Shane van Gisbergen starts Watkins Glen defense with pole-winning run
In Saturday's NASCAR Cup Series qualifying session it was the section of the 2.45-mile course where Shane van Gisbergen gained over the competition.
Watkins Glen, N. Y. — The Bus Stop chicane at Watkins Glen International is designed to slow drivers down.
In Saturday's NASCAR Cup Series qualifying session, however, it was the section of the 2. 45-mile road course where defending race winner Shane van Gisbergen gained light years over the competition, relatively speaking, in securing the pole for Sunday's Go Bowling at the Glen (3 p. m.
on FS1). The New Zealander, celebrating his 37th birthday, navigated the seven-turn circuit in 71. 165 seconds (123.
937 mph) on the first of two qualifying laps to beat Spire Motorsports' Michael McDowell (123. 488 mph) for the top starting spot by 0. 259 seconds.