Shane van Gisbergen battles illness to win first NASCAR Cup race in Mexico City

In an impressive display of skill, Shane van Gisbergen secured his first victory in the NASCAR Cup Series during a race held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. This win came after a challenging weekend for van Gisbergen, who battled a serious illness that left him feeling queasy for most of the event. Despite his condition, he led 60 of the 100 laps, showcasing his expertise in road-course racing. Christopher Bell finished second in this race, trailing van Gisbergen by over 16 seconds. The race unfolded amidst a series of challenges for van Gisbergen, including a mechanical issue that delayed his flight to Mexico, forcing him to sleep on the floor of his hauler before the event. He described his physical state during the race, revealing that he struggled to maintain strength and focus due to intense pressure in his stomach and an inability to keep food down. Van Gisbergen acknowledged the significant importance of this victory, indicating that it could improve his chances for a spot in the NASCAR playoffs, which is contingent upon performance in upcoming races. Currently ranked 30th in the standings, he expressed his determination to build on this win and continue to progress in the series. The next race on his calendar is scheduled at Pocono, where he hopes to capitalize on the momentum from Mexico City. Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott also had strong performances at the Mexico race, contributing to their upward movement in the NASCAR Power Rankings. William Byron remains in the top spot after a solid ninth-place finish. Overall, the race showcased competitive fervor among the drivers and set the stage for the continued NASCAR Cup Series season ahead.