Kiwi driver Shane van Gisbergen has overcome illness to book his place in the Nascar Cup playoffs after securing a historic win in the inaugural race in Mexico City.
The 36-year-old started on pole and led for 60 laps at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, to claim his second career win inthe Cup series, following his triumph at the Chicago Street Race in his debut race in 2023.
The race was the first points-paying race outside of the United States since 1958, adding to the moment for van Gisbergen.
The race was impacted by weather, which went under a yellow flag caution on six occasions as drivers struggled with a slippery track.
After crossing the line 16s ahead of his nearest opponent, van Gisbergen did some burnouts before booting a rugby ball inside the stands.
The Trackhouse Racing driver said it was one of his best ever races.
“I’ve been privileged to have some great ones in my time, but when I go slow I lose concentration so I was just trying to stay in a rhythm and a routine,” said van Gisbergen.
“Josh [Williams] and Stephen [Doran] were doing a great job keeping me calm and focused. Man, that was epic.”
Last season was van Gisbergen’s first full year based in the United States, where he split his time between the Cup series and the second tier Xfinity series, where he won three races.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
