Toyota/Save Mart 350: Van Gisbergen Dominates, Briscoe Secures Second
Shane van Gisbergen showcased his road course prowess in the Toyota/Save Mart 350, leading from pole position to victory at Sonoma Raceway. The Kiwi’s dominance marked his third consecutive win on road and street courses, reinforcing his status as the standout competitor in these events.
Chase Briscoe provided a valiant challenge, spending the majority of the race in the top echelon and sharing the front row during final restarts. However, he ultimately finished second, unable to match van Gisbergen’s pace in the closing laps. "I thought there was one restart I was maybe going to get clear of him. But even if I cleared him, he was probably going to pass me back by the end of the lap," Briscoe remarked post-race.
Despite finishing runner-up, Briscoe expressed satisfaction with his performance. “I’m proud of the effort. We were a second-place car all day,” he stated, acknowledging the unexpected competitiveness on a track where he has historically struggled.
This result further solidified Briscoe’s position in the playoffs, having already secured his spot with a win at Pocono Raceway earlier this month. His recent performance trends show improvement, with four top-four finishes in the last nine races, bolstering his standings to eighth in the regular season.
As he reflected on the race, Briscoe noted, “It was frustrating at times, but I was honestly happy with the effort… I kind of surprised myself.” The No. 19 team continues to seek consistency as they navigate the summer stretch of the Cup Series season, aiming for a strong finish heading into the playoffs.
