NASCAR made history with its first international race in Mexico City, introducing a fresh podium celebration that diverged from its traditional Victory Lane ritual. When Shane van Gisbergen triumphed at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, he embraced the vibrant tradition by wearing a Mexican sombrero and sharing champagne with Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott on a shared podium. This new celebration style sparked a debate, with van Gisbergen weighing the merits of both customs.
Van Gisbergen Reflects on Shared Podium Versus Victory Lane Spotlight
After competing at Pocono, Shane van Gisbergen discussed his views on NASCAR’s shared podium ceremony compared to the usual Victory Lane victory celebration. He stated,
“Yeah, I guess that’s the way that I’ve grown up doing it, and the way the rest of the world does it. But I love the focus on ‘win or nothing’ here, as well.”
Van Gisbergen acknowledged the significance of standing alone as the winner in American motorsports, emphasizing how that moment traditionally highlights the champion’s achievement.
At the same time, van Gisbergen recognized the challenges faced by second- and third-place finishers, noting they deserve celebration as well. He explained,
“There’s so much spectacle just behind the winner, and you get all that spotlight. But it’s damn hard to get second and third in these races too. So I think it’s good to celebrate that as well.”
Ultimately, he was torn between the two approaches, saying,
“I can see both sides of it, but I do love the way the winner’s circle or Victory Lane is here. It’s a really cool privilege to be in that, I think. I’m on the fence really. I don’t know what’s better, but I like both ways. I like champagne too. That’s always fun (laughs).”
Christopher Bell Supports Expanded Podium Celebrations for Drama and Entertainment
Christopher Bell expressed support for the concept of a shared podium, highlighting its potential to enhance excitement following intense races. Bell pointed out that although the Mexico City race did not involve dramatic moments among the top three finishers, bringing them together during a post-race ceremony could amplify the entertainment appeal. In future high-stakes finishes, this kind of celebration might better showcase the competition’s intensity.
Chase Elliott’s Reserved Position on NASCAR’s Podium Custom
Unlike van Gisbergen and Bell, Chase Elliott maintained a more reserved stance toward NASCAR’s new podium practice. He acknowledged that the podium might become a regular feature if NASCAR returns to Mexico City but noted it is currently an exception rather than a new norm. Elliott expressed neutrality, stating, “I’m fine with it,” and emphasized the importance of honoring the winner’s achievement.
Reflecting on the shared podium, he said,
“He won the race, and he deserved the right to that. Me being the second loser, I can certainly get in there and make sure that I appreciate the job that he did.”
Elliott admitted that if he had won, his perspective might differ, but he is comfortable with either tradition continuing or being phased out later, recognizing that podium ceremonies remain unfamiliar within NASCAR culture.
The debate over NASCAR’s adoption of podium celebrations captures a moment of transition as the sport expands globally and explores new ways to engage fans. Shane van Gisbergen’s balanced viewpoint highlights respect for established customs while embracing innovation, reflecting a sport in dialogue with its traditions and future direction. As NASCAR continues to hold events beyond the United States, how victory celebrations evolve could shape fan experiences and driver recognition for years to come.
