The NASCAR Cup Series returns to a traditional venue this weekend after racing around the streets of Chicago for the sport’s first-ever street course race last time out. That alone was the headline heading into the weekend, but coming out it’s all about a man who most people in the sport didn’t even know just days ago.<\/p>\n
Shane van Gisbergen<\/strong>, a champion in Supercars racing<\/a> in Australia and New Zealand, was tabbed as the next entry for Trackhouse’s Project 91, an initiative to get drivers from other disciplines into Cup Series cars. After a short test, he would take on his first race in Chicago.<\/p>\n What started as a fun endeavor into the world of NASCAR ended with van Gisbergen celebrating in victory lane<\/a> after winning in his Cup Series debut, a feat last accomplished in 1963. The Kiwi driver battled through a wet track, several cautions, and a shortened race, all against drivers more experienced in Cup Series cars.<\/p>\n He handled the race beautifully, and by the end was able to use fresher tires to breeze into the lead past Justin Haley.<\/strong> His victory not only shocked the racing world, but even himself. He admitted post-race that not even he thought a win was possible.<\/p>\n He now has some options for the future. While he will continue to race in Supercars next year, a part or full-time opportunity could await him down the line in the Cup Series should he choose to take on that challenge.<\/p>\n In the meantime, the full-time Cup Series drivers shift their focus to Atlanta, as more drivers look to cement their spot in the playoffs. It’ll be hard to get as surprising of a win as we had last week, but let’s see what the superspeedway has in store for us this weekend.<\/p>\n Good chance we see bold moves on the last lap, again. @chaseelliott<\/a> | @ATLMotorSpdwy<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/E9woHz0FsW<\/a><\/p>\n — NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 6, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n