New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen delivered a solid result in his third NASCAR Truck Series oval race, finishing third at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The short‑track event tested his adaptability, and the finish represented a significant step up from his debut oval start three years earlier.
A Career‑Best Oval Result
Driving the No. 71 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, van Gisbergen executed a series of inside passes in the closing laps, overtaking reigning Truck Series champion Corey Heim and sharing the track with teammate Chase Elliott. The performance matched his best‑ever oval finish in any NASCAR division and set a new personal benchmark for the series.
The race was won by Chandler Smith, whose margin of victory stood as the largest ever recorded on a Truck Series short track. Van Gisbergen’s third‑place finish not only highlighted his rapid progression but also underscored the effectiveness of Spire Motorsports’ preparation and strategy.
Looking ahead, the New Zealander is scheduled to compete in the Cup Series event at North Wilkesboro later this week, a move that promises to further test his skills on the same venue and keep the momentum from his Truck Series success alive.