Like a Duck to Water: SVG makes NASCAR history

Following a successful qualifying session, The Trackhouse Racing team, who invited the Kiwi as a wild card entry, stated that the data gained from SVG has been invaluable and they couldn't be more impressed with the Kiwi. To which van Gisbergen said. Hold my Red Bull.

The race was delayed by about an hour due to torrential rain and standing water. However, once underway, SVG had no problem keeping up with front runners Christopher Bell and NASCAR legend Kyle Larson. He even reached as high as P2 on pit sequence and led the race for several laps. As the circuit dried, SVG dropped to P5 but quickly seized an opportunity to reclaim fourth.

Everything was going well for the Kiwi until the halfway point when all the front runners pitted during one of the yellow flag periods. However, NASCAR race control decided to shorten the race due to the delayed start. This decision disadvantaged those drivers who were in the pitlane when the call was made.

Unfortunately, William Byron hit the wall and spun, causing a log jam of vehicles that blocked the circuit completely causing yet another yellow flag.

When the dust settled, SVG was disappointingly down to P18. But in true SVG style, he kept his head down and looked to reclaim track position. And reclaim he did. He promptly moved to P8 with 15 laps to go, with a run catching the attention of every NASCAR fan. He began picking off the field, setting the fastest lap in the process and gaining a second on the race leaders with every lap.

Within 7 laps, SVG stole P2 and found himself remarkably fighting for the lead. Although a late yellow flag and safety car once again reduced the number of laps, SVG had just 5 laps to make his move.

He remained completely composed despite the high stakes and immediately after the restart, he outmaneuvered Hayley and took the lead. Hayley tried his best to challenge, but SVG anticipated the move and countered with a much faster speed on the exit of the turn.

Another yellow flag forced the race into overtime with 3 laps to go. Hayley and Chase Elliott positioned themselves for an aggressive restart, but Shane van Gisbergen was simply in command. Too much speed, too much talent. The field couldn’t match the pace of the 3 time Supercars Champion.

In his first NASCAR race, despite seldom driving left-hand drive before, SVG won with ease, pulling away with every turn. He became the first driver in NASCAR to win on their debut race since 1963. There's no doubt that it was the Best. NASCAR. Race. Ever.