Shane van Gisbergen Does Burnout After Chicago Xfinity Victory, Surges Past Zilisch for Stunning Win…

Shane van Gisbergen Does Burnout After Chicago Xfinity Victory, Surges Past Zilisch for Stunning Win

 

 

CHICAGO, IL – Shane van Gisbergen continued to make his mark on American motorsports with a thrilling win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race through the streets of downtown Chicago on Sunday. The New Zealander surged past rising star Connor Zilisch in the closing laps to take the checkered flag—and celebrated in style with a smoky burnout in front of a roaring crowd.

Van Gisbergen, who made headlines in 2023 by winning the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago in his first-ever start, returned to the Windy City with more experience—and a mission. Driving the No. 97 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, SVG delivered a masterclass in street racing once again, proving that his road course skills are among the best in the field.

The 2.2-mile Chicago Street Course, lined with concrete walls and filled with tight corners, offered little room for error. Van Gisbergen kept his cool throughout the race, saving his best for last. With just a handful of laps remaining, he chased down Zilisch, a 17-year-old ARCA standout making only his second Xfinity Series start. Zilisch had led the race for several laps and appeared poised for an upset, but the experienced SVG closed the gap and executed a clean overtake with only a few laps to go.

“I knew I had to be patient,” Van Gisbergen said in a post-race interview. “Connor was doing a great job out there, but I was able to find a rhythm and make my move when it counted.”

After taking the checkered flag, SVG lit up the Chicago streets with a celebratory burnout in front of the grandstands. Fans erupted as smoke poured off his rear tires, a fitting finale to a spectacular performance.

Zilisch, though unable to hold off Van Gisbergen in the final laps, earned widespread praise for his poise and performance. “I’m disappointed not to win, but racing someone like Shane, you learn so much,” Zilisch said. “He got me today, but I’ll take this and build on it.”

The win marks Van Gisbergen’s third career Xfinity Series victory, all of which have come on road or street courses. With this latest triumph, he continues to build momentum in his transition from Supercars to NASCAR, and many in the garage believe it’s only a matter of time before he secures a full-time Cup Series ride.

NASCAR officials and Chicago city leaders hailed the race as another success for the street course concept, drawing large crowds and creating a festival-like atmosphere in Grant Park.

As for Van Gisbergen, his focus now shifts to maintaining this hot streak. But on Sunday in Chicago, the Kiwi star once again stole the spotlight—proving that when it comes to street racing, he’s still the king.