BREAKING: NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane van Gisbergen faces elimination from the playoffs following a disappointing race at Bristol. The 36-year-old New Zealander, known for his prowess on road courses, now joins fellow eliminated drivers Josh Berry, Alex Bowman, and Austin Dillon in missing out on the 2025 championship fight.
Van Gisbergen kicked off his first Cup Series season with remarkable momentum, achieving four wins and starting with 22 playoff bonus points. However, his playoff journey took a drastic turn at Bristol, where tire issues plagued the race. Despite a strong start, van Gisbergen spun out twice, effectively ending his hopes of advancing.
In a candid post-race interview, van Gisbergen expressed his frustration, stating, “Yeah, I’m happy but frustrated. Proud. It’s a privilege to be here but also p***ed at myself.” He acknowledged his recent struggles, saying, “I just haven’t performed the last couple weeks.”
The impact of the Bristol race was significant, with Goodyear having to provide additional tire sets due to the track’s demanding conditions. Van Gisbergen’s performance has not only cost him the title but also the chance to make history as the first foreign driver to finish above eighth in the Cup Series standings.
While van Gisbergen is out of the title contention, he remains focused on the remainder of the season. He noted, “I need to be better myself, and it’s just going to come with time.” His teammate, Ross Chastain, successfully advanced to the Round of 12 and will benefit from van Gisbergen’s support as they prepare for upcoming races.
“I’ll do everything I can prep-wise, help him [Chastain] study, and now the priority for our team is to get the 1 through to the next round and to the finals,” van Gisbergen added, showing his commitment to Trackhouse Racing despite his own playoff exit.
As the NASCAR season progresses, all eyes will be on van Gisbergen’s performance in the remaining races, with opportunities still available for him to secure a strong finish. The NASCAR community eagerly anticipates how he will rebound from this setback, knowing that his journey is far from over.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and van Gisbergen continues to navigate the challenges of his rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series.
