Shane van Gisbergen continued to cement himself as NASCAR’s premier road-course driver Sunday, dominating the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International for his seventh career victory and second straight win at the famed circuit.
Driving the No. 97 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, van Gisbergen started from the pole and controlled the race by leading 74 of 100 laps. Although a late green-flag pit stop dropped him deep in the field and nearly 30 seconds behind leader Ty Gibbs, the New Zealand native quickly carved through traffic and reclaimed the lead with 17 laps remaining.
Van Gisbergen crossed the finish line 7.288 seconds ahead of Michael McDowell, while Gibbs finished third. Chase Briscoe placed fourth and points leader Tyler Reddick rounded out the top five.
The victory continued a remarkable stretch for van Gisbergen, who has now captured six of the last seven Cup races held on road or street courses dating back to Mexico City last June.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
