Chris Buescher, a fellow NASCAR Cup driver, has voiced his admiration for Shane Van Gisbergen, highlighting both his racing prowess and his commendable professionalism on and off the track. In a sport where the focus often leans towards individual achievements and personal gain, Buescher’s appreciation for Van Gisbergen is noteworthy.
During a recent discussion with The Athletic, Buescher expressed his admiration for Van Gisbergen’s respectful and skilled approach to racing. Buescher sees Van Gisbergen as a remarkable individual who stands out in the competitive world of NASCAR, not just for his driving abilities but also for his conduct as a person, particularly his respect towards other drivers.
Buescher’s comments come in contrast to recent events at the Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway, where the unprofessional behavior of some drivers drew criticism. Unlike those who seem motivated by self-interest, tarnishing their own and their sponsors’ reputations in the process, Van Gisbergen showcases an example of integrity and sportsmanship in racing, according to Buescher.
Buescher did not hesitate when asked to identify a driver he’d willingly congratulate in victory lane for maintaining a clean and competitive race. He immediately pointed to Shane Van Gisbergen. “I’ve been pretty impressed by him coming into this sport,” Buescher remarked. “We’ve been strong on road courses as well, so we’ve been around each other racing a lot.”
He continued to praise Van Gisbergen’s aggressive yet fair driving style, highlighting his ability to push the limits without resorting to reckless behavior. Buescher values this approach, recognizing similarities in their driving styles which focus on precision rather than unnecessary aggression.
A defining moment of Van Gisbergen’s professionalism was his conduct following a race at Watkins Glen. After finishing runner-up to Buescher, Van Gisbergen visited victory lane to offer his congratulations. His gesture of acknowledging a minor on-track incident with Buescher underscored his sportsmanship. Buescher appreciated the apology, indicating mutual respect for competitive racing.
Buescher also commended Van Gisbergen for managing race restarts with consideration. This is often a point of high tension in races, yet Van Gisbergen handles it with the composure that prevents chaos. Reflecting on an encounter at the Clash in February, Buescher noted an apology from Van Gisbergen that followed routine race contact. “I was like, ‘Sorry for what? We were short-track racing,’” Buescher recounted, emphasizing the appropriate level of contact expected in such races.
Chris Buescher’s admiration for Shane Van Gisbergen’s professionalism and racing skill speaks volumes in the NASCAR community. As Buescher highlights, Van Gisbergen exemplifies an ideal racing attitude that combines competitiveness with respect, setting a standard for others in the sport. This mutual appreciation underscores the positive dynamics that can flourish within NASCAR, shaping a culture of admirable sportsmanship that others may look to emulate in future events.
