Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand-born driver who has been making waves in the NASCAR Cup Series, is finally finding his footing on the series' oval tracks.
After a season in which his average finish on ovals dropped from 24.8 a year ago to 20.9 this year, the 2023 campaign has seen a clear upward trend, highlighted by a first top‑five result at Nashville Superspeedway on May 31.
Qualifying will be key
The Trackhouse Racing driver knows that securing a strong starting position is essential if he hopes to stay in contention for the Chase, the ten‑race playoff that decides the series champion.
Currently sitting 14th in the standings, van Gisbergen occupies a provisional spot for the postseason, but the margin is thin and every race matters.
Chicagoland’s revival
NASCAR is set to return to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, after a seven‑year absence, with the 1.5‑mile venue freshly refurbished and ready to test drivers' skill.
Kyle Larson, who finished fourth at Sonoma to claim his fourth straight top‑five, has posted runner‑up finishes at the track in each of the last two races, making him a favorite to contend again.
The renewed interest in the Illinois venue adds a fresh narrative to the playoff picture, as teams use simulators to familiarize themselves with the layout before the green flag drops.
A tight championship battle
With Austin Cindric holding the 16th and final provisional spot, the Chase standings are packed with competition, and drivers like Joey Logano find themselves on the brink of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
The mix of veteran performance and emerging talent promises a dramatic finish to the season, and van Gisbergen’s climb could see him join the ranks of those fighting for the title.