Shane van Gisbergen Dominates NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Mid-Ohio Australian Supercars legend Shane van Gisbergen continued his remarkable run in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, claiming victory in Saturday’s race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Driving the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro for Team Hezeberg, van Gisbergen started the race from the pole position and never looked back. He led the majority of the 65-lap event, fending off challenges from Kyle Larson and Ty Gibbs. Van Gisbergen’s performance was particularly impressive considering his limited experience in NASCAR. The two-time Supercars champion had only made two previous starts in the Xfinity Series before this weekend. Larson and Gibbs finished second and third, respectively. Ryan Sieg and Brandon Jones rounded out the top five. Van Gisbergen’s victory marks his second in the Xfinity Series this season, following his triumph at the Indianapolis Road Course in August. He is now eligible to compete for the championship if he makes seven more starts this season. “It’s an incredible feeling to win again,” van Gisbergen said after the race. “I have to thank Team Hezeberg for giving me this opportunity. They’ve been so supportive, and I’m thrilled to be able to repay their faith in me.” Gibbs, the current Xfinity Series championship leader, praised van Gisbergen’s performance. “He’s an amazing driver,” Gibbs said. “He’s so smooth and fast. It was an honor to race against him.” Van Gisbergen’s success in NASCAR has further solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile racers in the world. He is now one of only a handful of drivers to have won races in Supercars, IndyCar, and NASCAR.Shane van Gisbergen triumphed in the Xfinity Series race on the street course in downtown Chicago, marking his third victory in the series this season.Shane van Gisbergen triumphed in the Xfinity Series race on the street course in downtown Chicago, marking his third victory in the series this season. Starting from pole position, van Gisbergen encountered a setback after a pit stop but skillfully maneuvered through the pack to reclaim the lead and secure the win. “It was an incredible race,” exclaimed van Gisbergen. “It got quite intense towards the end.” The 35-year-old Kiwi driver, who previously earned his first two Xfinity wins with Kaulig Racing on road courses at Portland and Sonoma, celebrated his victory by signing a rugby ball and kicking it into the stands, a signature gesture he had also performed after his previous triumphs. Ty Gibbs finished as runner-up, followed by Kyle Larson, Parker Kligerman, and Jesse Love. Larson will start from the pole position in the Cup Series race scheduled for Sunday. Van Gisbergen, a highly accomplished racer with three Supercars championships in Australia, gained attention in the US after his impressive victory in the inaugural NASCAR race on the Chicago street course last summer. Notably, he was the first driver to win his Cup Series debut since Johnny Rutherford in 1963.Shane van Gisbergen has continued his winning streak in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, taking out the victory at the Circuit of the Americas. The New Zealander started the race from pole position and led every lap, holding off a challenge from AJ Allmendinger in the closing stages. Van Gisbergen’s victory is his second in the Xfinity Series this season, following his win at Portland International Raceway. He is the first driver to win multiple races in the series since Ty Gibbs in 2021. Van Gisbergen’s win is also a historic moment for New Zealand motorsport, as he is the first Kiwi to win a NASCAR race. He said after the race that he was “stoked” to win and that he was “proud to represent New Zealand.” Van Gisbergen’s victory is a major boost for his championship hopes. He is now second in the standings, just 15 points behind leader Allmendinger. The next race in the Xfinity Series is the Alsco Uniforms 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 4.