Van Gisbergen Dominates Chicago Streets with Sweeping Victory
Chicago, IL – Shane van Gisbergen showcased his exceptional driving skills once again on Sunday, securing victories in both the Xfinity Series and Cup Series on the streets of Chicago. This marked his second Cup Series win of the season and further solidified his position in the postseason standings.
The New Zealander, driving for Trackhouse Racing, has now won two of the three Cup Series races he has contested in Chicago. His performance in the Xfinity Series is even more impressive, as he remains undefeated on the course. Over the weekend, van Gisbergen led a total of 53 of 125 laps across both events.
Crew chief Stephen Doran expressed confidence in van Gisbergen’s capabilities, stating, “It’s excitement knowing that if our team does our job, we have a good shot at it… Just execute, smooth on pit stops.” Doran emphasized the team’s focus on performance consistency, which proved effective throughout the weekend.
Justin Marks, team owner, echoed Doran’s sentiment, highlighting the importance of strategic execution rather than unnecessary risks: “In these positions… it’s just about doing your job well… not putting yourself in a position to make mistakes and push too hard.”
Van Gisbergen’s winning strategy came to fruition after starting from the pole in both races. His success continues a trend for Trackhouse Racing, which expanded to three cars this season, reinforcing their focus on road and street courses. The series will next move to Sonoma Raceway.
Marks noted the unique project with van Gisbergen, indicating a commitment to developing his skills for oval racing: “At this level, you have to be a complete package… There is a real opportunity for him to figure the ovals out and get fast.”
As Trackhouse Racing aims to capitalize on van Gisbergen’s road-course prowess, the integration of his skills into oval racing promises to enhance the team’s competitive stance in the upcoming events.
