Shane van Gisbergen showcased his prowess at Watkins Glen International, further solidifying his status as NASCAR’s top road course driver. The Trackhouse Racing athlete started from pole position and dominated the race, leading 75 of the 100 laps in his No. 97 Chevrolet. This victory marks his seventh win in the NASCAR Cup Series, and notably, all his wins have come on road or street courses.
Race Highlights
Van Gisbergen faced a challenging moment during the race. He pitted from the lead with 24 laps remaining and re-emerged in 24th place, trailing leader Ty Gibbs by nearly 30 seconds. However, in an impressive display of skill, he regained the lead in just 17 laps, finishing the race 7.288 seconds ahead of second-place Michael McDowell.
- 1st: Shane van Gisbergen
- 2nd: Michael McDowell
- 3rd: Ty Gibbs
- 4th: Chase Briscoe
- 5th: Tyler Reddick
Van Gisbergen’s recent success adds to an impressive streak, as he has claimed six of the last seven road or street course races in the Cup Series since the Mexico City event last June.
Chase Elliott’s Support for Ernie Elliott
In addition to the race, Chase Elliott, an eight-time Most Popular Driver, voiced his support for his uncle Ernie Elliott, who is on the ballot for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2027. During a media session, Elliott highlighted the significant role his uncle played in his family’s racing legacy and urged fans to consider Ernie’s contribution to the sport.
“The story of the Elliott racing family wouldn’t be the same without Uncle Ernie,” Chase stated. He emphasized the importance of family in his racing journey and called for acknowledgement of deserving individuals like Ernie Elliott.
NASCAR Schedule Updates
The May race at Watkins Glen might be a unique occurrence as NASCAR plans a return to the venue in September 2027. Typically, races at Watkins Glen are scheduled for July or August, with the 2024 event already set for September 15. NASCAR has yet to release the full 2025 schedule, but anticipated changes are being made under new leadership.
Finally, the All-Star Race will be held for the first time at Dover Motor Speedway on May 17. Christopher Bell is the defending champion, having previously won the exhibition event at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
