Van Gisbergen thrilled with breakthrough result
Shane van Gisbergen was delighted to score his best oval NASCAR Cup Series finish in his last start of 2024 at Martinsville.
Whilst all eyes were on the Playoff contenders fighting for a ticket into the Championship Four, van Gisbergen quietly produced a standout drive.
Despite starting the Xfinity 500 down in 29th, van Gisbergen rose an impressive 17 positions to 12th.
It was his best oval result from his 14th Cup Series start, but first at a short track and fourth non-superspeedway oval race.
The Kiwi impressed with his braking technique 0.526m short track in Virginia and stayed out of trouble amid the tense and controversial finish.
However, the #16 Kaulig Racing driver did find himself in the middle of the title fight when Ryan Blaney used him to bump Hendrick Motorsports and Playoff rival Will Byron out of the way.
Despite being join in 31st on Lap 347, SVG gained significant track position across the 50-lap green flag run, getting as high as 12th.
A well timed caution allowed the #16 to pit and maintain track position. Van Gisbergen rejoined 14th and gained two positions in the long run home to finish a solid 12th.
His previous best oval result in the top tier was 15th at Talladega.
As a full NASCAR Cup Series campaign with Trackhouse approaches in 2025, it is a good boost for SVG.
“That was a long race but really fun!” Van Gisbergen said.
“My Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet felt really good when we were in clean air, and we were even ripping some pretty good lap times.
“Super stoked with the 12th-place finish.
“Such a good way to finish with my Kaulig Racing team.”
Van Gisbergen will conclude his rookie NASCAR Xfinity Series at Phoenix this weekend.
Photo by Rusty Jarrett / NKP / LAT Images
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