With good reason too, considering Shane van Gisbergen\u2019 magnificent streak this season. The Kiwi speedster fooled everyone in the first stretch of 2025, barely finishing within top 25 in most races. But he did a 180 degree flip on his narrative once NASCAR visited Mexico City. SVG picked up three consecutive road course victories, making jaws drop in the NASCAR garage and the community. Conversations about SVG\u2019s global status as a legendary racer did the rounds. They have persisted across his twin finishes outside top 30 in Dover and Iowa. Hence, even though SVG suffered a pair of spins last Sunday in Iowa and finished 31st, the race winner absolutely admires him.<\/p>\n
That is, of course, none other than William Byron. He masterfully used a fuel mileage strategy and made use of the 11 caution flags in Iowa. Staving off the fierce charges of Brad Keselowski and Chase Briscoe, Byron broke a 22-race winless spell since his Daytona 500 victory in February. Even amidst the celebrations, however, Byron is apprehending the next race in Watkins Glen, another home ground for SVG. He conceded superiority to the Kiwi road racing god<\/a>: \u201cI think, obviously, SVG\u2019s gonna be really fast. So, it\u2019s kind of keeping up with him, but also setting the standard for ourselves and what we need to continue to improve at Watkins Glen.\u201d<\/p>\n Along with SVG\u2019s undeniable threat, William Byron analyzed the other challenges as well. He had already won in Watkins Glen<\/a> back in 2023, leading 65 of 90 laps and taking advantage of the green flag pit stops. He said, \u201cWatkins Glen is a really important track\u2026Last year was a struggle with this new tire. It was tough on us. We didn\u2019t have a great weekend. But I think this year can be a lot better. We\u2019ve learned a lot with the tires. So, just gotta go there and prepare well throughout the week. And definitely still a lot more prep to do for Watkins Glen.\u201d<\/p>\n William Byron may need to look out for SVG more, given the Kiwi\u2019s recent heartbreaks.<\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Looking forward to redemption<\/strong><\/p>\n We all know that when SVG seeks redemption, all hell breaks loose. It broke loose in the form of his three-win peat this season. In the upcoming race as well, the Kiwi speedster has some unfinished business. Shane van Gisbergen<\/a> could not beat Chris Buescher in the 2024 Watkins Glen race. Wualifying third for that race, most of his run was flawless, making a three-wide move on his rival for the lead. But on the final trip through the \u2018Bus Stop\u2019, Buescher jumped to van Gisbergen\u2019s inside and muscled his way by for the lead. That led to SVG\u2019s runner-up finish \u2013 a sore wound that the Kiwi hopes to heal this week.<\/p>\n![\"article-image\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2025-07-06-14-12-10.jpeg\")
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