“It is what it is”: Shane van Gisbergen after pitstop decision contributed to his playoff disappointment

NASCAR driver Shane van Gisbergen narrowly missed out on continuing his journey in the 2024 Xfinity Series playoffs. Following the end of the race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, van Gisbergen reflected on his performance.

Shane van Gisbergen pilots the #97 Chevrolet Camaro for Kaulig Racing, competing full-time in the Xfinity Series. The three-time Australian Supercars champion made headlines after winning his NASCAR debut in Chicago, demonstrating his expertise on road courses.

Additionally, van Gisbergen showcased his versatility by securing a top-five finish in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, further cementing his status as a top-tier driver across various motorsports disciplines.

Van Gisbergen secured pole position in the Drive For The Cure 250 playoff race at Charlotte, and remained among the frontrunners for most of the race. SVG finished Stage 1 in P2, and Stage 2 in P7. However, despite crossing the finish line in P3, Shane van Gisbergen could not make it to the playoffs. In a post-race interview, the 35-year-old reflected on the race(via Frontstretch).

"I don't know, you're obviously in pain cause you wanted to get through but you know, I guess last week really hurt us, and then yeah making that call at the end, bit different to others but whether we won or not it, um yeah, it's a tough one but proud of the WeatherTech Kaulig Racing team. We had really good speed, but not quite there," van Gisbergen said

With 22 laps to go, the caution flag came out because Thomas Annunziata's #35 Toyota went into the SAFER Barriers. Nearly everyone on the track, including race winner Sam Meyer decided to pit, however, a call was made to keep Van Gisbergen out on the track and maintain his position. On being asked about this decision, he said:

"It is what it is you know, there's always going to be some fast cars battling, #48 got through really good, who knows but in reality, it comes down to last week"

Shane van Gisbergen is in his rookie Xfinity Series season, where he has secured 3 race wins and 7 top-five finishes in 29 races. Moreover, the New Zealander has also secured pole three times this season, and feels he's "getting a lot better."

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"We're here to win the race": Shane van Gisbergen sets expectations for Cup race following second pole at Charlotte ROVAL

Shane van Gisbergen is considered a top contender on road courses. However, despite a disappointing day in the Xfinity Series, the New Zealander secured pole position for the Bank of America ROVAL 400 playoff race in the Cup Series.

SVG narrowly beat 23XI Racing's Tyler Reddick who was on provisional pole until van Gisbergen secured a time of 1:22.704, five-hundredths of a second faster than Reddick. Following the end of the session, the 35-year-old said:

"Thank you to this Kauling Racing team, last-minute deal to come and race here so thanks to Matt(Kaulig) and the guys for letting me uh run their car and of course WeatherTech for coming on board too so, Chevys really quick"

On being asked how he would maintain his track position, the New Zealand native said:

"Just make sure we race clean you know. There's a lot of playoff guys around me, I have to race respectfully but yeah, we're here to win the race."

Van Gisbergen has featured in nine Cup Series races so far in 2024, with his best performance being finishing second in the Go Bowling at The Glen on September 15.