Van Gisbergen Dominates Chicago Street Course Amidst McDowell’s Misfortune
In a commanding display, Shane van Gisbergen secured victory at the Chicago Street Course, continuing his strong form in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, the race saw significant misfortune for Michael McDowell, who faced technical difficulties that dashed his hopes for a victory.
McDowell, starting from the outside of the front row, overtook van Gisbergen on the opening lap and took control of the race, winning Stage 1 and leading a total of 31 laps. The Spire Motorsports driver, aiming to end a two-year winless streak, demonstrated competitive pace but faced a critical setback when a stuck throttle prompted him to return to the garage for repairs. This unexpected failure left him more than 20 laps down, ultimately finishing in 32nd place.
“The throttle cable just broke,” McDowell stated after the race. “I felt like we had control of the race. I think it would have been a battle, no doubt. We were just working on our strategy… It’s just a shame.”
Despite his disappointing finish, McDowell expressed optimism as the series heads to Sonoma next weekend, where he finished second the previous year.
Van Gisbergen’s win marks another highlight in his NASCAR debut season, showcasing his adaptability and skill on the track. With his recent performances establishing him as a formidable contender, expectations will undoubtedly be high as the series transitions to road course racing in Sonoma.