During the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway, Shane van Gisbergen faced early setbacks following penalties on his Trackhouse Racing #88 Chevrolet Camaro before the Hollywood Casino 400 began. Despite a difficult start that forced him to serve a stop-and-go penalty and begin at the back of the pack, the Kiwi driver mounted a strong comeback to secure a top-10 finish.
Early Challenges Cloud Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Cup Race Start
Van Gisbergen’s crew chief, Stephen Doran, was removed from the event after officials discovered unauthorized adjustments on the car during pre-race inspections. This setback cost Van Gisbergen his choice of pit stall and required him to start the race at the rear of the field. Having qualified 24th after finishing 22nd in practice, these penalties further hindered his position before the green flag.
Immediately after the start, van Gisbergen faced a stop-and-go penalty, which resulted in him falling two laps behind the leader. However, an opportune caution on Lap 89 following a crash involving Ryan Preece and John Hunter Nemechek allowed van Gisbergen to receive a Lucky Dog free pass and rejoin the lead lap, kickstarting his recovery.
Managing Difficult Car Setup and Tackling Mid-Race Incidents
The middle stages of the race introduced ongoing challenges for van Gisbergen as he dealt with a tight car and a difficult setup that slowed his pace. He finished Stage 2 in 19th place, unable to make significant progress despite his efforts. Later, during Stage 3, William Byron made contact with van Gisbergen’s car, pushing him into Alex Bowman. Although this contact raised concerns about potential damage to the #88 Camaro, van Gisbergen quickly assessed his car and continued racing without major issues.
Final Laps Filled with Cautions and Intense Overtime Battle
Excitement escalated in the closing laps as multiple incidents caused cautions. Debris on the track and crashes involving Kyle Busch and Carson Hocevar forced several slowdowns. The tension peaked during the first overtime attempt when Zane Smith flipped twice after being squeezed against the wall by John Hunter Nemechek, which also involved Ty Gibbs and Josh Berry in the wreck.
Following a red flag to repair the damaged track and clear debris, the race restarted for a final overtime shootout. Van Gisbergen, who began this critical restart from ninth place, charged forward with determination and secured a tenth-place finish, marking his best oval finish in a NASCAR Cup Series championship race. He held off teammate Ross Chastain in the closing moments to clinch the top-10 result.
“It’s just a process of learning; I’m getting better” Shane van Gisbergen
Chase Elliott Seizes Victory Amid Dramatic Closing Moments
The win ultimately went to Chase Elliott, who capitalized on a last-lap collision between Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin to cross the finish line first. Hamlin, who led the most laps at 159, finished second, followed by Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Wallace, who rounded out the top five. The chaotic finish underlined the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing.
Van Gisbergen’s determined comeback highlighted his adaptability and resilience after navigating significant early adversity. His performance provides hope for continued growth as he gains experience on oval tracks.
The NASCAR Cup Series will now move on to the Round of 12 elimination race at the Charlotte Roval on Monday, October 6, where drivers will continue their quest for the championship.
Shane van Gisbergen on first oval Top 10:
"It's just a process of learning; I'm getting better" pic.twitter.com/flUy1fjVHj
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) September 28, 2025
