Shane van Gisbergen Dominates in Mexico but Hungers for More Success in NASCAR Cup Series
In a jaw-dropping display of skill, Shane van Gisbergen left his competitors in the dust as he soared to victory in Mexico City, finishing over 16 seconds ahead of the runner-up. This remarkable triumph marked the most significant margin of victory in any NASCAR Cup race since 2009, solidifying van Gisbergen’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with on road courses.
Despite his exceptional performance on road circuits, van Gisbergen acknowledges the importance of excelling on ovals as well. With only a handful of road races on the Cup schedule, the New Zealand driver is determined to prove himself as a well-rounded Cup Series contender. “I’m not here to run last on the ovals either. I need to keep getting better to justify being a Cup Series driver,” emphasized van Gisbergen.
The Trackhouse Racing driver’s journey this year has been a rollercoaster ride, with initial struggles on oval tracks followed by a commendable resurgence in recent weeks. Van Gisbergen’s dedication and hard work have started to pay off, with notable improvements in his oval performance. Reflecting on his progress, he stated, “I am getting better and more competitive on ovals. Like we’re really making a lot of progress… I’ve been methodical, got better every week.”
While van Gisbergen’s shining moments have often come on road courses, his ability to adapt and thrive on oval tracks is becoming increasingly apparent. With a solid track record in the Xfinity Series and notable finishes in Cup races, including a 14th place in the Coca-Cola 600, van Gisbergen is proving that he is a versatile and formidable contender in the NASCAR arena.
As he continues to fine-tune his skills and push the limits of his performance, van Gisbergen’s journey in the NASCAR Cup Series promises to be one filled with excitement, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
