Shane van Gisbergen missed the Chase, however he continues to make positive aspects on the ovals, incomes a top-five end at Martinsville Speedway.
Van Gisbergen began twenty ninth and did not make it to the highest ten till the ultimate stage of the race, however he made a lot of his progress in the course of the lengthy green-flag runs.
He was the one driver who began exterior the highest 20 to complete inside the highest 10, and was set to battle teammate Ross Chastain for that prime 5 earlier than a pit cease error knocked Chastain down the order.
That left Van Gisbergen as Trackhouse’s highest finisher, putting fifth for his third-ever oval prime 5 within the Cup Collection. He additionally completed fifth at Nashville and North Wilkesboro earlier this 12 months, and his earlier finest outcome at Martinsville was a twelfth as a part-time driver in 2024.
“I suppose the Wendy’s automotive is nice luck,” stated Van Gisbergen with a smile. “We received one other prime 5 with it, so fairly stoked with that. Simply an superior day. Pissed at myself (for) yesterday qualifying. If we began up entrance, perhaps we might have had a greater shot. Due to my Trackhouse staff all day. We simply methodically labored ahead. Bought in a pair little incidents, fastened it up, and received a very good outcome.”
He later added in a separate interview: “I undoubtedly really feel like I’m getting there, because of having an excellent staff round me … The primary stage was superior with the completely different methods. We managed to remain on the lead lap and we simply saved working ahead. I loved it.”
Van Gisbergen stays the highest-ranked driver exterior the Chase area, holding seventeenth within the standings with a 29-point benefit over teammate Chastain getting into the Homestead finale.
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