Ross Chastain explains why Shane van Gisbergen’s Coca-Cola 600 outing was ‘not surprising’

Ross Chastain says Shane van Gisbergen can ‘find the limit’

Van Gisbergen started third after qualifying was cancelled due to rain, with the grid instead set by the qualifying metric from the previous weekend at Watkins Glen.

The Trackhouse Racing driver made the most of the strong starting position, picking up stage points in each of the first three stages and running near the front for most of the event.

Chastain said the performance reflected what the Trackhouse organisation already believed about Van Gisbergen’s talent level.

“I’m not surprised,” Chastain said.

“We’re all trying to figure out what our Trackhouse cars want and need for us to drive them.”

Chastain also pushed back against criticism surrounding Van Gisbergen’s ability on high-speed oval circuits.

“People can downplay his oval, banking racing. It’s not true. He can drive a car. He can find the limit.”

Shane van Gisbergen delivered strongest oval showing yet

Van Gisbergen’s pace remained among the strongest in the field for much of the race as Trackhouse Racing continued adjusting the car throughout the changing track conditions.

The No. 97 Chevrolet reportedly started out tight but improved as the track cooled later in the evening.

A strategy gamble during one caution period also briefly elevated Van Gisbergen into second place before older tyres eventually caused him to slip backwards.

Despite ultimately finishing 11th, the race was widely viewed as another major step forward in Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR development on ovals.

Chastain believes the New Zealander’s ceiling remains even higher once the team continues refining its setups.

“I keep saying, when the car is right he’ll be able to put it there. It definitely is not surprising to me.”