Flavor of Focus: Shane van Gisbergen’s Sonoma Win Was as Methodical as the Region Itself
- Crystal Clay
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
By Crystal Clay | July 14, 2025
SONOMA, Calif. — In a region where meals are crafted with care and victories are slow roasted, Shane van Gisbergen delivered a Sonoma win that matched the setting: clean, intentional and rooted in precision.
Before the action started, celebrity chef Tyler Florence served as Grand Marshal and drew clear parallels between the culinary world and racing.
“A NASCAR race at Sonoma or a Friday night dinner service? It’s really similar,” he said. “It’s not about the chef or the driver. It’s about the team.”
Florence noted how important the full sensory experience is for fans and diners alike.
“The waft of melting pork fat is a big invitation for a very successful day,” he said.
That moment captured Sonoma’s identity. It doesn’t need pyrotechnics. It thrives on detail. Van Gisbergen gave fans exactly that.
There was red wine in Victory Lane, as tradition demands, but van Gisbergen didn’t take a sip.
“I could see my crew chief’s eyes light up when it got handed to him, so I’m glad I handed it to him, and he finished it in one go, which was very impressive,” he said. “I don’t know if he’s been in here yet, but he might be talking funny.”
Instead, he cracked a Red Bull. In wine country, he chose focus over festivity and won the right way.
Van Gisbergen’s third NASCAR Cup Series win, and fourth overall for Trackhouse Racing this season, was no fluke. After finishing second to Connor Zilisch in the Xfinity Series race on Saturday, van Gisbergen reset overnight, reviewed his performance and poured his attention into Sunday’s main event.
The win also marked his third road course victory in just over a month. Jeff Gordon was the last driver to accomplish that stretch, between 1998 and 1999.
From the drop of the green flag, van Gisbergen managed his tires with control and clarity. Crew chief Stephen Doran credited simulator preparation and overnight adjustments after a lackluster practice session.
“That was dicey,” Doran said, referring to a caution with 15 laps to go. His strategy relied on at least 10 cars staying out under yellow. Thirteen did.
Jeremy Kimbrough, a former offensive lineman for Appalachian State who later signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent, is now part of Trackhouse’s crew. When asked whether nerves kicked in during the final restarts, Kimbrough didn’t flinch. The team stood by like they knew SVG was going to lock it in.
“Not at all,” Kimbrough said.
SVG laughed when told.
Kimbrough was also part of Trackhouse’s first Cup win at Sonoma in 2022, working alongside Daniel Suárez.
“That’s pretty awesome they have that confidence,” he said. “Sounds like I was more nervous than them.”
Briscoe, who lined up alongside van Gisbergen on the final restart, pushed hard but couldn’t find a way through.
“I never played basketball against Michael Jordan in his prime, but I feel like that’s probably what it was like,” Briscoe said. “That guy is unbelievable on road courses. He’s really raised the bar on this series.”
Briscoe credited his No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing team with helping him apply what Martin Truex Jr. had done well at Sonoma, giving him one of his best performances at a track he had once dreaded.
The race behind them was filled with drama. Ty Gibbs’ pit crew and Brad Keselowski’s nearly came to blows during green-flag stops. Cody Ware lost a right-rear tire, bringing out a caution. Ryan Blaney was spun after contact from Chris Buescher and finished 36th. Kyle Larson was also collected in a separate incident. Noah Gragson struggled all afternoon and retired after contact during Stage 2.
After the race, he tipped his cap to Zilisch, the only driver to beat him over the last two weekends.
“Thanks for not being in the race,” van Gisbergen joked.
“He places the car in perfect spots. If he ends up being my teammate or not next year, I hope he does. It’ll be a lot of fun.”
With this win, Trackhouse Racing shifts focus toward playoff preparation. The team has road course dominance in hand, but Doran acknowledged they need continued gains on ovals.
Sonoma doesn’t require showboating. It rewards restraint. Van Gisbergen delivered a performance that matched the personality of the region — patient, technical and perfectly seasoned.
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