Shane van Gisbergen hits Todd Gilliland after All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro, leads to post-race confrontation

Shane van Gisbergen was not happy with Todd Gilliland after Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The two raced each other hard during the 100-lap sprint but clearly, something angered van Gisbergen.

The first-year Cup Series driver hit Gilliland multiple times during the cooldown lap and as they came down pit road. One of the hits came while Gilliland’s window net was down, which could result in some sort of punishment for van Gisbergen.

Both drivers were seen conversing after the race. Van Gisbergen talked about that post-race talk.

“Not too much,” he told Jamie Little of FOX Sports. “I gave him a little spray, but it is what it is. We always seem to race hard and that’s one way, so I got him back and he wasn’t happy but whatever, I don’t really mind.”

Shane van Gisbergen frustrated after All-Star Open

It’s easy to see why van Gisbergen was frustrated. He was in control of the All-Star Open until the promoter’s caution came out halfway through. Van Gisbergen lost the lead and never quite recovered.

It’s just been that kind of season for van Gisbergen, who came into All-Star weekend sitting 35th in the points standings with just three finishes inside the top-20. But he did lead laps at North Wilkesboro. His No. 88 Chevrolet had speed. Perhaps this is the start of van Gisbergen turning the corner.

“I don’t know whether to smile or cry,” he said. “It’s been a dismal year for us, but I feel like we’re getting better every week and this shows it. Awesome to lead some laps. WeatherTech Chevy was really good, and I was out front driving like a grandma, I felt it was easy. … We’re getting better.”

Carson Hocevar took the checkered flag to secure a spot in the 250-lap All-Star Race. John Hunter Nemechek finished second to advance, while Noah Gragson won the fan vote.