“`html
Shane van Gisbergen Wins NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins glen, Securing First Victory in 2024 Season
Watkins Glen, NY – August 10, 2024 – Shane van Gisbergen, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, claimed his first NASCAR Cup Series victory today at the Go bowling at The Glen, a 90-lap race held on the 2.45-mile Watkins Glen International road course. The win marks a important milestone for the New Zealand native,who is in his rookie season in the Cup Series.
Van Gisbergen took the lead for 38 laps, ultimately finishing 11 seconds ahead of runner-up Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 20 Toyota. Chris Buescher, piloting the No.17 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing, completed the podium in third place.
The victory is notably noteworthy as it prevents the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs from being filled exclusively by race winners. With 16 spots available, van Gisbergen’s win guarantees that at least one driver will qualify based on points standings.Austin Dillon is currently projected to be that driver, according to NASCAR’s point system.
The race saw intense competition throughout the field, with several lead changes and strategic pit stops. William Byron finished fourth, followed by Chase Briscoe in fifth. Ryan Blaney, the reigning Cup series champion, secured a sixth-place finish.
Watkins Glen International,located in Watkins Glen,New york,has been a fixture on the NASCAR schedule since 1957,and is renowned for its challenging road course layout. The track features nine turns and significant elevation changes, testing drivers’ skill and precision.
This win for van Gisbergen adds to Hendrick Motorsports’ remarkable record at Watkins Glen, with the team now holding a total of six victories at the track. The team, owned by Rick Hendrick, is a powerhouse in NASCAR, consistently fielding competitive cars and drivers.
Full Race Results – NASCAR Cup series at Watkins Glen (August 10, 2024)
- Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88
- Christopher Bell, No. 20
- Chris Buescher, No. 17
- William Byron, No. 24
- Chase Briscoe, No. 19
- Ryan Blaney, No. 12
- Daniel Suarez, No. 99
- Bubba Wallace, No. 23
- Tyler Reddick, No. 45
- Ross Chastain,No.1
- AJ Allmendinger, No. 16
- Erik Jones, No. 43
- Ryan Preece,No. 60
- joey Logano, No. 22
- Austin Dillon, No. 3
- Austin Cindric, No. 2
- Zane Smith, No. 38
- Carson Hocevar, No. 77
- Michael McDowell, No. 71
- Alex Bowman, no. 48
- Noah Gragson,No. 4
- Kyle Busch, No. 8
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47
- Riley Herbst, No.35
- Denny Hamlin, No. 11
- Chase Elliott, No. 9
- Justin Haley, No.7
- Todd Gilliland,No.34
- Cody Ware, No. 51
- Ty Dillon, No. 10
- Brad Keselowski, No. 6
- John Hunter Nemecheck, No. 42
- Ty Gibbs, No. 54
- Cole Custer, No. 41
- Josh Berry, No. 21
- Katherine Legge,No. 78
- Josh Bilicki, No. 66
- JJ Yeley, No. 44
- Kyle Larson, No. 5
(