Jul 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; NASCAR Cup Sequence driver Shane Van Gisbergen (91) leads the sector on the Balbo Drive bridge on the ultimate lap on his option to win the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Avenue Race seen from the NEMA Chicago buliding. Obligatory Credit score: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports activities Within the nation’s Second Metropolis this weekend, standout street racer Shane van Gisbergen might be searching for his personal second — one other NASCAR Cup Sequence win.
When the Grant Park 165 takes the inexperienced flag Sunday for the second operating of the Chicago Avenue Race, all eyes might be on the New Zealander’s return engagement within the Windy Metropolis.
The Trackhouse Motorsports driver shocked the NASCAR world one yr in the past when he received the inaugural Chicago race, locking down the victory as road lamps got here to life and darkness descended on the freeways traversing the town.
Nicknamed SVG for brevity’s sake, the Mission 91 Chevrolet road-racing specialist labored his well past Justin Haley to win the race, which was shortened by 25 laps as a consequence of impending darkness.
The Auckland, New Zealand, native grew to become the primary driver to win his debut in NASCAR’s high collection in 60 years. Johnny Rutherford received in 1963 at Daytona in a qualifying race, then thought of a factors occasion.
van Gisbergen, 35, is just driving a handful of races in Cup this season, however he has already left an indelible mark on the Xfinity Sequence, the place he races the No. 97 Chevrolet full time for Kaulig Racing alongside teammate AJ Allmendinger.
Within the first Xfinity Sequence race of June at Portland Raceway, he beat Justin Allgaier on a restart with 4 laps to go. The three-time Australian Supercars champion then repeated the next weekend at Sonoma Raceway with one other victory, main 32 of 79 circuits and beating Sheldon Creed for his second profession collection triumph.
Kaulig crew president Chris Rice has been impressed with van Gisbergen and mentioned his model is totally different from that of Allmendinger, a road-racing ringer.
“It is a totally different particular,” Rice mentioned. “AJ got here into our place and has been the most effective street course racers ever on this sport. His driving model and SVG’s driving model is so totally different that SVG goes to be the perfect racer from Australia and the best way they do it and he is received to be taught these vehicles.”
The oddsmakers do not suppose his Chicago victory was a fluke.
Through Draft Kings odds, SVG opened as a favourite at +500 adopted by Kyle Larson (+600), Christopher Bell (+600), Tyler Reddick (+650) and final yr’s third-place finisher Chase Elliott (+800).
“SVG is a particular driver,” Rice added. “He has extra expertise than we have seen in a very long time come from wherever else. He’ll do very effectively, however while you get to the Cup aspect, it is manner tougher than displaying up in Xfinity.
“He has a lot automobile management, it is unbelievable.”
On the information entrance, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Josh Berry will go away the No. 4 Ford and climb in to the legendary No. 21 one of many Wooden Brothers in 2025, changing second-year driver Harrison Burton.
Berry turns into the second SHR driver to discover a trip for subsequent season, becoming a member of Chase Briscoe, who will change the retiring Martin Truex Jr. within the No. 19 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Noah Gragson and Ryan Preece are the 2 remaining SHR drivers who wouldn’t have a trip for subsequent season, whereas Cole Custer seems to be the frontrunner to drive the brand new Haas Manufacturing unit Crew entry in 2025.
–Discipline Stage Media
