Shane van Gisbergen is battling illness just before the Viva Mexico 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, where he earned the pole position for Sunday’s race. Despite feeling unwell, the New Zealand driver was medicated before entering his No. 88 Chevrolet, determined to compete for a win and secure his spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
Other drivers, including Ross Chastain, who qualified third, are also experiencing health issues, while Noah Gragson cautioned fans on social media to “Don’t drink the tap water.”
Opportunity for Van Gisbergen to Turn His Season Around
Van Gisbergen has been anticipating this phase of the NASCAR season, which features three road or street course races out of the next five events. The rookie secured a victory at the 2023 Chicago Street Race in his Cup debut, proving his skill on these tracks. Winning here in Mexico City could guarantee his entry into the postseason, despite currently sitting 33rd in the points standings.
Van Gisbergen Reflects on Qualifying and the Challenge Ahead
Starting from the pole was a positive step, but van Gisbergen knows the crucial challenge lies in finishing strong on race day. He commented on qualifying, saying,
“It was a great session for us,”
and added,
“We kind of lacked in a lot of areas yesterday [in practice] with our car getting the balance we wanted and went through a lot of challenges last night — a couple I thought were maybe too much — and started my lap and the car felt magic right from the start.”
He also acknowledged the impact a victory would have on his season:
“Certainly, a win fixes our year, gets you locked in,”
he said Saturday.
“Win a race and it changes your year, and then we can race with less pressure, and just keep learning, keep being methodical, keep getting better every week and then we can try some stuff. We’re very sort of welded in a box in the moment, just not wanting to get out of our comfort zone.”
Health Challenges Facing Multiple Drivers Before the Mexico Race
While van Gisbergen is medicated to manage his condition, other competitors also face difficulties. Ross Chastain, who qualified third, is similarly unwell, and Noah Gragson’s social media warning hints at broader health concerns among the drivers at this venue, highlighting how external factors may complicate race preparations.
Implications for Playoffs and Upcoming NASCAR Events
This race at Mexico City holds significant implications for van Gisbergen’s season and his NASCAR Cup Series playoff chances. Securing a win in one of these upcoming road course races would secure his postseason berth, allowing him to approach future events with reduced pressure and more strategic flexibility. His performance here could shape the trajectory of his rookie year and influence the overall competition as the season advances toward the playoffs.
