Shane van Gisbergen stuns in record 16+ second NASCAR Cup win in Mexico
Sunday in Mexico City, Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) was nearly unstoppable, driving off with the victory by almost 17 seconds. Christopher Bell finished second and Chase Elliott third, but neither could even see the Trackhouse Racing Team driver at the checkered flag.
The weekend started with aircraft issues that delayed his arrival to Mexico City and on Sunday morning, he had to cancel an appearance with NASCAR on Prime as he battled an illness. But none of that would deny him the victory on Sunday in a race that even featured a stint in the rain.
Advertisement
"What a week," said Van Gisbergen "I've really enjoyed myself here. I felt pretty rubbish today leaking out both holes. That wasn't fun. Thank you to SafetyCulture, Trackhouse, Chevy, and ECR engines. Our car was amazing. I think the #54 [Gibbs] was close, but that last stint, man, what a pleasure just ripping lap after lap and watching them get smaller in the mirror. Unreal."
Watch: 'That was epic': SVG describes how his race-winning car felt all day
On the radio communication to slow down, which SVG refused to do, he explained that "when I go slow, I just lose concentration, so I was trying to stay in a rhythm and a routine, and Josh [Williams, spotter] and Stephen [Doran, crew chief] are doing such a great job keeping me calm and focused. Man, that was epic.
The final run of the race lasted over 30 laps, but SVG managed it to perfection, ensuring no one could challenge him. The New Zealand driver now has two victories in the Cup Series with the first coming in the inaugural running of another event -- the 2023 Chicago Street Course. This win vaults him from 33rd in the standings to the playoffs, joining teammate Ross Chastain, who won the Coca-Cola 600.
Advertisement
Behind the podium finishers, Alex Bowman and Michael McDowell filled out the top five. John-Hunter Nemechek, Chase Briscoe, Cole Custer, William Byron, and Chris Buescher rounded out the top ten.
Stage 1
Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
The initial start was clean as the Trackhouse teammates worked together with SVG leading the way over Chastain. However, the caution flag flew for rain falling down on the track.
While most of the field pitted for wet-weather tires, Cindric and Buescher boldly chose to stay out on slicks. In the chaotic restart that followed, Gibbs managed to take the lead while Cindric and Buescher dropped through the pack.
Advertisement
Kyle Busch lost control under braking on the approach into Turn 1, spinning wildly out of control. He slammed into Kyle Larson, Justin Haley, and A.J. Allmendinger. Both Chase Briscoe and Zane Smith were also collected.
Busch was unable to continue while Larson spent a third of the race in the garage making repairs. On the restart, it became a battle between SVG and Gibbs for the top spot with SVG prevailing, but he ultimately gave up the stage win in favor of short-pitting.
Gibbs followed suit, allowing Ryan Preece to claim the stage win.
Stage 2
Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
SVG was fifth for the start of the second stage, leading those who switched back to slick drivers. The front four were all on used wets and they were not able to hang on for long. But it was all part of the plan as they planned to pit a few laps later anyway.
Advertisement
Halfway through the stage, Ryan Truex (filling in for Denny Hamlin) went for a spin, causing a caution. Van Gisbergen went on to win the stage as Gibbs chose to pit just before the stage break.
Stage 3
General view
General view
The beginning of the final stage was hectic, with lots of contact and several cars spinning. Chastain, Stenhouse, Hocevar, Preece, and Truex all lost ground due to spins or notable incidents.
On Lap 62, the final round of green-flag pit stops began with Bell ducking to the pits. Van Gisbergen followed suit two laps later, but before Gibbs could pit as well, everything changed.
Hocevar went for a spin in the final corner and stalled, forcing a yellow flag that proved costly for Gibbs. SVG cycled back to the race lead and avoided the restart chaos behind him, quickly pulling away from the field.
Advertisement
And while drivers fought over the lesser positions and there were some minor incidents, the caution flag never flew again. Of note, Hocevar and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. had another run-in, despite recent comments from the Spire Motorsport driver promising to back down the aggression. After the race, Stenhouse stuck his head into the window of Hocevar's car and appeared to shout at him.
To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Kraken and Blackhawks Swap Forwards In One-For-One Trade
Chicago Blackhawks center Joe Veleno (90) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Seattle Kraken have acquired Joe Veleno from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Andre Burakovsky. Veleno, a 25-year-old center, scored three goals and seven points in 18 games with the Blackhawks last season. Prior to his lone half-season with Chicago, Veleno was a first-round draft pick (30th overall) to the Detroit Red Wings, where he played 288 games, scoring 35 goals and 74 points. Advertisement Veleno enters the final year of a two-year contract he signed with the Red Wings, which pays him $2.275M annually. He'll be a restricted free agent following the conclusion of the season. Burakovsky, the Swedish winger heading the other way, needed a change of scenery. The 2024-25 season wasn't too kind to the 30-year-old, recording just 10 goals and 37 points in 79 games. Burakovsky's first two seasons were hampered by injuries, forcing him to play just 49 games each year. His first season with the Kraken was strong, but since then, he's been on a steady decline. Getting out of the last year of his $5.5M cap hit and acquiring a player that could be flipped at the deadline is smart business from the Kraken. Veleno will also require less ice time to be effective, which should free up additional ice time for the young crop of Kraken forwards. 'Andre was a valuable player for our organization during the three years he was here, and we wish him and his family the best of luck in Chicago," Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said of Burakovsky. "In return, we've acquired a young player with experience while also increasing our salary cap flexibility moving forward." Advertisement Acquiring Veleno is a low-risk move which could benefit the Kraken in the future. Stay updated with the most interesting Kraken stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story. Kraken Acquire Mason Marchment From The Stars Kraken Acquire Mason Marchment From The Stars The Seattle Kraken have acquired Mason Marchment from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2025 and a third-round pick in 2026.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Flyers Mock Draft: Expert Predicts Controversial Scenario
Can the Flyers really afford to pass on James Hagens? (Photo: David Reginek, Imagn Images) The 2025 NHL Draft is officially just one week away, and with that comes the final renditions of experts' Philadelphia Flyers mock drafts, complete with some educated guesses and inside scoops. This latest Flyers mock draft scenario, with all 224 picks predicted by The Athletic prospects expert Corey Pronman, might be controversial for some Flyers fans. A little more controversial than is par for the course, anyway. Advertisement In Pronman's latest mock draft, the Flyers stay put with the No. 6 overall pick and select Brantford Bulldogs center Jake O'Brien. Ok, so, what's the big deal? This one is more about who the Flyers did not pick rather than who they did. For example, Boston College ace James Hagens, compared to New Jersey Devils superstar Jack Hughes, goes two picks later to the Seattle Kraken, who already have Berkly Catton, Shane Wright, and Matty Beniers in their system. After Hagens goes Porter Martone, a bigger, meaner version of Matvei Michkov, to the Buffalo Sabres at No. 9. These two forwards are widely considered to be the two most talented on the board after consensus No. 1 Michael Misa, who went second in this mock draft with Matthew Schaefer, of course, going first. Flyers Draft 2025: Who Are the Best (and Worst) Trade-Up Targets for Philly? Flyers Draft 2025: Who Are the Best (and Worst) Trade-Up Targets for Philly? With seven picks in the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft, the possibilities are endless for the Advertisement Philadelphia Flyers. They could use all seven picks, trade up once, trade up twice, or even trade down like they did in 2024. "James Hagens is possible here, although it would give them a rather small core," Pronman wrote. "O'Brien makes a lot of sense, though, and people in the league think this is a possible landing spot for him as well." O'Brien is talented enough to go sixth, but probably not over Hagens and Martone. He's a playmaker in the purest sense of the term. O'Brien is big, crafty, has eyes in the back of his head, and can execute all the plays he imagines in his head. The two biggest knocks against him are his foot speed and one-dimensional approach; O'Brien tends to defer, which allows smarter defenders to simply sag, play the pass, and shut opportunities down before they arise. Advertisement And the latter may give some Flyers fans brief flashbacks to the unceremonious end to Morgan Frost's tenure on Broad Street. Skipping by the 22nd pick, Pronman also mocks right wings Jakob Ihs-Wozniak and Vaclav Nestrasil to the Flyers in the 30s, and Philadelphia ultimately passes on talents like Jack Murtagh (LW/C) and Semyon Frolov (G). Ivan Ryabkin, one of my "guys" for the Flyers this year based on his talent level and playstyle, does end up going to the Orange and Black after a lengthy fall down to 48. It should be noted, though, that with Frolov and Joshua Ravensbergen in range for the Flyers at different points in the mock draft, Pronman ultimately did not mock a single goalie to Philadelphia. Advertisement Given that the Flyers had the NHL's worst save percentage in 2024-25 and did not pick a single goalie in 2024, that is a scenario Danny Briere and Co. cannot afford to live out on the 28th. Otherwise, they're putting all their eggs in the baskets of Carson Bjarnason and Egor Zavragin, and it wouldn't be fair to paint them as the saviors in goal before they play a single pro game in North America. A controversial Flyers mock draft indeed, but it will be encouraging for fans to know how easy it will be to horde talent with the right choices made.
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
2 Reasons to Sell Tesla Stock in June 2025
Tesla (TSLA) remains one of the most important and influential stocks in the market. Whether you categorize TSLA as a so-called 'Magnificent Seven' stock or not, its market capitalization of more than $1 trillion means that wherever it trends, so go many passive investors' portfolios. Tesla's evolution to the leading U.S. electric vehicle (EV) maker initially had many investors excited. It's also true that Tesla has built an incredible company on this front alone. Dear Tesla Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for June 30 3 ETFs with Dividend Yields of 12% or Higher for Your Income Portfolio This Options Tool Can Show You How to Trade Tesla Stock Ahead of Robotaxi Day Our exclusive Barchart Brief newsletter is your FREE midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment - delivered right when you need the info most. Subscribe today! But much of the stock's recent rise can be tied to the firm's latest ambitions around autonomous driving, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, with new lower-priced models reportedly on the horizon, investors have a plethora of potential catalysts to look to as reasons to buy and hold Tesla stock, even at a valuation that many investors may be starting to question. In fact, a number of top experts have begun to do exactly just that. Let's dive into two recent downgrades for Tesla stock and why analysts may be souring on the firm's pathway forward. Analysts from Baird and Argus Research each recently downgraded TSLA stock, citing a number of concerns that they believe investors should be pricing in. Baird put a $320 price target on Tesla, which suggests that the stock (trading above that price target currently) could be a stagnant holding at best over the course of the next year. Baird analysts Ben Kallo and Davis Sunderland noted that Tesla investors' enthusiasm over what's expected to be a high-profile robotaxi launch, as well as a future including a lower-priced EV model, may be exaggerated. Specifically, these analysts project that only around 6,000 robotaxis are likely to hit the roads by the end of next year. That's a far cry from CEO Elon Musk's previous claims. Echoing this sentiment, Argus Research analyst Bill Selesky also downgraded Tesla stock to a 'Hold' rating, suggesting that non-fundamental factors have been unsustainably taking TSLA stock higher. With the macro environment being what it is, and added risk around Tesla stock tied to Musk's relationship with President Donald Trump, there are plenty of reasons aside from the removal of EV tax credits why TSLA may be on shaky footing. Factoring in the qualitative factors these analysts are talking about into any financial model of a company like Tesla is difficult. That said, there are a number of key fundamental metrics we can look at to determine whether Tesla may be overvalued on the basis of its core business alone. In terms of Tesla's overall valuation multiples relative to other automakers — which tend to trade around the single-digit or low double-digit price-earnings (P/E) levels — Tesla stock is certainly expensive. At a P/E ratio of 234 times, a price-sales ratio (P/S) of more than 10 times, and a price-book (P/B) value of nearly 14 times, Tesla is one heck of a pricy automaker when grouped with its larger global peers (in terms of overall sales volume). These multiples reflect some serious margin improvement due to non-EV related business lines picking up over the course of the coming years. And whether that's autonomous robotaxis, robots, Tesla's energy business, or a host of other potential catalysts that Musk will inevitably put forward, this multiple clearly isn't being assigned due to Tesla's core auto business. Overall, Wall Street analysts appear to be trending in the same direction as Argus and Baird. With a mean price target roughly 9% below where TSLA stock currently trades, experts may believe shares could have more downside from here. Indeed, the disparity between Tesla price targets, from a high of $500 to a low of $115, suggests that there's not a strong consensus on where TSLA is headed from here. At a trillion-dollar valuation, a surge to the $500 level would imply Tesla breaking back into the top 10 companies by market capitalization. But given the direction of other 'Magnificent Seven' stocks, it's hard to envision Tesla once again nearing the top of the market cap leaderboard. I tend to agree with the majority of analysts on Tesla stock at this point in time, and do think the various non-fundamental headwinds facing the company are real. We'll have to see where Tesla trends from here. But for now, I'll happily steer clear and watch from the sidelines. On the date of publication, Chris MacDonald did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Sign in to access your portfolio
