Van Gisbergen returns to Chicago, where his NASCAR career began: 'It changed my life'
Briefly

Shane van Gisbergen won the inaugural NASCAR street course event in Chicago on July 2, 2023, marking a significant turn in his career. Following this victory, Trackhouse Racing signed him to a developmental deal for 2024. He transitioned from a successful career in Australian Supercars, where he was a three-time champion, to race full-time in the Xfinity Series, achieving three wins and competing in 12 additional Cup Series races. Chicago's street race has been well-received, though it faces a potential end to its contract.
"It changed my life 180 degrees," Van Gisbergen said. He remembers his first career win vividly, admitting that he was very much in the moment. It was the best of his life, he says.
Chicago will host its third consecutive, and perhaps final, NASCAR event this weekend. The street race is in the third and final year of its contract, but there are option years that would allow the city and NASCAR to keep it on the schedule.
Van Gisbergen won that race on July 2, 2023. Two months later on Sept. 13, Trackhouse Racing announced it had signed him to a developmental deal for 2024.
"It doesn't feel like it's been two years," he told ESPN. "But so much has happened since then. Yeah, amazing. We had a really strong car there last year, too, and had the potential to win it again.
Read at ESPN.com
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