Shane Van Gisbergen Claims First NASCAR Cup Series Victory in Mexico City

Shane Van Gisbergen secured his first win of the NASCAR Cup Series season in Mexico City, reinforcing his status as a formidable competitor on the road course. His victory came as he overtook Christopher Bell in swift fashion, completing the maneuver in just over 16 seconds. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the New Zealander, who described a “creepy” feeling that lingered throughout the day.

Reflecting on his experience, Van Gisbergen noted, “I tried to manage it like I would have in Asia. I drank bottled water, was cautious with the shower, even brushed my teeth with bottled water. But then things went downhill.” He added, “I couldn’t hold anything down. Everything just went straight through me. I felt nauseated, though my mind was focused.” It sounds like a tough situation, but he pressed on through what he described as a “crazy weekend.”

The racing week didn’t start well either, with mechanical issues on his team’s charter flights causing delays and resulting in him sleeping on the airport floor. Given these challenges, it was uncertain if he could even compete effectively at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Despite battling illness, Van Gisbergen led a notable 60 out of 100 laps during the race, giving him renewed hope for a spot in the NASCAR playoffs. “This means everything to us, and that’s why I’m here,” he expressed. “I’m getting better, and there’s a lot of competition. We’re making significant strides.”

Looking ahead, the next race on the NASCAR Cup Series calendar will take place at Pocono.

Van Gisbergen currently sits 30th in the rankings, but this recent triumph in Mexico could prove crucial, especially with 17 different drivers vying for victory in upcoming races.