Shane van Gisbergen dazzled in the streets of Chicago with a dominant performance in Saturday’s (July 5) The Loop 110, passing JR Motorsports teammate Connor Zilisch on the final restart to score back-to-back NASCAR Xfinity Series wins in the Windy City.

An untimely caution and subsequent pit stop on lap 26 dropped van Gisbergen to 25th after leading from the pole. He fought through heavy traffic and gritted out a mid-race cool suit failure to complete the comeback. He did so with temperatures around 95 degrees outside and even hotter inside of his No. 9 racecar.

Shane van Gisbergen Completes Perfect Windy City Saturday With Xfinity Win

He was treated and released from the care center around 7:35 p.m. local time. He’ll start on the pole for Sunday’s (July 6) Grant Park 165 and will look to double up by sweeping the weekend and scoring his second NASCAR Cup Series win of the 2025 season.

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Stephen Stumpf is the NASCAR Content Director for Frontstretch and is a three-year veteran of the site. His weekly column is “Stat Sheet,” and he formerly wrote “4 Burning Questions” for three years. He also writes commentaries, contributes to podcasts, edits articles and is frequently at the track for on-site coverage.

Find Stephen on Twitter @stephen_stumpf

By Jerry Jordan, Editor

CHICAGO – The NASCAR in-season bracket challenge is having its intended effect, even if it’s with drivers who weren’t expected to advance past the first round, like Ty Dillon.

This past week, Dillon, who was the No. 32 seed in the rankings, knocked out No. 1 seed Denny Hamlin. That would be somewhat similar to Mississippi State Bulldogs beating the Auburn Tigers in this year’s NCAA Championships. Although Hamlin’s elimination from the bracket came after he was involved in a multi-car crash at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the outcome propelled Dillon to the next round, facing off this week on the Chicago Street Course against Brad Keselowski.

During his post-race interviews, Dillon chided Hamlin’s fans with, “I beat your favorite driver.” It’s a phrase that Hamlin routinely uses after he wins a race, embracing his “bad guy” role in the sport.

“Yeah, you know, obviously we’re quite overlooked going into that race, probably rightfully so coming in as a 32 seed against a one seed,” Dillon told members of the media during his driver appearance in Chicago. “We’ve been getting a lot of comments, calls, and even walking around here in Chicago, I feel like the fan enthusiasm. I usually get a couple, hey, Ty, but like some more enthusiastic fan interaction already. So that’s been fun. You know, I think a lot of credit goes to Denny as well. He’s leaned into the Denny versus the world thing the last year or so and built up a bit of a villain role, and it’s been fun. And when drivers kind of lean into some kind of entertainment part of our roles, it opens up doors for us, other guys to show some of our personality. And I think without Denny opening up to his fans a little bit or opening up to the sport a little bit, there’s not that opportunity for people to see me when we excel in a situation. And NASCAR also adding to it, doing the bracket challenge to add something interesting throughout the year that gives us a little chance to talk trash and go at each other a little bit and in a good fun (way).  So, it was just a good moment.”

To his credit, rather than rally his fans against Dillon, Hamlin went on his podcast, Actions Detrimental, and told everyone to give Dillon his due, as he had earned the right to engage in a little trash-talking.

“I see people giving Ty Dillon a lot of flak,” Hamlin said on the show. “Give him his moment, people. He beat me.”

When asked about it on Saturday, Hamlin said, “I think that’s one of the things that the In-Season Tournament was meant to do, right? To create a rivalry that maybe you wouldn’t think of. While that rivalry may only last one week, the social media content will live on for forever for it.”

Dillon confessed he had planned his response once he knew that Hamlin was officially knocked out of the race, adding that the banter is good for the sport.

“I said, ‘Hey, give me a second after this interview, I got something to say,’” Dillon said. “So, somewhat spontaneous, I guess you could call it that, but it was there. It was always there, and I just wanted to lean into it a little bit.”

Afterward, he said he texted Hamlin, who had no issues with his comments.

“Yeah, I sent him a text afterward and just said, hey, man, just having fun with your friends,” Dillon said. “I hate that you got taken out. We didn’t get to race straight up as much as we probably wanted to, but he was like, ‘man, I loved it.’ That was cool. And Denny gets it, you know, and I think that’s something for our drivers to continue to grow. Denny’s grown, I think, in his comfort level of who he is in the race car and around the track to where he’s leaning into that little, bit of a villain role, and I think we should all see that a little bit.

“I think we get so focused, as drivers on our own performance, and we beat ourselves up, but we don’t lean into the fact that so much of what we do isn’t just about us. It’s about the entertainment level that we provide to our fans, and Denny has done a great job of that, like I said, and given me also the opportunity when I excel, playing off of him to show some of my personality. I like trash-talking. When I play sports, it’s kind of the fun thing that I do. Like, I don’t mean anything by it, but I like to see where people’s minds are inside the game, and so that was just a fun moment. He gets it, which is cool, and there’s a level of people that kind of understand there’s another level to this whole game once you’ve been around long enough that really matters as far as leaning into the fan side of this thing.”

Dillon’s match-up this week may be somewhat easier than last week but his bracket opponent won’t be cutting him any slack, saying there’s definitely going to be a battle to advance to the next round.

“I haven’t paid a lot of attention to it, Ty is a really good road course driver in the rain, specifically so it should be an epic battle,” Keselowski said

The NASCAR Xfinity race at Chicago ended in a two-lap dash for the win with Connor Zilisch leading teammate Shane van Gisbergen (SVG). As the green flag flew, SVG forced it up the inside of JR Motorsports teammate Zilisch, pushing him wide and taking the race lead. Zilisch tried to fight back, but it was too late as van Gisbergen captured the checkered flag.

“Thought it was going to be a lost cause when the strategy went wrong, but it worked out well,” said van Gisbergen. “Thanks to JRM, the car was a rocket.”

Speaking more on the strategy, SVG said: “I knew that was what we were gonna do, but when so many cars didn’t follow us, it was a bit of worry, but then we had tire grip at the end. Really cool battles with everyone. I enjoyed it.”

He also praised Zilisch, calling him “a great young driver … I knew that was my opportunity (to pass him) and took it. It was an awesome 1-2 for the team.”

Zilisch seemed surprised by the move, saying, “I guess I shouldn’t have let him get to my bottom when I was clear there just barely on the front-straight. I just let him get to my inside and took advantage of it. Hate it for my #88 group. I should have just been a little bit more aggressive there. I just thought he was going to race me a little cleaner. I’ll learn from it, move on.”

Watch: Zilisch: ‘Thought he’d race me a little cleaner’ after runner-up finish

This was SVG’s first NASCAR Xfinity start of the year, but his fourth career win. He also won on the streets of Chicago one year ago, but that was with Kaulig Racing. 

Sheldon Creed finished third, Austin Hill fourth, and Nick Sanchez fifth. Jesse Love, Sammy Smith, Sam Mayer, Austin Green, and Brennan Poole filled out the remainder of the top ten.

SVG fights through the field

Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet

Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images

There were no track-blocking wrecks during the race, but plenty of incidents. Van Gisbergen dominated from the start, but opted to go an alternate strategy that nearly cost him, staying out at the end of Stage 1. However, before he could make his scheduled stop later on, a debris caution with a few laps to go in Stage 2 forced his hand.

Van Gisbergen gave up the lead and came down pit road for his lone stop of the race, falling back to 19th for the restart. While Sheldon Creed claimed the Stage 2 win, SVG quickly drove up to 13th place.

As the final stage got underway, Creed remained in control while van Gisbergen rocketed up to seventh. The caution flew once more when Thomas Annunziata crashed in Turn 2. Taylor Gray tried to avoid the wreck, but got pushed into it.

On the following restart, van Gisbergen continued his forward push as Zilisch moved into the race lead. With some help from Creed, who pulled over for him, SVG moved into second with nine laps to go. He was over 3.5 seconds behind Zilisch, and while he began to chip away at it, another caution would bring the teammates together for a final showdown.

Andre Castro stuffed it into the tires, setting up the final restart of the race, where SVG forced his way by Zilisch. Van Gisbergen also earned pole position for the Cup race in Chicago, so he will attempt to complete the weekend sweep on Sunday.

Photos from Chicago – Race

As NASCAR fans from across the globe gathered for the 2025 Chicago Street Race on Saturday, some spectators reveled in the moment more than usual, knowing it may be the last time the city hosts the event.

This is the third and final year of NASCAR’s contract with the city for the Fourth of July weekend event. Racing officials have not released a full schedule for 2026, and Mayor Brandon Johnson has so far not committed to bringing NASCAR back.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese has been tight-lipped about NASCAR’s future in the city, as well. A two-year extension for the course to stay in Chicago remains possible, but far from certain. Races in the previous two years have been met with rainy weather, leading to lengthy delays.

Some residents have been lukewarm about the event, as it comes with street closures that make 10 commonly used intersections inaccessible. And after days of snarled traffic and rerouted buses, it takes awhile for the Loop to return to normal.

Amid the uncertainty, thousands of dedicated racing fans streamed into Chicago’s Grant Park early Saturday morning, braving the hot weather but enjoying clear blue skies as drivers completed their initial practice runs.

“I am out here because this will probably be the last year,” said John Drexler, a 66-year-old truck driver from Schaumburg and self-described “gearhead.”

Drexler said it would be a shame to lose a spectacle, which showcases Chicago’s skyline for an international audience.

“I’ve been a racing fan for more than 50 years, so I hope they bring it back,” he said. “Monaco and Long Beach are the only cities that are even comparable to this.”

Many spectators watched the race — and visited Chicago — for the first time. The street course rookies seemed in awe of the atmosphere.

“So far it’s been awesome. I’m over the moon,” said Scott Russell, 52, who traveled from Melbourne, Australia. “I paid a fortune for tickets (because) I thought if I’m going to do this, I’m going to do this properly. I would definitely come back to Chicago without a doubt.”

NASCAR racers line the pit stop area in Grant Park ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Fans enjoy the atmosphere in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Quinn McRae, 12, from left; Emma McRae, 10; and Melissa McRae watch the NASCAR Infinity Series practice and qualifying races ahead of the Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Barry Role, left, and Mike Piotrowski enjoy the atmosphere in Grant Park during the Nascar Infinity Series Practice & Qualifying ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Fans enjoy the atmosphere in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Katie O’Gorman helps her son, Finn O’Gorman, 5, drink Liquid Death, a canned water beverage, in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Josh Williams (11) leans under his car after a crash during the Nascar Infinity Series Practice & Qualifying ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Brandt’s race car gets its wheels put on by the crew during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Thompson Pipe Group’s Dean Thompson (26) comes around Turn 12 during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ practice and qualifying race on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Bayshore Mortgage’s Thomas Annunziata, 70, stands in the pit stop in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Cars stop in pit row in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Fans enjoy the atmosphere in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Mike Piotrowski, of Union Pier, Mich., shows his NASCAR hat, which is over 20 years-old, while enjoying the atmosphere in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. “I’ve been watching it all my life,” Piotrowski said about NASCAR. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Fans enjoy the atmosphere in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Haas/Andy’s workers attend to their race car at the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Anthony Gabrielson, of Chicago, center, watches the Nascar Infinity Series Practice & Qualifying ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

A crew works on Buildsubmarine.com’s car during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Workers rest on the Goodyear tires during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Robinhood’s car, 67, gets unwrapped during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Menard’s/Dutch Boy’s Ryan Blaney (12), left, fist bumps Starkey’s William Sawalich (16) before the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Nick Granger, left, and his nephew, Lleyton Casperson, 6, watch the Nascar Infinity Series Practice & Qualifying ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Thompson Pipe Group’s Dean Thompson (26) comes around Turn 12 during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ practice and qualifying race on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Thompson Pipe Group’s Dean Thompson (26) comes around Turn 12 during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ practice and qualifying race on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

The medical cart idles during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Helena Berry watches the NASCAR Infinity Series practice and qualifying races ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Anthony Alfredo (42) comes around turn six during the Nascar Infinity Series Practice & Qualifying ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Scott Landeck listens to the communication between drivers during the Nascar Infinity Series Practice & Qualifying ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Mike Piotrowski, of Union Pier, Mich., listens to a phone call while enjoying the atmosphere in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. “I’ve been watching it all my life,” Piotrowski said about NASCAR. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Anthony Alfredo (42) races in the Nascar Infinity Series Practice & Qualifying ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

First National Bank Corp’s car idles in pit row in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

AdventHealth’s Erik Jones (43) stands in pit row during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Red Bull/Weather Tech’s Colin Zilisch (88) walks off the track during the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago skyline is reflected in the NASCAR logo in Grant Park as fans enjoy the atmosphere during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

Brothers Cody Alguire and Timothy Alguire watch the Nascar Infinity Series Practice & Qualifying ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. The Alguires are from the Quad Cities and made the trip out to Chicago to see the race. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

AJ Allmendinger (16) rests in the pit stop during the Nascar Infinity Series Practice & Qualifying ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey RIchardson/Chicago Tribune)

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NASCAR racers line the pit stop area in Grant Park ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

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