SVG on Nascar pole; Lawson qualifies 16th
- Dave Worsley
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
Kiwi driver Shane van Gisbergen pulled off the second qualifying double of his NASCAR career during time trials on the Chicago Street Course.
After securing the pole position for Xfinity Series race, Van Gisbergen blitzed the rest of the field on his final run for the top starting position in Sunday’s Grant Park 165 on the 2.2-mile, 12-turn street circuit in Chicago.
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He posted a respectable lap on his second run, only to see it surpassed by Pocono Raceway winner Chase Briscoe. The New Zealander responded with a lap at 88.338 mph (89.656 seconds) to beat eventual second-place qualifier Michael McDowell (87.879 mph) by 0.468 seconds.
The Pole Award was van Gisbergen’s first on the Chicago Street Course, his second this season (Mexico City) and the third of his career. Last fall, he swept the Cup and Xfinity poles at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval.
“I’m a lucky boy. I got some great cars today,” said the three-time Australian Supercars champion. “Xfinity pole, Cup pole, pretty special. Hopeful for the race tomorrow.
Meanwhile Liam Lawson has gone from looking good in P1 and P2 to starting 15th on the grid at the British Grand Prix.
The 23-year-old Racing Bulls driver had issues with his tyres that prevented him progressing to the second qualifying session at Silverstone.
"A Q1 exit is really frustrating,Especially since we've had a fast car all weekend. Unfortunately, the drop in temperature meant we couldn't get the tyres up to the right temperature, I had no grip starting the lap and it didn't improve as the lap went on. It's a shame to throw away a Qualifying session like that.
Red Bull's Max Verstappenhas pole alongside Formula 1 leader Oscar Piastri alongside on the front row.
At the Indy 200 in Mid-Ohio the three kiwi drivers were down the qualifying table with Marcus Armstong in eighth, Scott Dixon ninth and Scott McLaughlin 21st.
