Driver from New Zealand wins his NASCAR Cup Series debut in series’ first street race

Drivers compete in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Grant Park 220, Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

A driver from New Zealand won the first NASCAR race he ever entered in the series’ first-ever street race.

Shane van Gisbergen won his debut race on a rainy Sunday in downtown Chicago, chasing down Justin Haley and Chase Elliott in a memorable finish.

After passing Elliott, van Gisbergen dueled with Haley in the final laps before the three-time Supercars champion moved in front for good.

Haley held on for second, and Elliott was third.

The 34-year-old van Gisbergen got a chance to drive the No. 91 Chevrolet in Chicago as part of Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91. The goal for the team is expanding its global reach.

Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at the Grant Park 220 Sunday, July 2, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)