Van Gisbergen Charges to Stunning Watkins Glen Victory
New Zealander erases 29-second deficit in dominant late-race comeback.
Van Gisbergen Charges to Stunning Watkins Glen Win Sean Gardner - Getty Images Shane van Gisbergen executed an epic run at Watkins Glen International, erasing a 29. 2-second deficit in 17 laps in the Go Bowling at The Glen to claim his seventh career NASCAR Cup Series victory, the most by a driver not born in the United States. Van Gisbergen’s first victory this season was his second in three outings at the 2.
45-mile New York road course. It moved him into 16th in the driver standings, making him eligible for the post-season with 14 races remaining in the regular season. “I wasn’t sure how it was gonna work and then to run them down like that, very, very special to do two in a row,” said Van Gisbergen, who celebrated his 37th birthday the day before the NASCAR Cup Series event.
“Speechless. It’s so cool. ” Van Gisbergen dominated the 100-lap race, leading 74 laps, including the final eight.
However, it was when crew chief Stephen Doran called him to pit road for his final stop with 24 laps remaining that many questioned the strategy. After the refueling, four-tire stop, Van Gisbergen returned to the race in 24 th , 29. 20 seconds behind leader Ty Gibbs.
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