NASCAR takeaways: Shane van Gisbergen celebrates new contract, dad's visit at Watkins Glen
Is there still time to renegotiate?
The 36-year-old NASCAR Cup Series rookie celebrated his new contract extension with Trackhouse Racing by winning his fourth road-course race of the season Sunday, Aug. 10, at Watkins Glen. He led 38 of the 90 laps and finished 11 seconds in front of runner-up Christopher Bell.
In the process, van Gisbergen set a new Cup Series record, becoming the first rookie to capture four races in a season. He is now tied with Denny Hamlin for the most victories in 2025.
Is there any chance to add a few more zeroes to his deal?
'That's the stuff you dream about, right?' SVG said on the USA broadcast after his burnout. 'I'm just a very lucky guy to get to drive for an amazing bunch of people and just execute. The day just went flawlessly. I can't believe it. Really enjoyed it.'
Chris Buescher, William Byron and Chase Briscoe followed van Gisbergen and Bell to the stripe, solidifying the top five. The afternoon produced just three cautions, two of which arrived for the stage breaks.
1. Here's why SVG's win at Watkins Glen was important
Not only did van Gisbergen just ink a new contract, his dad was in attendance to watch his triumph at Watkins Glen. The father-son duo had not seen each other since Christmas.
'It's been a very tough year for dad,' van Gisbergen said. 'He hasn't been able to travel, so to have him here for the next three weeks and to share this with him, it's amazing.'
The victory also gives van Gisbergen 22 playoff points. If the No. 88 Chevy is able to turn in a solid performance or two during the first round of the postseason, a trip to Round 2 seems almost guaranteed.
And Round 2 features a road course. He's claimed four of those in a row.
SVG knows the reality, though.
'It ain't gonna be easy,' he said. 'That's for sure.'
2. NASCAR playoff standings: Chris Buescher stays happy
Buescher went to Victory Lane at Watkins Glen last season, and though he failed to repeat Sunday, he completed another objective. He continued building his playoff case.
Buescher ran second behind van Gisbergen until the final lap when Bell sped past him. Buescher placed third.
He also collected Stage 1 and the resulting points.
Overall, Buescher gained 12 points and sits 34 in front of the postseason cutline. He holds the 16th and final spot.
Ryan Preece remains in 17th after a 13th-place finish. Every driver behind Buescher and Preece probably needs a miracle (read: a win) to surpass them.
3. NASCAR schedule brings Richmond for start of Saturday Night Fever
The last two races of the Cup Series' regular season will be Saturday night affairs, starting this coming week at Richmond Raceway. With the Xfinity Series taking the week off, it'll be the Truck Series on Friday night followed by Saturday night's Cook Out 400 on the speedy three-quarter-mile oval.
And for something different and probably fun, tune in Sunday to watch the ARCA Series race the one-mile dirt oval — the Springfield Mile — at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Full-bodied stock cars on the dirt, Sunday afternoon at 2 on FS1.
— Ken Willis contributed to this story
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NASCAR results today: SVG is Go Bowling at The Glen race winner
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