Chicago Showdown: July 5, 2025 (NASCAR Xfinity Series)

Shane van Gisbergen Takes Victory at Chicago Street Course in Thrilling NASCAR Xfinity Race
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series delivered an electrifying showdown on the streets of downtown Chicago, Illinois. Known as The Loop 110, this street circuit race featured intense battles, dramatic crashes, and standout performances from some of the sport's top drivers.
Starting Strong: Van Gisbergen and Hill Set the Pace
The race began with Shane van Gisbergen securing the pole position alongside Austin Hill. As the green flag waved for Stage 1, van Gisbergen quickly asserted his dominance by taking the lead through Turn 1. Sheldon Creed made an early move for second place, engaging in a fierce battle with van Gisbergen that saw both cars making contact before van Gisbergen retained the lead.
Several incidents disrupted the early pace of the race. Ryan Sieg hit the wall on Lap 4, followed by Jack Perkins crashing into the tire barrier on Lap 5, which brought out the first caution. William Sawalich also faced trouble due to a mechanical issue. Later in the stage, Connor Mosack and Brad Perez also found the wall, triggering another caution before the end of Stage 1.
Van Gisbergen took the win in the opening stage ahead of Creed and Hill.
Stage 1 Top 10:
1. Shane van Gisbergen
2. Sheldon Creed
3. Austin Hill
4. Sam Mayer
5. Nick Sanchez
6. Justin Allgaier
7. Sammy Smith
8. Connor Zilisch
9. Carson Kvapil
10. Alex Labbé
Stage Two Drama: Creed Seizes Opportunity
In Stage 2, van Gisbergen opted to stay on track while most of the field pitted, giving him the initial lead. However, after a debris caution, he finally made his way to pit lane, handing the front spot to Jesse Love and Sheldon Creed.
Creed wasted no time, passing Love for the lead with just six laps remaining in the stage. He maintained control and claimed the Stage 2 victory.
Stage 2 Top 10:
1. Sheldon Creed
2. Jesse Love
3. Austin Hill
4. Connor Zilisch
5. Sammy Smith
6. Jeb Burton
7. Anthony Alfredo
8. Justin Allgaier
9. Daniel Dye
10. Thomas Annunziata
Final Stage Showdown: Van Gisbergen Regains Control
Stage 3 opened with Creed leading off the restart, but chaos soon erupted behind him. Thomas Annunziata spun and hit the tire barrier, bringing out another caution. When racing resumed, Connor Zilisch moved past Hill and then passed Creed for the lead.
As the laps wound down, several drivers encountered mechanical troubles or made costly mistakes. Justin Allgaier dropped back with a mechanical failure, while Andre Castro slammed the wall in Turn 6, prompting another caution.
On the final restart, van Gisbergen made a bold move to reclaim the lead. Driving low through Turn 1, he pressured Zilisch wide, who ultimately clipped the wall. This allowed van Gisbergen to take control and cruise to victory.
Final Race Results (Top 10):
1. Shane van Gisbergen
2. Connor Zilisch
3. Sheldon Creed
4. Austin Hill
5. Nick Sanchez
6. Jesse Love
7. Sammy Smith
8. Sam Mayer
9. Austin Green
10. Brennan Poole
Championship Implications
While van Gisbergen’s win was a highlight of the event, the championship picture remains tightly contested. Justin Allgaier leads the standings with three wins, closely followed by Austin Hill and Connor Zilisch. Other top contenders include Brandon Jones, Sammy Smith, and Jesse Love, all of whom have picked up victories earlier in the season.
Current Xfinity Standings (Top 10):
1. Justin Allgaier – 3 Wins
2. Austin Hill – 3 Wins
3. Connor Zilisch – 2 Wins
4. Brandon Jones – 1 Win
5. Sammy Smith – 1 Win
6. Jesse Love – 1 Win
7. Nick Sanchez – 1 Win
8. Sam Mayer – +149 Points
9. Carson Kvapil – +63 Points
10. Sheldon Creed – +30 Points
With the playoffs fast approaching, every point counts, and the Chicago Street Race proved once again that anything can happen when elite drivers compete on city streets.
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