to start from the pole position, in contrast to his previous victories in Mexico City, Chicago, and Sonoma. Van Gisbergen waited and seized his first lead on the 25th lap of the 90-lap race after finishing second in qualifying. On the 2.45-mile road circuit, he then found his usual rhythm, which is smooth and faultless.
Van Gisbergen remarked, “I’m just a very lucky guy to get to drive for an amazing bunch of people and just execute.” It was a perfect day.
After a clean race with just three yellow flags, the 36-year-old rookie completed his final pit stop with 27 laps left and rode into first place on Lap 74. Van Gisbergen led the last 17 laps and cruised to a significant lead, defeating Christopher Bell by 11.116 seconds.
We’ve been having some difficulties, so I’m overjoyed,” Bell remarked. We’ve had a hard time just attempting to run the races, so it’s great to have a good day. We were annoyed when van Gisbergen kicked our ass. He’s performing incredibly well.
Among active drivers on street or road courses, van Gisbergen is second only Joey Elliott (seven wins) and Kyle Larson (six), with five victories in just 38 career starts in NASCAR’s premier series. Since the renowned Dan Gurney, who won his fifth race in his thirteenth start in January 1968, he is also the fastest person to five Cup victories.
The victory supported Trackhouse’s decision last week to extend van Gisbergento’s contract for a number of years. With two races left in the regular season, van Gisbergen is tied with Denny Hamlin for the series lead in wins and is currently the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
Three oval layouts will host the opening round. This year, the rookie van Gisbergen, who won three titles in the Australia-based Supercars but never competed on road and street courses, has an average finish of 26.9.
Regarding his prospects for the playoffs, van Gisbergen stated, “It’s definitely not going to be easy.” I’m enjoying myself, but I’m getting better at the left-handed tracks that are really challenging in the first round. We’re here for that reason, and we’ll give it our best shot.
Playoff watch
Chris Buescher, who finished in third place, now leads Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing teammate Ryan Preece by 34 points in the race for the final playoff berth.
Last year at Watkins Glen, Buescher won by outpacing van Gisbergen on the last lap. Instead of adopting van Gisbergen’s win-oriented approach, his team on Sunday adjusted their strategy to focus on accumulating stage points.
Buescher stated, “We brought a fast race car and made it happen because we didn’t have to deal with the points side of things last year.” We really seized the chance to take advantage of some significant stage points early since we had a tremendously quick race vehicle once more.
Feisty Gibbs
After spinning John Hunter Nemechek late in Stage 2, Ty Gibbs complained about the handling and strategy of his No. 54 Toyota, making it yet another stressful race. Chris Gabehart, who recently started working as a strategist and adviser to the Gibbs team, radioed the driver to stay in the game following the Nemechek wreck. He later had issue with Gibbs after he questioned his team’s plan. Gabehart is the competition director for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Gabehart said Gibbs over the radio, “I’m sure you’ve got a real good understanding from inside the car.” Therefore, we can continue rolling or you can call the strategy if you’d like.
After winning the 2022 Xfinity Series championship, Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, finished in 33rd place and hasn’t won since entering the Cup. With wins this season, teammates Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell have earned a spot in the playoffs.
Up next
Richmond Raceway, which hosts its sole NASCAR racing weekend this season, will host the Cup Series race on Saturday. From 1959 until 2024, the Cup schedule featured two yearly races on the 0.75-mile oval.
