CHICAGO, IL – Shane van Gisbergen solidified his status as a master of the street circuit on Sunday, July 6th, delivering a commanding performance at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. The New Zealander completed a rare and impressive sweep of both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series events, starting both races from the pole position and culminating the weekend with a victory in the premier division.
Driving the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, Van Gisbergen secured his second career Cup Series win on the 2.2-mile, 12-turn Chicago Street Course, adding to his triumph on the same layout in a previous season. This victory in the Grant Park 165 marks his second Cup win of the 2025 season and the third of his burgeoning career in the NASCAR Cup Series.
A Historic Sweep From Pole
The achievement of winning both the Cup Series and Xfinity Series races in the same weekend, particularly from the pole position in each, is a feat seldom accomplished in modern NASCAR history. Van Gisbergen’s dominant performance mirrors a rare instance previously set by Kyle Busch, who achieved a similar sweep from pole at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July 2016. This highlights the exceptional nature of Van Gisbergen’s execution across both disciplines over the weekend, demonstrating not only raw speed but also strategic precision by qualifying at the front of the field.
The challenging nature of temporary street circuits, with their tight corners, varied surfaces, and unforgiving concrete barriers, demands a unique combination of aggressive driving and precise car control. Van Gisbergen, with his extensive background in V8 Supercars and other road racing disciplines, has repeatedly shown his adeptness at navigating these urban environments, making the Chicago venue particularly well-suited to his skill set.
Grant Park 165: The Cup Race Unfolds
The Grant Park 165 Cup Series race saw intense competition unfold against the backdrop of Chicago’s iconic skyline. Van Gisbergen’s No. 88 Chevrolet proved to be a formidable machine throughout the event. Starting from the pole, he navigated the early stages skillfully, establishing a strong pace. Over the course of the 75-lap contest, Van Gisbergen led a significant portion of the race, specifically pacing the field for 26 laps. His ability to manage tire wear, maintain track position, and execute pit stops effectively were critical factors in his sustained performance at the front.
The event proceeded without the significant weather delays that have sometimes impacted past NASCAR weekends, allowing the full race distance to be run under relatively consistent conditions. This provided a clearer picture of the competitive landscape and allowed teams to execute their strategies as planned.
Climax and Team Effort
The race reached its conclusion under caution. In the closing moments, on the second-to-last lap, driver Cody Ware made contact with the Turn 6 tire barrier. This incident necessitated the deployment of the caution flag, under which the race ultimately finished, with Van Gisbergen securing the win.
Victory on a street course is a testament not only to the driver’s ability but also to the meticulous preparation and performance of the entire team. The original race headline alluded to “‘Epic’ grit from No. 88 crewman,” underscoring the critical role the Trackhouse Racing pit crew and technical staff played throughout the demanding weekend. From qualifying setup to pit stop execution and strategic calls during the race, the collective effort of the No. 88 team was instrumental in positioning Van Gisbergen for this historic double victory.
Significance of the Win
Van Gisbergen’s second triumph at Chicago solidifies the venue as a cornerstone of his early NASCAR success. His second win of the 2025 season demonstrates continued momentum and competitiveness in the Cup Series, building upon his initial foray into the sport. The combination of winning from pole and securing a sweep elevates this performance beyond a standard race victory, etching it into the record books alongside rare achievements in the sport’s history.
The win serves as a significant moment for Trackhouse Racing, highlighting their capability to compete at the highest level across diverse track types, including the unique challenge presented by temporary street circuits.
Shane van Gisbergen’s performance at the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend will be remembered for its sheer dominance and historical significance, setting a high bar for future events on the urban circuit.
