Regardless of Mexico win, SVG says “I have to hold getting higher to justify” Cup experience

When Shane van Gisbergen crossed the end line in Mexico Metropolis, he was over 16 seconds away from runner-up finisher Christopher Bell within the largest margin of victory in any NASCAR Cup race because the 2009 season.

He as soon as once more showcased his otherworldly talents as a highway course ace, however ultimately, highway programs solely make up six of the 36 races on the Cup schedule, and only one within the playoffs.

“That is why I am right here, to win highway races,” stated van Gisbergen. “However I am not right here to run final on the ovals both. I have to hold getting higher to justify being a Cup Collection driver. I must be acting on the ovals, too.

“I really feel like we’re actually making strides, however yeah, that is what I am right here to do, make the playoffs, put one other Trackhouse automotive within the playoffs, and yeah, cannot wait to do the victory lunch in the course of the week at Trackhouse and simply see how stoked everyone seems to be there.

“You see the trouble everybody places in, and they do not get the glory. They’re simply caught on the store. I really like taking that and sharing that second with them in the course of the week.”

All the time bettering on ovals

SVG’s yr acquired off to a sluggish begin with six finishes of thirty first or worst within the first eight oval races. Nevertheless, he has proven a dramatic enchancment in current weeks with three high 20s within the final 4 races — in addition to a pole place within the All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro.

“I get higher and extra aggressive on ovals,” famous SVG. “I stated earlier, my common oval operating place has gone from eighty fifth to tenth to twentieth or tenth to fifteenth on a great day. Like we’re actually making a number of progress and type of not been forcing. I have been methodical, acquired higher each acquired higher each week, and it will been actually enjoyable working with my #88 crew all yr, however the final couple of months, yeah, it has been nice to point out some enchancment and be aggressive.”

Van Gisbergen’s finest displaying on ovals truly got here with Kaulig Racing final fall at Martinsville, ending twelfth. His finest displaying this yr was 14th within the Coca-Cola 600. Whereas studying ovals within the Xfinity Collection, he completed as excessive as third at Atlanta Motor Speedway.