Shane van Gisbergen delivered a masterclass at Watkins Glen International, capturing the checkered flag in the Cup Series while finishing third in the accompanying Truck Series event.
A Weekend of Firsts
The New Zealand‑born driver, now in his second full‑time season in NASCAR's premier division, has quickly become a reference point for road‑course specialists. His victory marked the first Cup win for a driver who also contested the Truck race later that weekend.
Adding to the momentum, Kaden Honeycutt, Connor Zilisch, Garrett Mitchell, Ben Maier, Connor Hall, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Donovan Strauss, Andres Perez de Lara and Ross Chastain all featured in the on‑track action, underscoring the depth of competition.
A Limited Truck Schedule
Van Gisbergen's Truck Series entry is not scheduled for the next race at Dover Motor Speedway, and the team has confirmed that he is not currently planned for further Truck starts in 2026. This restriction stems from the eight‑race limit imposed on experienced Cup drivers, a rule he is not subject to.
Niece Motorsports has fielded the No. 4 truck only five times this season, with Andres Perez de Lara serving as the team's lone full‑time driver in the Truck Series. The No. 45 team, fielded by Trackhouse Racing, sits sixth in the owner standings, a position bolstered by Ross Chastain's runner‑up finish at Darlington Raceway.
Looking Ahead
While the Truck schedule will pause, Van Gisbergen remains focused on his Cup campaign and the upcoming road‑course events that have become his specialty. His performance at Watkins Glen not only highlights personal success but also reinforces the growing competitiveness of the Chevrolet program under Fox Sports and FuboTV's broadcast partnership.