UPDATE: NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane van Gisbergen expressed deep frustration following his elimination from the playoffs at Bristol earlier today. The New Zealander, who had a strong debut season with four wins, will not compete for the 2025 title, joining fellow drivers Josh Berry, Alex Bowman, and Austin Dillon in playoff exits.
In a race marked by tire issues, Goodyear had to provide additional tire sets as drivers struggled with performance. Van Gisbergen’s chances were severely hampered after he spun out twice, costing him crucial positions and any hope of advancing in the championship race. Despite his earlier success, including a significant advantage of 22 playoff bonus points, the 36-year-old driver now shifts his focus to finishing the season strong.
“This is a privilege to be here but also p***ed at myself,” van Gisbergen said in a candid post-race interview. “I’ve been really doing well, but I just haven’t performed the last couple weeks.” He acknowledged his need for improvement, saying, “I blame myself at the moment, but thanks to the Trackhouse team, we’ve had an awesome year.”
As he steps back from individual competition, van Gisbergen is not leaving his team behind. He confirmed plans to assist teammate Ross Chastain as he advances to the Round of 12. “I’ll do everything I can prep-wise, help him study,” he stated, emphasizing that the priority is to ensure Chastain reaches the finals.
The impact of van Gisbergen’s exit is significant, as he was poised to be the first foreign driver to finish above eighth in the Cup Series. With positions from P5 to P16 still up for grabs, he can still conclude the season on a high note, but the pressure is on to deliver improved performances.
Van Gisbergen’s emotional response reflects the high stakes of NASCAR’s playoff system, where every race counts. Fans are eager to see how he will channel this disappointment into motivation as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NASCAR Cup Series continues to unfold.
