Chicago streets beware — Shane van Gisbergen is back, and this time, he’s no underdog.
Just two years ago, the New Zealand racing ace stunned NASCAR fans by winning his Cup Series debut on Chicago’s unforgiving downtown street course. At the time, he was a three-time Supercars champion and something of a wildcard entry. Fast forward to now, and the story has taken a compelling new twist: van Gisbergen is back on those very same streets — this time as a Cup Series winner with a full-time ride and nothing to prove.
From Surprise to Strategy
Van Gisbergen’s 2023 street win wasn’t just a fluke — it was a sign of things to come. Since then, he’s picked up another Cup Series victory, this time on the road course in Mexico City. That win gives him valuable playoff flexibility, and heading into Chicago’s third downtown race, he knows exactly what’s at stake.
“We’re in a nice position now having won a race,” SVG said on Friday. “That may change our strategy.”
With a playoff spot essentially secured, van Gisbergen has the rare luxury of racing aggressively or tactically — depending on how the race shakes out. Either way, the rest of the field knows he’s a real threat.
Street King Returns
Chicago isn’t just another race for van Gisbergen — it’s personal. His street-course experience from years in Supercars gives him a serious edge, and he’s not shy about how much this city means to him.
“This place has changed my life,” he said. “I’m going to have special memories of this place forever.”
He’s earned them. From debut heroics to stage wins and fan adoration, his Chicago record is already one of the most memorable for any recent NASCAR newcomer.
Still Learning, Still Dangerous
Despite his street-course mastery, van Gisbergen admits he’s still adjusting to oval tracks — a very different beast compared to his comfort zone. But on road courses? He’s elite.
“We know we’re going to be good,” he said. “Road courses are just a bonus for us.”
That’s ominous news for the field — especially given that after Chicago comes Sonoma, another road course where SVG can shine and boost his playoff positioning.
The NASCAR World Takes Notice
Even defending Cup champ Joey Logano is watching closely.
“It’s easy to say be patient until Shane is out there a second faster than you,” Logano admitted. “You have to go put yourself in some uncomfortable situations.”
Translation? SVG isn’t just respected — he’s feared on these types of tracks.
As the green flag prepares to drop again in Chicago, van Gisbergen is no longer the mystery man from down under. He’s a front-runner, a street-course assassin, and a serious Cup Series contender.
The city that once introduced him to NASCAR could now witness his next big chapter.