We are thrilled that our very own Quad Lock ambassador, Shane van Gisbergen, has made history with a phenomenal victory at the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago. On his NASCAR debut, van Gisbergen emerged triumphant, marking the first time in the modern era of NASCAR that a driver has won in their first Cup Series start.
The 34-year-old New Zealander's win is a groundbreaking achievement, being the first driver to win in their Cup Series debut since Johnny Rutherford at Daytona in 1963 and the first ever win for a New Zealander in the Cup Series.
A Race To Remember
Van Gisbergen's remarkable performance took place on the streets of Chicago. The race was initially 100 laps, but was shortened to 75 due to the onset of darkness after a delay caused by heavy rain.
Despite these challenging conditions, and even after falling as low as 18th place ahead of the final dash to the checkered flag, van Gisbergen showcased his exceptional driving skills, even managing to retake the lead after a daring crossover move by Justin Haley. He held his lead, crossing the finish line 1.259 seconds ahead of Haley, with Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and Kyle Busch rounding out the top five.
A Dream Come True
Van Gisbergen's victory was also a landmark moment for his team. He was chosen by Justin Marks' Trackhouse team to drive its Project91 Chevrolet Camaro in Chicago, and this decision has clearly paid off.
Van Gisbergen celebrated his unprecedented win with his trademark burnouts on Columbus Drive in downtown Chicago. Reflecting on his victory, he said, "Man, what an experience. It's so cool, it's what you dream of. Hopefully, I come and do more. It was tough, but a lot of fun... anything is possible. I can't believe it, a dream come true".
A Future in NASCAR?
Van Gisbergen's impressive performance in Chicago has sparked speculation about his future in racing. In a post-race interview, he hinted at a potential full-time switch to NASCAR from 2025, stating, "I’m doing one more year in Oz and then I’d love to come over here.
Despite recently signing a new two-year contract with Triple Eight Race Engineering, van Gisbergen has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave at the end of 2024 if he lands a drive in another category. Given his extraordinary debut in NASCAR, it seems likely that he will have no shortage of offers.
A Proud Moment For Quad Lock
We are incredibly proud of Shane van Gisbergen's historic victory. He is not just an ambassador for Quad Lock, but also a trailblazer in the world of motorsport, embodying the spirit of tenacity, skill, and passion.
As he returns to Australia for the next round of the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship, we wish him the very best and look forward to his continued success.
