NASCAR made history this Fourth of July weekend on the streets of Chicago, Illinois. It was the first-ever street course race that the Cup Series has held, as the sport continues to branch out in its competition against Formula One.
Overall a rainy weekend would call the Xfinity Series’ race early, while shortening Cup Series racing to just 75 laps out of the previously advertised 100 lapper event, mid-race.
Shane Van Gisbergen, or SVG for short, was in the seat of the Project 91 entry for Trackhouse Racing, it was his NASCAR debut.
Going third at qualifying and topping the 30+ car field in practice. The 34-year-old V8 Supercar star was seen as a talented driver, but still sporting underdogs odds
SVG would stay top five all race long before dropping out during pit stops. The New Zealander would fight his way back to the top of the twisty streets of the Windy City.
Eventually taking the lead late in the rain-shortened race, a two-lap shootout would occur after a late caution.
Holding off Justin Haley, Shave Van Gisbergen would take home the win. It is the first time a NASCAR Cup Series driver has won in their debut in over 60 years. History on top of history would make the inaugural Chicago street race an instant classic.
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