NASCAR
Shane van Gisbergen Takes First Xfinity Series win in 13th Start
PORTLAND, Ore. – New Zealand racing legend and Xfinity Series rookie Shane van Gisbergen had a banner day at Portland International Raceway. After starting on the front row, SVG was in position to capitalize on a late restart, earning his maiden Xfinity win. The three-time Australian Supercars champion is now Playoff bound in NASCAR’s second highest level, chasing another title.
SVG had far from a dominant day however, that distinction went to Justin Allgaier. The JR Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet swept both Stages, at one point held a three-second lead, and led a race-high 46 laps. Allgaier lost ground to SVG on a restart with four laps left though. The Kaulig Racing driver quickly built up a nearly one-second advantage he held until the checkered flag flew.
“Firstly I’m very sorry to Sam Mayer and the 1 team,” van Gisbergen said referencing a turn one spin at the start. “I just mucked up there and just hooked him. Very sorry, he got back well though. Thanks Quad Lock, Chevy, Kaulig Racing and the Trackhouse guys, what a day. It was really cool and we had some great racing. I need to get better at my restarts and learn how to position, but that was so much fun. Really cool racing, I love these cars, they’re great.”
SVG introduced a unique winning celebration. The Kaulig Racing No. 97 did a burnout around the entire 1.967-mile track before SVG punted a rugby ball into the grandstands.
“I just do whatever comes to mind. But probably need to tune it, I need a bit more steering lockup, I spun out. We’ll make that better for next time.”
JR Motorsports cars of Allgaier and Sammy Smith came home second and third. Allgaier had to settle as Portland runner-up for a second-straight year after leading late again. SVG’s teammate AJ Allmendinger was fourth. The No. 16 had a very blue collar day, starting last following a qualifying crash. IndyCar and sports car veteran Ed Jones rounded out the top-five with Sam Hunt Racing. Defending winner Cole Custer, Josh Williams, Parker Kligerman, Parker Retzlaff, and Riley Herbst were the top-10.
SVG is the sixth different Xfinity contender to win a race this season, marking half of the 12 Playoff tickets as taken. Xfinity is also halfway through their regular season, with 13 races remaining until their postseason begins.
A west coast road course swing continues for Xfinity teams next week from Sonoma Raceway. One Kaulig Racing road course ace is now a winner. Can AJ Allmendinger possibly retain his road course king status next week? The Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 goes green Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
