As the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Chicago for the third edition of its street race, Michael McDowell has raised doubts about Shane van Gisbergen’s ability to dominate the event. The Trackhouse Racing star, fresh off a surprise victory in Mexico City, is considered a top contender, but McDowell insists that the Kiwi driver’s success in the Windy City is far from guaranteed.
Michael McDowell Questions Shane van Gisbergen’s Edge in Chicago
Shane van Gisbergen made headlines recently by securing a shock win at the inaugural NASCAR race in Mexico City, quickly positioning himself as a fierce competitor heading into Chicago. Van Gisbergen’s past performances at the Chicago Street Race highlight a mix of triumph and setbacks: he won the first-ever event but crashed the following year, ending his hopes prematurely. Despite Gisbergen’s entry into the Playoffs and high expectations from fans, McDowell feels the Kiwi driver’s hold on Chicago is overrated.
McDowell recognizes van Gisbergen as a remarkable talent but emphasizes that his victories are not unassailable. Reflecting on last year’s race, McDowell noted van Gisbergen’s struggles on Chicago’s streets, asserting that the Trackhouse star remains vulnerable to challenges.
“I mean, yes and no. He wasn’t that great there last year. You know, I think that he’s had some standout races, there’s no doubt, he’s an amazing talent. But he’s beatable, he’s not unbeatable.”
—Michael McDowell, NASCAR Driver
McDowell’s comments come amid widespread discussion about van Gisbergen’s rising dominance in Cup Series events, particularly after his Mexico City success. He also expressed confidence in his own ability to contest van Gisbergen in the upcoming Chicago race.
McDowell Cites Race Strategy and Luck in Mexico City Result
The recent Mexico City race was highly eventful, filled with thrilling moments from start to finish. Local favorite Daniel Suarez claimed victory in the Xfinity Series race, satisfying home crowds, while van Gisbergen showcased impressive speed and tactics to win the Cup Series main event. However, McDowell believes that van Gisbergen’s triumph was aided significantly by a timely caution flag late in the race, which shifted the dynamics and favored the Kiwi driver.
According to McDowell, without that late caution, he and fellow driver Ty Gibbs might have posed a serious challenge for the lead. McDowell implied that he could have emerged victorious in Mexico City if not for the interruption caused by the caution.
“No, it’s just caution fell right for him. I think Ty Gibbs and I would have given him a run for his money.”
—Michael McDowell, NASCAR Driver
Despite questioning the role luck played, McDowell acknowledged van Gisbergen’s effective driving and his team’s strong performance throughout the event. Van Gisbergen’s pole position and race control were key factors in his victory, despite McDowell starting far back on the grid during the final restart.
“But that doesn’t take away how well he executed and how well his team executed. Qualified on the pole, that was the first step. Controlled the race and was leading when it counted. But you know, the 16-second lead, I restarted 18th on that last restart and drove up into the top five. I think that had I started next to him, he would have had a challenge.”
—Michael McDowell, NASCAR Driver
The Chicago Street Race: A Pivotal Challenge Ahead
Heading into the Chicago Street Race, Shane van Gisbergen faces multiple contenders eager to disrupt his momentum. While van Gisbergen has already secured a playoff spot, many drivers, including Michael McDowell, remain focused on earning their place in the final stages of the season. The street race’s challenging layout and unpredictable conditions present an opportunity for rivals to capitalize on any weaknesses.
McDowell’s insistence that van Gisbergen is far from unbeatable signals a competitive atmosphere in Chicago, where strategies, tire management, and driver skill will be crucial. As van Gisbergen seeks to add to his earlier Chicago success, opponents like McDowell and Ty Gibbs will be aiming to prove that the standing champion’s dominance is not invincible.
This rivalry highlights the intense competition within NASCAR’s evolving landscape, where every street race brings unpredictability and potential upsets. The upcoming Chicago event is expected to be a key moment, not only for van Gisbergen’s defense of his title but also for drivers attempting to make a playoff push.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit Supercars?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes his decision to leave Supercars to chase a NASCAR career was the right choice. This year, he starts his first full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, after spending 15 years in Supercars.
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen leave Supercars?
A. I’m leaving V8 Supercars for personal reasons that I prefer to keep private. I’ll be returning to New Zealand, but I haven’t made any future plans.