Shane van Gisbergen Claims Second Consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series Victory
In a thrilling display of racing prowess, Shane van Gisbergen captured his second consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 at Sonoma Raceway. This triumph follows his first-ever series win at Portland International Raceway just a week earlier, solidifying his rapid ascent in the NASCAR scene.
Van Gisbergen, driving the No. 97 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, showcased exceptional skill and strategy on the Sonoma road course. The race saw him take control during a critical restart with just 11 laps remaining, overtaking Austin Hill in a decisive move. Van Gisbergen’s ability to navigate the tight Turn 2 and fend off tough competition led him to a 1.323-second victory
“Man, what a race — an adventure up and down all day,” van Gisbergen said post-race. “That last restart I was just giving it all I had, and it was pretty awesome. Hope everyone enjoyed the show. Pretty awesome back-to-back weeks for us”
The victory at Sonoma was hard-fought, with van Gisbergen leading a race-high 32 laps and overcoming fierce challenges from established drivers like Austin Hill and Ty Gibbs. Hill, who finished fifth, expressed his frustration with the on-track contact but acknowledged the quality of racing. “We were holding off SVG for a while, had that caution, and it didn’t work out. But we had a good points day and finished in the top five”
Sheldon Creed, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, secured a second-place finish, followed by Sam Mayer in third. The race was notable for its intense competition and strategic battles, particularly between van Gisbergen and Gibbs early on. Gibbs led 26 laps but was involved in a significant 14-car pile-up during the second stage, which reshuffled the field and set the stage for van Gisbergen’s eventual win
This back-to-back victory streak marks a significant milestone for van Gisbergen, who has quickly adapted to the Xfinity Series after a successful career in Australian Supercars. His recent performances have not only thrilled fans but also positioned him as a formidable contender in NASCAR’s road course events
The NASCAR Xfinity Series continues next weekend at Iowa Speedway, where van Gisbergen will aim to extend his winning streak and further establish his presence in the series
