Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen showcased his exceptional road racing skills in the inaugural Cup race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, leading for 60 of the 100 laps and winning with a commanding margin of 16.567 seconds, the largest victory gap in a Cup race since 2009. This victory also marked the greatest margin of victory at a road course in Cup racing in over 45 years. In preparation for the wet-weather conditions expected at the start, van Gisbergen sought advice from fellow Red Bull athlete and Formula 1 star Max Verstappen, a move that proved invaluable during the race.
Van Gisbergen’s strategic move paid off as he dominated the race, leading from the start as other drivers struggled in the rainy conditions. His victory not only secured him a spot in the NASCAR Cup playoffs but also positioned him as a strong contender for Rookie of the Year honors unless another driver, like Riley Herbst, can achieve a win prior to the regular season conclusion. The post-race press conference saw van Gisbergen emphasizing his approach of seeking every possible advantage, highlighting the importance of reaching out to Verstappen for insights on racing lines and techniques for wet conditions. This triumph at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez added another impressive feat to van Gisbergen’s racing career and reshaped the trajectory of his NASCAR season.
