Van Gisbergen reveals 2025 colours and impresses at Talladega
It was a busy Sunday for Shane van Gisbergen as he revealed his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series paint scheme and even led the field at Talladega.
Van Gisbergen impressed in just his third super speedway Cup Series start, finishing in the top 15 as Ricky Stenhouse Junior took an Overtime thriller by just 0.006s over Brad Keselowski.
The race was marred by a massive 23-car “Big One” with just five laps to go sending the race into Overtime.
It was caused by Keselowski as he sent Austin Cindric spinning from the lead, which sent cars scattering everywhere halfway down the back straight.
It all happened in front of van Gisbergen, who escaped despite a whack from Erik Jones.
Stenhouse Jr also copped a hit from the out of control Cindric, but managed to carry on and head the field in the thrilling finish.
They went three wide to the chequered flag with Stenhouse having Byron on his outside and Keselowski on the inside.
In a photofinish, Stenhouse managed to keep his nose just ahead of Keselowski and Byron as just 0.027s covered the top three.
For van Gisbergen he crossed the line 15th completing a solid day behind the wheel.
After qualifying a respectable 17th, he dropped to 27th in the opening stage, but only after a drama with the timing of pit stops.
This meant he started Stage 2 at the back but charged forward utilising the high line to eventually soar to the lead.
The #16 Kaulig Racing Camaro led the race for nine laps before Byron eventually secured the Stage 2 win as the Kiwi settled for fourth.
Shane van Gisbergen’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series livery. Image: Trackhouse
The end of the stage was marred by a smash for Ryan Blaney, who was running alongside van Gisbergen when a push by Alex Bowman sent the #12 into a spin.
Blaney actually hit SVG on the inside before shooting head on into the outside wall.
An early green pit stop sent van Gisbergen towards the back of the field for Stage 3,w hick proved to be a blessing in disguise as it helped him avoid the carnage at the front.
Van Gisbergen secured 15th despite not being able to find support through a push on the high line.
Before the big race Trackhouse Racing revealed the war paint van Gisbergen will carry into his rookie NASCAR Cup Series season in 2025.
Shane van Gisbergen’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series livery. Image: Trackhouse
He will race with familiar colours as Weathertech continues its support.
Having raced in Weathertech white for most of the Xfinity Series, van Gisbergen will do the same in the Cup Series with a slightly tweaked livery on the #88.
“WeatherTech has been in racing a long time and they understand what it takes to succeed in the marketplace as well as on the racetrack,” said Van Gisbergen.
“In fact, I have raced with (David MacNeil’s son) Cooper MacNeil in IMSA.
“They have been a huge supporter of mine this year and I’m looking forward to taking WeatherTech to the Cup Series in 2025.
“We both know there will be a huge learning curve, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
There is only one race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12 and Joey Logano was one of the big losers from the “Big One” as he sits as the first car below the cut line.
It will take place at the Charlotte Roval this weekend.
Photo by Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / LAT Images
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