The Heartbreak Behind Shane Van Gisbergen's Watkins Glen Win
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NASCAR driver Shane Van Ginsbergen detailed his father's personal problems over the past year after winning at Watkins Glen.
The well-travelled Kiwi captured his fourth win of the season from second place at the start.
He won in Mexico, Chicago, and Sonoma this season as well, adding to a successful year with Trackhouse Racing.
During the past year, Van Ginsbergen's father, Robert, has not been at the races to celebrate with his son, battling illness and loss in his life.
Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, celebrates with his father, Robert van Gisbergen, Jessica Dane and his dog, Ronald in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The...
Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, celebrates with his father, Robert van Gisbergen, Jessica Dane and his dog, Ronald in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York More
Photo byRobert suffered the loss of Shane's mother, Karen Wallace, after she fell ill. Additionally, Robert's sister and mother passed away during this period.
Luckily, Shane had his father present for his most recent win.
"It's been pretty difficult," the NASCAR driver said after his victory on Sunday.
"He lost his wife, my mother, and then his sister, and then his mum a month or so ago.
"It's been a really rough run for Dad. It's hard to support him when I'm on the other side of the world. That's probably why I'm the most homesick.
"Then my sister has moved away as well, so he's kind of by himself all of a sudden.
"I try and talk to him every day. To have him here – like he was almost in tears, too – it's really special to share that because we're a long way from home."
Robert is expected to join Shane for the remaining regular season stretch at Richmond and Daytona before the playoffs begin.
With his father at his side, van Gisbergen hopes for more success with his support system around him.
"It's obviously something to dream about winning on an oval, and superspeedways. I've had some pretty good moments there," van Gisbergen added.
"Last year, I think Talladega... Kaulig was a smaller team, Dad was on the front row of the pit box, helping with the strategy, or talking with Travis Mack on the strategy. You know, he loves it.
"I'd love to have a good result with him the next couple weeks.
"He's driving the bus for me with his friend Jason to those races. I'll probably drive to Daytona with them, and it'll be a good time like we used to do."
Van Gisbergen will enter the NASCAR playoffs after his success this season, where he will hope to cap off a fantastic season with a championship.
For more NASCAR news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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