Shane van Gisbergen appeared on track for a breakthrough NASCAR Cup Series finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, driving a strong race early on before a dramatic multi-car crash ended those hopes. The Trackhouse Racing driver had secured a career-best 10th place starting position on the oval track in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Capitalizing on his qualifying, van Gisbergen swiftly advanced to sixth place and maintained a solid presence inside the top 10 for the first third of the 301-lap race. His competitive pace saw him engaged in battles with frontrunners like Ryan Blaney, allowing him to earn his first oval stage points after a seventh-place finish in the opening stage.
Early Challenges and Final Crash on Lap 118
Despite a mostly steady run, van Gisbergen’s race included tense moments earlier, notably on Lap 82 when contact with Josh Berry sent Berry’s Wood Brothers Racing Mustang into a spin, triggering a caution period. Van Gisbergen managed to keep contender form but encountered a pivotal setback on Lap 118.
Near the top 10 during a restart in Turn 2, Brad Keselowski attempted a tight inside move but grazed the wall and clipped van Gisbergen’s Chevrolet Camaro. The contact caused the Kiwi driver to spin twice in front of oncoming cars and be hit by Kyle Busch, significantly damaging van Gisbergen’s front suspension. Daniel Suarez and Justin Haley were also involved in the incident, with Suarez hitting the wall and ending his race prematurely.
They just ran out of race track. The field scatters after multiple cars get together. pic.twitter.com/KGx2H4zXNb
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 21, 2025
Determined Return to the Track Despite Damage
Although his car suffered serious damage, van Gisbergen’s team made repairs that enabled him to continue racing, albeit 50 laps behind the lead. Eventually, he finished 32nd, a disappointing result after showing strong speed earlier.
It was frustrating because the car was really strong, and we were running well,
van Gisbergen reflected after the race,
I felt good on the long runs, and it could have been a solid result for us.
Ryan Blaney Claims Victory and Playoff Position Advances
The race victory went to Ryan Blaney, who successfully held off Josh Berry in an intense closing segment. Blaney clinched the first spot to advance into the Round of 8 in the NASCAR playoffs.
Probably the hardest 20 laps I drove,
said Blaney,
He started to get super free, and it was all I could do to hold him off. Clean racing, and I appreciate Josh not throwing me the bumper when he could have.
Looking Ahead to Kansas Speedway
Shane van Gisbergen and the NASCAR Cup Series will resume competition next weekend at Kansas Speedway. The race is scheduled for Monday, September 29, at 8:00 a.m. NZST, providing another opportunity for van Gisbergen to build on his promising oval performance despite the setback at New Hampshire.
They just ran out of race track.
The field scatters after multiple cars get together. pic.twitter.com/KGx2H4zXNb
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 21, 2025
