Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola didn’t go as planned for Shane Van Gisbergen. The New Zealander was looking comfortable in the Xfinity Series race, trying to squeeze in the top 15. But just when all was looking fine for the #97, Lap 96 came up; full of astonishment and surprise. The race, which looked like a decent finish for the 35-year-old, ended up in a disappointment. He crashed at the Daytona Intentional Speedway as Ryan Truex sailed past others at the historic venue.

However, there is still hope for the New Zealander. The 35-year-old is sitting right at the qualification spot in 12th place with 532 points. Shane Van Gisbergen is right in the mix, provided that he performs consistently in the remaining three races. But if fate has decided something else for him, like what happened at Daytona, it’s a different matter altogether. There were several such moments in the race where the 35-year-old could do nothing much except take a satirical jibe at the moment.

Luck did not favor Kaulig racing ace driver at Daytona

The big one in Daytona at Lap 96 was the least of troubles for Shane Van Gisbergen. The more troublesome of the entire race for the New Zealander was the severe damage his car had to face because of the wrecking incident that involved multiple Xfinity cars. Particularly to the front end, which severely harmed his prospects in the race. The Kaulig Racing team would now be dedicating more time and energy to the damages done to the No. 71.

It was a helpless situation for the New Zealander. The 35-year-old could do little to help himself except hope that the no.71 was ready and math fit for the next race. Talking about the Daytona experience, when Van Gisbergen was asked about his experience of the race, he had this to say, “We have a race for us like I couldn’t even go flat through the travel at the start.” He did, however, admit that his car faced significant issues after the wreck. Acknowledging the same, Van Gisbergen further added, “There was something odd in the car. You know normally these and races, these cars are like a lounge, here so, yeah, we kind of struggle all night.”

But the sarcastic bone of the 35-year-old did find a way to chuckle. When asked about his mental status after he re-joined the race following the incident, Van Gisbergen sarcastically asked, “Which time?” referring to the sheer number of times he had to head towards the pit stop to get the repair done. But it was already too late. The repairs affected his overall standings, forcing him to finish in the 25th spot.

SVG was not the only one to have suffered serious damage because of the wreck. Several other drivers were on the receiving end of this unfortunate incident as well. The most prominent name amongst such drivers is Justin Allgaier. He was right amongst the leaders of the race; in contention for the top spot before the clash at Lap 96. However, he was there at the wrong place and at the wrong time. Allgaier found himself right in the middle of the wreck, causing heavy damage to his car. Austin Hill and Sheldon Creed were on the receiving end of this incident as well.

The 35-year-old racer from New Zealand is currently holding on to the playoff spot with 532 points. But, his position is not safe as of now. With three remaining races, racers like Sam Mayer and Brandon Jones are trying hard to catch him up. Just 5 points currently separate Van Gisbergen and Mayer. Therefore, Van Gisbergen can neither afford complacency nor more Daytona-like incidents.

However, not everything has been disappointing with Shane Van Gisbergen. A Cup Series entry awaits the 35-year-old next season.

Shane Van Gisbergen is in the Cup Series next year!

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While his racetrack experience in the Xfinity series has not been up to the mark of late, exciting news has come up for Shane Van Gisbergen and his fans for the future. Trackhouse Racing, the parent team of the racer, has announced that the 35-year-old will be racing in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025. Van Gisbergen will be driving the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro. Trackhouse Racing received a third charter from Steward Hass Racing. Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez are the other two Cup Series drivers for Trackhouse Racing.

Shane Van Gisbergen started his racing career in New Zealand racing as a Formula First and Formula Ford driver. The 35-year-old made entry into NASCAR in 2023. He won the inaugural edition of the Chicago Street Race in his maiden Cup Series start. Following that, Kaulig Racing and Trackhouse Racing partnered together for the New Zealander, which marked the beginning of his Xfinity career.

What are your thoughts on his prospects at the Cup Series? Do you think he will be able to secure a playoff spot in the Xfinity Series this year? Tell us in the comments down below.