May 9, 2026; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane Van Gisbergen stands with the Busch Light Pole Award after winning the pole for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Shane van Gisbergen produced a stunning comeback at Watkins Glen International on Sunday, erasing a 28-second deficit in the final 24 laps after a pit stop. The New Zealand-born driver chased down leader Ty Gibbs and then pulled away to claim victory in the NASCAR Cup Series’ Go Bowling at The Glen.
After his final green-flag stop dropped him to 22nd, van Gisbergen methodically closed the gap, shaving off seconds each lap. He passed Gibbs’ No. 54 Toyota with eight laps remaining and never looked back. Driving the No. 97 Chevrolet, he finished a commanding 7.288 seconds ahead of Michael McDowell, leading four times for a total of 74 laps.
Van Gisbergen, who overcame a 29.2-second deficit after his final stop in just 18 laps, earned his sixth win in the last seven road races and secured his seventh career Cup victory in only 62 starts.
Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe, and Tyler Reddick rounded out the top five.
Starting from pole position after winning the qualifying session on his 37th birthday Saturday, van Gisbergen quickly built a lead, pulling over two seconds ahead of McDowell’s Chevy after the first eight laps.
In Stage 1, van Gisbergen was the only driver to pit after leading the opening 18 laps, but he recovered to finish eighth and collect stage points. Ross Chastain (Trackhouse) won the segment, followed by Team Penske’s Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney. Chase Elliott stayed out to gain points and ended up 12th.
During the 30-lap Stage 2, two Trackhouse drivers—van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch—dominated, building a five-second lead over McDowell by Lap 38. Chastain’s No. 1 dropped to 18th after flying debris (a black tent) landed on the track at Lap 40. Spire Motorsports teammates McDowell and Daniel Suarez held the top two spots with seven laps left in the stage but faded. Van Gisbergen beat Reddick by less than a second to end Stage 2, followed by Gibbs, Austin Dillon, and Kyle Busch.
Caution flag flew on Lap 60 after Logano’s No. 22 Ford lost a left front tire. Van Gisbergen and Reddick stayed out for track position, while most of the field pitted to ensure enough fuel to finish.
