'The day went flawlessly': Shane van Gisbergen remains NASCAR's king of the road with record win
Updated . First published at
Shane van Gisbergen's latest victory in NASCAR's top-tier series was as historical as it was emotional.
New Zealander van Gisbergen has once again dominated the field, setting a Cup Series rookie record with his fourth victory at Watkins Glen International. The win was particularly special as his father, Robert, was on hand for the first time this year.
"It's just amazing to have him here," said van Gisbergen, who last saw his father while visiting home over the Christmas break.
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Shane Van Gisberge celebrates in victory lane after winning at Watkins Glen International. Chris Graythen via Getty Images
"It's been a very tough, tough year for dad, and he hasn't been able to travel, so to have him here for the next three weeks and share this with him, it's amazing."
The victory makes van Gisbergen's rookie season in the Cup series truly remarkable. The Trackhouse Racing driver now joins 2020 champion Chase Elliott and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon as the only drivers to win four consecutive Cup races on road or street courses.
Starting from second after being edged for pole position by Ryan Blaney, van Gisbergen didn't have the same start he did in his prior wins at Mexico City, Chicago and Sonoma. He patiently bided his time, taking his first lead on lap 25 of the 90-lap race. Once in front, he settled into a familiar, flawless rhythm on the 2.45-mile road course.
"I'm just a very lucky guy to get to drive for an amazing bunch of people and just execute," van Gisbergen said.
"The day went flawlessly."
The 36-year-old rookie made his final pit stop with 27 laps remaining and moved back into the lead on lap 74 of a clean race with only three yellow flags. He then built a commanding lead, leading the final 17 laps to beat Christopher Bell by a huge 11.116-second margin.
Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates with his father Robert van Gisbergen, partner Jessica Dane and dog Ronald in victory lane. Chris Graythen via Getty Images
"I'm thrilled because we've been struggling a little bit," Bell said.
"Just trying to execute the races has been tough for us, so really awesome to have a good day. Frustrated to get our butts kicked by (van Gisbergen). He's doing such a really good job."
With five victories in only 38 career starts in NASCAR's premier series, van Gisbergen's dominance is clear. He trails only Elliott (seven wins) and Kyle Larson (six) among active drivers on street or road courses.
He is also the fastest to five wins in Cup since the legendary Dan Gurney, who won his fifth race in his 13th start in January 1968.
The win validated the decision by Trackhouse to sign van Gisbergen to a multi-year contract extension last week. Tying Denny Hamlin for the series lead in victories, van Gisbergen now holds the No.2 seed in the playoffs with two races remaining in the regular season.
The first round will be held at three oval tracks, where the inexperienced van Gisbergen, who raced exclusively on road and street courses while winning three championships in Supercars, has an average finish of 26.9 this year.
"It ain't going to be easy, that's for sure," van Gisbergen said of his playoff outlook.
"The first round, it's some very difficult left-handed tracks for me, but I'm getting better at it, and I'm enjoying myself, and it's a challenge. That's why we're here, and we'll have a proper crack at it."
