In a historic afternoon at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen etched his name alongside international racing legends by claiming his second career NASCAR Cup Series victory at the Viva México 250. With the win, van Gisbergen joins an elite group of foreign-born drivers—Marcos Ambrose, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Daniel Suárez—each now tied with two career Cup Series victories.
The race marked a thrilling chapter not only in van Gisbergen’s young NASCAR career but also in the sport’s ongoing globalization. After a standout debut win on the streets of Chicago in 2023, the Kiwi has proven once again that he’s more than just a road-course specialist—he’s a fierce competitor capable of delivering under pressure in the Cup Series.
A Commanding Performance
Van Gisbergen piloted the No. 91 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet to a masterful performance on the technical 2.674-mile road course nestled in the heart of Mexico City. The event, which drew a passionate and energetic crowd, was part of NASCAR’s increasing international expansion, and it delivered the drama fans were hoping for.
Throughout the weekend, van Gisbergen showed speed in both practice and qualifying, but it was his poise during late-race restarts and expert tire management that sealed the victory. Holding off challenges from seasoned Cup veterans, the 35-year-old road racing ace stayed cool under pressure and delivered a flawless final stage to take the checkered flag.
Making International NASCAR History
With this win, van Gisbergen joins Marcos Ambrose (Australia), Juan Pablo Montoya (Colombia), and Daniel Suárez (Mexico) as the most successful foreign-born drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history in terms of victories. Each of these drivers has carved out their place in NASCAR’s evolving narrative—Ambrose with his road course prowess, Montoya with his crossover from Formula 1 and IndyCar, and Suárez as the first Mexican-born driver to win in the Cup Series.
Now, van Gisbergen is not only part of that conversation—he’s leading it.
What This Means for NASCAR
NASCAR’s decision to bring a Cup Series race to Mexico City was a bold and strategic move aimed at expanding the series’ global footprint. The packed grandstands and the local enthusiasm, especially for homegrown favorite Daniel Suárez, show that there’s a growing appetite for stock car racing outside the U.S.
Van Gisbergen’s win further underscores the potential of NASCAR’s international reach. The sport is no longer confined to American borders—it’s becoming a stage where the world’s best drivers, regardless of origin, can compete and succeed.
What’s Next for SVG?
With two wins in just a handful of Cup starts, Shane van Gisbergen has silenced any doubts about his transition from Supercars to NASCAR. His adaptability, racecraft, and calm demeanor are setting him up for a promising future in the series. While his 2024 campaign is still part-time, it’s clear that the Kiwi has the talent—and now the stats—to warrant a full-time Cup ride soon.
As NASCAR fans across the globe celebrate this milestone, van Gisbergen’s victory is more than just a race win—it’s a statement. The world is watching, and NASCAR is more international than ever before.
📸: NASCAR
🏁 Stay tuned for more updates on SVG’s journey and NASCAR’s growing global presence.
