Shane van Gisbergen claims second NASCAR Chicago Street Race victory

Shane van Gisbergen won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Loop 110 at the Chicago Street Race on Saturday, the first of two major racing events scheduled for race weekend in Chicago. 

The victory marks the second title for the New Zealand native at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. Van Gisbergen, 35, took home first place at the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago in 2023.

Van Gisbergen prevailed over fellow champion driver Kyle Larson, with the two racing pros swapping the lead multiple times, making for a cut throat race. Manning the No. 97 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, Van Gisbergen managed to surpass racer Ty Gibbs during the last few laps.

Van Gisbergen ultimately won the Loop 110 with an impressive 1.287 second lead over Larson and Gibbs, according to a statement from NASCAR.

Van Gisbergen commended his fellow drivers and partners following his epic win, stating “... I can’t thank the Kaulig Racing guys enough. It was great racing to start with Kyle [Larson]. He was really good on the restarts and we made our car better with the second set of tires, but whooo, that was fun at the end passing all those guys. Had some great racing with everyone.’’

In the stands, fans enjoyed spectacular weather during Saturday’s race, a stark contrast from last year’s record-breaking rain. Temperatures sat around the mid 70s for most of the day, with sunny skies and a light breeze. 

NASCAR weekend in Chicago is far from over, with the Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series Race set to storm downtown Sunday afternoon beginning at 3:30 p.m.