Gibbs’ Misfortune Lunaed as Van Gisbergen Claims Victory in Mexico City
In a dramatic NASCAR Cup Series race at Mexico City, Ty Gibbs fell short of securing his first victory, finishing 11th after a key caution disrupted his strategy. Gibbs faced significant challenges on the final restart, where traffic issues and subsequent nose damage hampered his performance.
The turning point occurred during the final stage at lap 64 when Gibbs inherited the lead after Shane van Gisbergen pitted under green. However, Gibbs’ team opted to keep him on track too long, resulting in him being trapped by a late caution. This miscalculation forced Gibbs to pit alongside others while van Gisbergen regained track position.
"Sometimes life just doesn’t work out for you," Gibbs reflected after the race. “You just have to keep digging.”
The final caution was triggered by Carson Hocevar’s spin, which left him unable to restart. Gibbs noted he was within “10 seconds” of hitting pit road before the caution was displayed. "I wish the light didn’t go off, but it did," he added.
Despite these setbacks, Gibbs showcased competitive speed, leading for 20 laps and demonstrating potential as a frontrunner. Van Gisbergen ultimately secured the victory, finishing nearly 17 seconds ahead of the field. “I had fun and think I could have contended if things went my way," Gibbs concluded, indicating optimism for future races.
Van Gisbergen’s performance not only underscored his dominance but also solidified his status within the series, as he led the most laps throughout the event.
