Shane van Gisbergen Does it Again!

August 11, 2025

August 11, 2025 | Edition #214

👋 Dear Motorheads,

Mark Martin is joining the Lucky Dog on Track crew! And if you’re a NASCAR fan, you already know that’s huge. We kicked off Lucky Dog last March with one simple idea: if a ‘Lucky Dog’ gets a second shot on the track, why not give NASCAR the same kind of comeback in today’s sports world? Since then, the newsletter has turned into THE hangout for fans who want more than just race recaps. And now, with one of the sport’s most respected voices in the mix, things are about to get even better.

 📰 Stories You Don’t Wanna Miss!

Mark Martin Joins Lucky Dog on Track as Our Newest Athlete Voice

Mark Martin’s career has never been just about the numbers on a box score. It’s about showing up through the grind, the rivalries, the highs, and the heartbreaks—and still having the guts to get back in the seat, again and again. And over decades, that’s exactly what got him the kind of respect you can’t fake, earned with skill, grit, and the honest way he carried himself on and off the track.

Now, he’s bringing that same honesty to Lucky Dog on Track through our Athlete Creator Program at EssentiallySports. We’re talking first-hand takes on today’s racing world, untold stories from his career, and even some excerpts from his upcoming book.

“I’ll also be previewing parts of my upcoming book,” Mark told us. “It takes you through all the heartbreak and glory. I’m excited to share it with all the racing fans and for them to get a chance to get to know the man behind the wheel.”

And this isn’t just a quick drop-in. You’ll see Mark’s work in all kinds of formats—articles, features in the newsletter, and exclusive videos to bring those moments to life. It’s the first time he’s committed to writing regularly for a media platform, and yeah… we’re pretty stoked about it.

So buckle up. One of NASCAR’s straightest shooters is about to take you inside the sport like only he can. The stories from the garage, the grind, and the glory days will have you picking your jaw off the floor.

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🏁 Sunday’s Race Report

SVG Etches Another Record in the History Books

🏆 Shane van Gisbergen became the third driver in Cup Series history to win five races after making his debut at 34 or older.

🤏 Christopher Bell continued his road-course dominance with his third top-five finish in three appearances on such tracks.

🫤 Chris Buescher’s third-place finish was his best Cup Series result in the last eight races.

📊 Other Notable stats from the weekend

  • For the second straight season, Chase Elliott has completed all but one lap in the first 23 races.

  • Shane van Gisbergen becomes the quickest driver to reach 5 wins (38 starts) in the modern era.

  • For the first time since 2016, Kyle Larson started a Cup Series race worse than 25th and finished worse than 35th.

Shane van Gisbergen has done it again! The Kiwi racer secured yet another road course victory this time at Watkins Glen. No one came close to matching his pace as he crossed the start-finish line 11 seconds ahead of Christopher Bell.

It was redemption from last year’s heartbreaking finish. Chris Buescher, charging from second place, threaded the needle in making a pass for the lead on the final lap. The two drivers even banged bumpers, but it was all good, hard racing that saw Buscher topple the mighty SVG on his stomping ground. But the Kiwi driver set the record straight this time around.

It’s been quite a season for the 36-year-old, who broke the record for the most wins in a rookie year, surpassing the three-win rookie seasons of legends such as Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson. As things stand, all five of his Cup wins have come on road or street courses, putting him alongside Dan Gurney as the only driver who has started their NASCAR career this way. 

Starting behind pole-sitter Ryan Blaney, Shane van Gisbergen dropped to 12th after a pit call before the end of Stage 2. However, he quickly gained track positions as the laps ticked on and got back in contention during the final stage.

Van Gisbergen cycled back into the lead with a perfectly timed pit stop with 27 laps to go. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell went past Chris Buescher to take second place, while William Byron was fourth and Chase Briscoe fifth. What made SVG’s win even more special was that his father was there to see him win for the first time. After losing his wife and his sister, SVG’s dad was feeling lonely, and that void was filled with wholesome celebrations in victory lane.

Listen to SVG express the significance of this win for his family.

Shane van Gisbergen did his signature celebration, autographed a rugby ball, and kicked it into the grandstand. With just two races remaining, the Kiwi now sits second in the regular-season standings, tied with Denny Hamlin for most wins at four and holding 22 playoff points. Could a championship run be on the cards? Time will tell.

🔎 The In-Depth View

NASCAR Playoff Picture Gets More Complicated

The clock is ticking. Two races, three playoff spots. Drivers have a real decision to make ahead of the race in Richmond. Should they take the gamble and throw everything at a win, or protect their points and hope that others mess up? The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been, and a single point can decide their fate.

After the win at Watkins Glen, Shane van Gisbergen has jumped into the No. 3 seed, while Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman is feeling the pressure. Although he’s still ahead of Buescher (who holds the final playoff spot), the RFK Racing driver gained 14 points on him at ‘The Glen’ and now trails by just 26. Check out the updated playoffs standings here.

Buscher had a great day at the road course, finishing highest in the bubble after coming third. He gained 12 points on teammate Ryan Preece and is now 34 points clear in the standings. He said after the race, “The next two weeks just need to be solid weeks too. We go there, we bring fast Mustangs… take care of itself with that.” 

As for the No. 60 Ford driver, he just cannot afford a fumble. Ryan Preece has been surprisingly consistent and had consecutive top 5 finishes coming into Glen. But a 13th-place finish hurt his chances of advancing to the postseason. Preece sounded frustrated after the race as he understands that he has his back against the wall heading into the final two regular-season races.

Mathematically, Kyle Busch is still in the race, but ‘Rowdy’ is 102 points behind, which means nothing less than a victory at Richmond or Daytona will be enough to make it to the playoffs. Tyler Reddick, on the other hand, is 117 points above the cutline, which means he’s locked in unless something drastic happens. Ty Gibbs is also in must-win territory in the upcoming races.

The playoff format is simple. Win and you’re in. If no winless driver takes the checkered flag in the next two races, the remaining spots will go to the drivers with the most points. That’s good news for Tyler Reddick, but the likes of Bush or Gibbs can’t leave anything to chance. It’s all or nothing for both of them.

📈 Trending News

Carson Hocevar Drops His Tough Demeanor

The tension between Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith has been simmering for quite a while now, and the race at Watkins Glen introduced a brand-new twist. It’s no secret that both of them have been taking swipes at each other ever since their run-in at Iowa Speedway. But something strange happened last Sunday.

With just five laps to go, Zane Smith caught up to Hocevar’s back bumper. But instead of retaliating, the Spire Motorsports driver uncharacteristically eased up coming out of Turn 5 and let the No. 38 have the spot. After the race, Hocevar leaned into Smith’s window, and his message took everyone by surprise. It was a sharp U-turn from his unapologetic behavior, like we saw at Atlanta and Michigan.

Hocevar was referencing the late-race incident that he let go, with the No. 77 Chevy finishing one spot behind Smith in 18th place. That’s a big change from how things were just a week ago. Smith had bluntly called Hocevar a “dumb [expletive]” in an interview and went on to say, “I was teammates with him, and everyone at that race shop, everyone in this garage, realizes he’s an idiot.” 

It all started at Iowa when Hocevar got loose to Smith’s left entering Turn 1, slid up the banking, and slammed into the No. 38’s left-rear quarter panel. Smith spun, hit the SAFER barrier, and then tried to retaliate, only to miss the No. 77’s bumper by mere inches. 

But the drama didn’t end after the checkered flag was waved. Smith’s crew chief, Ryan Bergenty, went on a tirade when Hocevar was giving his post-race interview, saying, “Hey, when are you going to learn to f****** drive, dude? I mean, you wiped us the f*** out.”

After the race at Watkins Glen, Hocevar’s small but thoughtful gesture may finally bring down the tempers between the two teams. Perhaps this is a sign that Hocevar is learning from his past mistakes and trying to make amends.

  1. Chase Elliott & Co. Under Fire After Poor Watkins Glen Results - Full Story

  2. Christopher Bell Admits Weakness Which Cost Him a Win at Watkins Glen - Full Story

  3. Daniel Suárez Eyes Memorable Trackhouse Send-Off - Full Story

  4. “I Have No Idea”: Shane van Gisbergen Admits to Hopes Running Thin for Playoffs - Full Story

  5. Justin Marks Spills the Secret Behind Rick Hendrick’s Unshakable Dominance - Full Story

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