Shane van Gisbergen edged out the competition at Sonoma Raceway, crossing the finish line just 0.357 seconds ahead of his rivals. The victory came despite the team’s awareness that the No. 97 Chevrolet was not the fastest car on the track.
A narrow margin, a big statement
Crew chief Stephen Doran admitted that the car’s performance was subpar throughout the weekend, but he praised van Gisbergen’s ability to extract grip when it mattered most.
Car performance woes
Doran’s candid assessment highlighted the narrow margin that defined the race, noting that without van Gisbergen’s skill the team would not have secured the win.
The result also matters for the championship picture. Van Gisbergen now sits 14th in the standings, holding a 36‑point cushion above the Chase cut‑line, a position that could prove crucial as the season progresses.
A partnership that delivers
The partnership between van Gisbergen and Doran has already yielded seven Cup victories in the past two years, underscoring a synergy that continues to pay dividends.