Shane Van Gisbergen finishes sixth in Phoenix

AVONDALE, Ariz.- When he’s been able to stay on the track, Shane Van Gisbergen has looked impressive in the first four races of his first full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series season. 

The three-time Supercars champion notched a sixth-place finish in Saturday’s Call 811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200, his second top-10 finish of the season. 

Van Gisbergen was running 11th in the closing laps in Phoenix when race leader Justin Allgaier’s left-rear tire blew with five laps to go. The No.97 car restarted in ninth to begin NASCAR Overtime and was able to pick up three spots before the checkered flag. 

He certainly didn’t have a car capable of winning on speed, but was very content with how the No.97 team played their cards Saturday afternoon. 

“Just stayed out of trouble and got better and better,” Van Gisbergen said. “Now I got to run and catch a flight to New Zealand hopefully, but it was an awesome day, just kept learning and getting better. Didn’t quite have the speed but just played it smart.” 

SVG was much happier than last week, when he only ran 27 laps at Las Vegas and did not finish due to a mechanical failure. 

“Well I actually got some laps today which was good,” Van Gisbergen said. “Completely different in the way the car slides around, you got to feel the tire and stuff but yeah it was awesome.” 

Having won his first career NASCAR Cup Series race last season and running well to begin his full-time Xfinity Series career, it’s safe to say it’s been a dream start for SVG coming over to NASCAR. 

“It’s been really good,” Van Gisbergen said. “Everyone I’ve raced has raced me really clean. Guy’s are racing me hard but having fun, it’s been great.” 

Van Gisbergen now heads home to New Zealand as the Xfinity Series takes a week off before heading to Circuit of the Americas for the Focused Health 250 on Saturday, March 23. Green flag at COTA is set for 5 p.m. ET.