Shane van Gisbergen wins second consecutive Chicago Street Race at The Loop 110
Two times on the streets of Chicago and two checkered flags. Shane van Gisbergen was once again excellent in the Xfinity Series. This is the second NASCAR race on the streets of Chicago that SVG has won in a row.
Of course, the big race, and the title defense from 2023, will be on Sunday. Today, he outdueled Ty Gibbs and Kyle Larson to win his third Xfinity Series race of the season, his third road/street course win in a row in the series.
One lucky fan in Chicago is going to get an autographed rugby ball after this one! What a race, what a finish, and what a damn racer! Shane van Gisbergen wins in Chicago.
It was a gorgeous day in the Windy City. Rain did not even come across the minds of anyone involved in today’s events. Practice, qualifying, the race – everything went off without a hitch. There was enough chaos to make things interesting throughout the day.
SVG is a wizard on these road and street courses. As long as he has the car under him to do it, he is going to put it in the front of the field and contend for the win.
Shane van Gisbergen wins Stage 1
Throughout Stage 1 it was the 17 then the 97 then the 17 again. These drivers were crossing each other over and trying to fake one another out. With every turn on the track, there was another wild overtake.
Shane van Gisbergen brought out the best in Kyle Larson and vice versa. An epic race ensued on the streets of Chicago. Left and right and down the straightaways, it was an all out brawl between the two drivers.
There was contact, there were great passes, and even a couple of minor mistakes from the world-class racers. Truly, it was some of the best racing you will see in NASCAR or any other motorsport today, I guarantee it.
In the end of Stage 1, just like the race itself, SVG took the win. He leads the Xfinity Series in playoff points with 17 after today’s The Loop 110.
SVG, Larson pit and fight through traffic
With an early caution in Stage 2, it was an easy decision for SVG and Larson to pit. They needed fuel and tires. While they gave up track position to do it, ultimately, it was worth it.
Shane van Gisbergen fell behind Kyle Larson early on after the restart. Larson was able to put a few cars between the two of them. Soon, it was SVG who was taking control and passing cars in traffic.
With caution flags, it was hard to pass cars. Austin Hill would go on to win the stage. But it would put SVG and Larson in a position to make moves over the final stage and put themselves where they needed to be when it mattered most.
Van Gisbergen wins at Chicago, again
Two races and two wins. Shane van Gisbergen has been fantastic at Chicago. Just think about how different the track and conditions were last year in the Cup Series race. It was wet and then dry and only a single groove really.
With a dry track, SVG was able to use his skills to the max. He made passes where other drivers wouldn’t dare to make one. Even with 3 laps to go, starting P3, SVG was able to get the best of Ty Gibbs and Jesse Love late.
Gibbs gave chase, but couldn’t get even with van Gisbergen. What more can you say? SVG is inevitable and watching him win today was a pleasure. The best part? They get to do it again tomorrow.