NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane van Gisbergen claimed an emotional victory at Watkins Glen International on Sunday, marking his fourth consecutive win in the series. The triumph held deep personal meaning, coming shortly after the recent loss of his mother, as his father Robert joined him for an extended visit—their first time together since Christmas.
Reflecting on the moment, van Gisbergen said,
“It’s been a tough year. I have him here for next three weeks and it’s great to be able to share this with him.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR driver
Record-Breaking Streak on the Road Course
The rookie driver has been dominant on road courses, becoming only the second driver since Chase Elliott to win four consecutive multi-turn Cup events. On the 2.45-mile Watkins Glen track, van Gisbergen secured the Go Bowling at The Glen title by finishing 11.116 seconds ahead of runner-up Christopher Bell.
Van Gisbergen had a near-win in last year’s race as an independent competitor before a late mishap allowed Chris Buescher to take the checkered flag. Reclaiming victory this time around, he expressed satisfaction:
“Good to get that one back,”
and added,
“That’s the stuff you dream about.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR driver
Race Day Developments and Challenges
The Watkins Glen garage area opened early on race day, but the weekend saw its share of setbacks. Saturday’s Xfinity Series winner Connor Zilisch suffered a broken collarbone after a fall in Victory Lane and was unable to compete in Sunday’s Cup race.
“Connor Zilisch breaks collarbone in Victory Lane fall at Watkins Glen, will miss Cup Series race @ConnorZilisch broke his collarbone Saturday after falling off his car while celebrating his @NASCAR_Xfinity Series victory at Watkins Glen. pic.twitter.com/SXO7HzCDBB”
—The Gary & Dino Show, Twitter
Despite this, the race proceeded with anticipation as only three events remain before the playoffs. Notable contenders faced difficulties, with Kyle Larson experiencing brake trouble early and finishing 39th after spending time behind the wall. Josh Berry’s spin in the race also caused brief interruptions.
Teamwork and Strong Performances Support Van Gisbergen’s Lead
Team Trackhouse Racing celebrated a milestone, securing three top-10 finishes in a single race for the first time, led by van Gisbergen’s win alongside solid performances from Daniel Suarez in seventh and Ross Chastain in tenth place. The team’s collective success contributed to van Gisbergen’s commanding drive.
On lap 54, van Gisbergen overtook Ryan Blaney near Turn 6 to claim the lead, a move captured and shared widely:
“Shane van Gisbergen takes the lead from Ryan Blaney Not sure if this crowd cheering SFX is natural or canned. Definitely wasn’t expecting it.”
—Steven Taranto, Twitter
When Brad Keselowski pitted from the lead on lap 73, van Gisbergen cycled back into first place and steadily extended his advantage. Four laps later, he led Chris Buescher by nearly nine seconds and maintained momentum to the finish.
Significance of Van Gisbergen’s Achievement and Outlook
This win highlights Shane van Gisbergen’s rapid rise in the NASCAR Cup Series, underscoring his skill on road courses and his resilience amid personal challenges. His four-win streak draws early comparisons to established stars like Chase Elliott, signaling potential for ongoing success in the 2025 season.
With the playoffs approaching, van Gisbergen’s performance has intensified the championship race, while Trackhouse Racing’s strong team showing offers a solid foundation for upcoming events. As he stepped out of the No. 88 Chevrolet in Victory Lane, the emotional nature of the victory was clear, with family presence amplifying its importance.