Van Gisbergen Wins Chicago Xfinity Race After Controversial Pass, Near Burnout Incident

Shane van Gisbergen secured his second consecutive win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Chicago Street Race, narrowly defeating teammate Connor Zilisch in a dramatic two-lap dash to the finish. The race was marked by a pivotal restart where van Gisbergen made a decisive pass into Turn 1, causing light contact that sent Zilisch into the outside wall, which Zilisch later described as a racing incident rather than dirty driving. Van Gisbergen celebrated with a burnout that nearly endangered a cameraman, though no injuries occurred. Both drivers, who are expected to be full-time Cup Series teammates by 2026, showed mutual respect post-race, with Zilisch acknowledging he could have raced more aggressively and van Gisbergen praising the young competitor. The event highlighted van Gisbergen's continued dominance at Chicago, having won there in multiple series since 2023, and showcased the emerging rivalry and camaraderie between the experienced Kiwi driver and the young American talent. This battle is seen as a preview of intensified competition in future NASCAR seasons.