Australian Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen made history in Nascar this past weekend. The New Zealander clinched a stunning victory in his first-ever Nascar start. He led the final five laps to the finish line on the streets of Chicago. The thrilling victory marks the first time in Nascar’s modern era that a driver has won in their debut Cup Series start. This achievement hasn’t been replicated in over 60 years.

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Van Gisbergen was driving a Chevrolet under the banner of Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 program. He began the race from the third spot on the grid. Despite a promising start, he fell back to 18th position during the race. From there he mounted a comeback that highlighted his exceptional skill under changing race conditions.

The race witnessed an unexpected turn when Nascar decided to shorten it from the scheduled 100 laps to 75 due to unfavorable weather and lighting conditions. This provided an advantageous strategic position for drivers who had pitted on lap 43, including van Gisbergen.

Click here to read about the loss of the Kyalami 9 Hour GT3 race.

In Charge

Even with the race’s shortened length, the former Bathurst 1000 winner demonstrated superior car control and strategy, charging past competitors with an assertive drive. By lap 71, he had seized the lead from Justin Haley. He maintained this position till the chequered flag under the pressure of an overtime finish.

The Kiwi driver’s win showcases not only his talent and dedication but also the growing international appeal of Nascar, as drivers from different racing backgrounds and nations continue to make their mark in the sport. Trackhouse Racing has previously hosted 2007 F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen.

Yesterday’s inaugural event on the streets of Chicago also included Jenson Button. The former F1 champ, fresh from the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finished 21st overall.

In Their Own Words

Commenting on his unexpected victory, van Gisbergen chuckled, saying, “No, of course not, but you always dream of it. This was so cool. This is what you dream of. Hopefully, I can come and do more.” His humble and earnest reaction resonated with fans and fellow competitors, earning him respect across the Nascar community.

The victory has sparked discussion about the possibility of van Gisbergen making a full-time switch to Nascar. The three-time Supercars champion has signed a new multi-year contract with Triple Eight earlier this year. However, he has a clause in his contract that allows him the freedom to leave at the end of 2024. After the race, van Gisbergen mentioned, “I’m doing one more year in Aus then I’d love to come over here,” hinting at more Nascar races in the future.

Veteran Nascar Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, impressed by van Gisbergen’s performance, commented, “The biggest thing I noticed is the guy is lightning fast.”

Back To Reality

However, the euphoria of the victory will be short-lived for van Gisbergen. He is due for an immediate return to Australia for the NTI Townsville 500 this week. His victory in Chicago will undoubtedly linger in the minds of motorsports fans across the globe, marking a historic moment in Nascar’s 75-year history.

The race was not only a victory for Shane van Gisbergen but also a testament to Nascar’s resilience and global appeal. Nascar continues to attract international motorsport stars, amplifying the sport’s reach beyond the borders of the United States.

As the sun set in downtown Chicago, van Gisbergen did a traditional burnout on the front stretch, drawing roars from the crowd. The moment encapsulated the essence of Nascar’s spirit: fierce, passionate, and full of surprises.

Article by JT of Project Reylo.