In what has quickly become one of the most compelling narratives of the 2025 NASCAR season, Kiwi sensation Shane van Gisbergen handily captured the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, solidifying his reputation as arguably NASCAR’s best road-course specialist.
Van Gisbergen kicked off the weekend by sweeping both the Xfinity and Cup Series poles—his third Cup pole of the season with a blistering lap of 1:14.594, the only driver to eclipse 96 mph on the technical 1.99-mile circuit.
Leading an astonishing 97 of 110 laps, van Gisbergen showcased seamless control and pace. When most competitors pitted late in the race, he stayed out—capitalising on track position to fend off multiple restarts over the final 11 laps.
As Chase Briscoe and Chase Elliott closed in during hot laps, van Gisbergen remained un phased. He resisted Briscoe’s late challenge and held off Elliott in a thrilling wheel-to-wheel duel, sealing his fourth Cup win in just 34 starts—remarkably the fastest to that milestone since Parnelli Jones in 1967.
🏆 Why This Win Matters
This historic victory isn’t just another tick in the win column—it illustrates:
- Road Course Supremacy – Matching Jeff Gordon’s legendary feat, van Gisbergen won three road races this season from the pole—the first to do so since Gordon
- Effectiveness of Team and Talent – Trackhouse Racing demonstrated resilience and adaptability, and SVG’s prowess drew phenomenal praise from fellow drivers. Chase Briscoe likened racing SVG to “playing basketball against Michael Jordan”
📊 Final Podium & Standings Snapshot
- 1st: Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing, No. 88)
- 2nd: Chase Briscoe
- 3rd: Chase Elliott
- 4th: Michael McDowell
- 5th: Christopher Bell
Though nestled 26th in the overall points, SVG’s tally of three consecutive wins firmly places him among the season’s elite, tied with luminaries like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson
With Sonoma now in the rearview, Van Gisbergen is not just a star—he’s a force reshaping NASCAR’s road-course dynamics. Trackhouse Racing’s decision to place SVG in the No. 88 for a full Cup schedule is paying off beyond expectations.
Expect him to be a headline contender at upcoming road courses like Watkins Glen and Indianapolis, and perhaps even threaten on select ovals if the momentum holds.
In Van Gisbergen’s own humble reflection post-Sonoma:
“You just have to appreciate the run we’ve had… as a team it’s such a cool atmosphere to be a part of.”
With artistry, aggression, and authority, SVG is showing NASCAR what a global road racing star looks like.
In Summary: Shane van Gisbergen’s Sonoma victory wasn’t just impressive—it was a definitive statement. Pole in hand, pace unmatched, composure unwavering, and history made. From Auckland to California, the Kiwi is claiming NASCAR’s road crowns—and showing no signs of slowing down.
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