SHANE van Gisbergen has enjoyed a strong run in his latest NASCAR Truck Series cameo, recovering from a penalty to finish fourth at Richmond Raceway after earlier qualifying on his first oval track pole position in stock car racing.
From four starts this season in the third-tier series, he has amassed three top-four finishes, after claiming third at Watkins Glen and North Wilkesboro.
After leading the opening two laps, van Gisbergen was overhauled by Kaden Honeycutt, who went on to claim a dominant victory – his 225 laps led was the first time a driver has led over 200 laps in a single race in the series since 2012.
The pair of stages provided the #7 with strong owners’ points, with SVG claiming second and fifth respectively, with tyre life a factor at the end of the second stage as he lost ground.
SVG’s race unravelled when a lost wheel in a pit stop led to a penalty that mired van Gisbergen to the tail of the lead lap in 18th.
However, by running long and getting a caution on lap 216 of 250, he moved back up the running order despite another bobble in the pits.
For today’s crucial NASCAR Cup Series race in Richmond, van Gisbergen will line up from position 31.
With only three races remaining before the cut-off for The Chase, SVG is clinging on to a postseason berth by sitting 15th in the points standings.
The race is set for a 9:10am AEST green flag.
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