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Shane van Gisbergen spins Sam Mayer, hits Christian Eckes during Xfinity Series practice at Watkins Glen

JHby: Jonathan Howard08/09/25Jondean25
Shane van Gisbergen
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A bit of trouble in practice. Shane van Gisbergen blew through a turn and was soon making contact with Sam Mayer at Watkins Glen. The road course expert had a bit of a brain fart as his car slid straight through the corner. It doesn’t appear to be an issue for today’s NASCAR race, though.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series is likely going to put on the best race of the weekend for fans. Watkins Glen is a great track, the field is packed with talent, and these cars are just awesome.

Usually mistake-free and a great example of a right-turn-taker, Shane van Gisbergen had a moment today in practice. While the CW crew thought it would require a backup, SVG was able to qualify his car.

This actually turned out to be detrimental for only Christian Eckes. Shane van Gisbergen qualified P2 after this wreck. Sam Mayer qualified P4. Eckes? He did not record a time along with Austin J. Hill (not the RCR driver) and Garrett Smithley. There were no DNQs today.

Connor Zilisch is still well ahead of everyone in the field today. With the minor damage to his car, SVG was more than half a second behind his JRM teammate. I’m just not sure if we are going to see anyone challenge these two, and if SVG has a car that isn’t 100%, Zilisch might run away with it.

Today’s race at Watkins Glen is for fun. The real focus for Shane van Gisbergen is on the Cup Series race Sunday. He will once again race against Zilisch tomorrow as well.

Shane van Gisbergen signs extension with Trackhouse

Going into the weekend, Trachouse Racing announced that they have signed a multi-year extension with Shane van Gisbergen to keep him in the organization. SVG has more than proven his worth to his team, and Justin Marks is ready to invest long-term.

Connor Zilisch is going to join SVG next year at Trackhouse. The teenager hasn’t had his official plans released yet, but the writing has been on the wall for months.

Shane van Gisbergen is obviously the best road course racer in the Cup Series right now. That might not last long. Zilisch got the best of SVG at Sonoma earlier this year. SVG beat him previously at Chicago. The Glen is where these two are going to settle this friendly battle once and for all in 2025. Then, we get to see them race each other for years to come in the Cup Series as teammates.