Shane van Gisbergen goes elbows out to win Chicago NASCAR Xfinity race

The NASCAR Xfinity race at Chicago resulted in a two-lap sprint for the win with Connor Zilisch main teammate Shane van Gisbergen (SVG). Because the inexperienced flag flew, SVG pressured it up the within of JR Motorsports teammate Zilisch, pushing him extensive and taking the race lead. Zilisch tried to combat again, however it was too late as van Gisbergen captured the checkered flag.

“Thought it was going to be a misplaced trigger when the technique went unsuitable, however it labored out effectively,” mentioned van Gisbergen. “Because of JRM, the automotive was a rocket.”

Talking extra on the technique, SVG mentioned: “I knew that was what we had been gonna do, however when so many vehicles did not observe us, it was a little bit of fear, however then we had tire grip on the finish. Actually cool battles with everybody. I loved it.”

He additionally praised Zilisch, calling him “a nice younger driver … I knew that was my alternative (to go him) and took it. It was an superior 1-2 for the group.”

Zilisch appeared shocked by the transfer, saying, “I suppose I should not have let him get to my backside once I was clear there simply barely on the front-straight. I simply let him get to my inside and took benefit of it. Hate it for my #88 group. I ought to have simply been somewhat bit extra aggressive there. I simply thought he was going to race me somewhat cleaner. I will study from it, transfer on.”

Watch: Zilisch: ‘Thought he’d race me somewhat cleaner’ after runner-up end

This was SVG’s first NASCAR Xfinity begin of the 12 months, however his fourth profession win. He additionally received on the streets of Chicago one 12 months in the past, however that was with Kaulig Racing. 

Sheldon Creed completed third, Austin Hill fourth, and Nick Sanchez fifth. Jesse Love, Sammy Smith, Sam Mayer, Austin Inexperienced, and Brennan Poole stuffed out the rest of the highest ten.

SVG fights by way of the sector

Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet

Picture by: James Gilbert / Getty Pictures

There have been no track-blocking wrecks through the race, however loads of incidents. Van Gisbergen dominated from the beginning, however opted to go an alternate technique that almost value him, staying out on the finish of Stage 1. Nevertheless, earlier than he may make his scheduled cease afterward, a particles warning with a couple of laps to go in Stage 2 pressured his hand.

Van Gisbergen gave up the lead and got here down pit street for his lone cease of the race, falling again to nineteenth for the restart. Whereas Sheldon Creed claimed the Stage 2 win, SVG shortly drove as much as thirteenth place.

As the ultimate stage acquired underway, Creed remained in management whereas van Gisbergen rocketed as much as seventh. The warning flew as soon as extra when Thomas Annunziata crashed in Flip 2. Taylor Grey tried to keep away from the wreck, however acquired pushed into it.

On the next restart, van Gisbergen continued his ahead push as Zilisch moved into the race lead. With some assist from Creed, who pulled over for him, SVG moved into second with 9 laps to go. He was over 3.5 seconds behind Zilisch, and whereas he started to chip away at it, one other warning would deliver the teammates collectively for a closing showdown.

Andre Castro stuffed it into the tires, organising the ultimate restart of the race, the place SVG pressured his means by Zilisch. Van Gisbergen additionally earned pole place for the Cup race in Chicago, so he’ll try to finish the weekend sweep on Sunday.

Photographs from Chicago – Race