NASCAR Faces Backlash After Controversial Caution Call in Shane van Gisbergen’s Chicago Sweep

Shane van Gisbergen’s historic sweep of the 2025 Chicago Street Race weekend, clinching both the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 110 and the Cup Series’ Grant Park 165 from pole, should have been a crowning moment for the New Zealand-born road course maestro. The Trackhouse Racing driver’s third Cup Series victory on July 6, 2025, made him the winningest foreign-born driver in NASCAR’s top tier, matching Kyle Busch’s rare feat of sweeping both series’ races from pole, last achieved in 2016 at Indianapolis. Yet, the celebration of van Gisbergen’s dominance was overshadowed by a controversial late-race caution call that has ignited a firestorm among fans, drivers, and teams, raising questions about NASCAR’s consistency and fairness. As accusations of a “rigged” finish swirl, the sport faces a critical test of trust that could shape its future.

Van Gisbergen’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Starting from pole, he led 26 laps, navigating the 2.2-mile, 12-turn Chicago Street Course with precision despite a chaotic race marked by a massive eight-car pileup on Lap 3, triggered by Carson Hocevar’s crash into Turn 10’s barriers. The red flag halted the race for over 14 minutes, eliminating contenders like Brad Keselowski and Daniel Suárez. Michael McDowell led 31 laps early but fell victim to a throttle issue, while Chase Briscoe held the lead until van Gisbergen’s bold pass on Lap 60 in Turn 4 secured the top spot. As fog and potential rain loomed, van Gisbergen maintained a commanding lead, but the race’s defining moment came on the final lap. Cody Ware’s violent crash into Turn 6’s tire barrier sent smoke billowing, yet NASCAR delayed the caution until van Gisbergen took the white flag, sealing his victory under yellow.

This decision sparked immediate outrage. Ty Gibbs, who finished second, and Tyler Reddick, third, both expressed frustration, believing an earlier caution could have forced an overtime restart, giving them a chance to challenge van Gisbergen’s No. 88 Chevrolet. Gibbs, diplomatic but visibly disappointed, noted, “That would have been awesome,” while Reddick, whose fresher tires fueled a late charge, suggested NASCAR’s delay might have been influenced by impending weather. Posts on X amplified the discontent, with fans questioning why NASCAR waited, some alleging bias toward van Gisbergen’s international star power. One user claimed, “They absolutely wanted a Mexican to win,” mistakenly referring to van Gisbergen’s New Zealand heritage, highlighting the intensity of the backlash.

The controversy wasn’t isolated to the final lap. A Lap 59 caution for a spectator’s medical emergency, just after van Gisbergen overtook Briscoe, added to the perception of inconsistent race control. A tire carcass left on track for two laps near Turn 6 further fueled criticism, with fans and drivers questioning NASCAR’s safety priorities. Joey Logano’s heated confrontation with Ross Chastain over separate on-track contact underscored the race’s emotional toll, as the tight street course amplified tensions. The Chicago Street Race, now in its third year, has been a bold experiment for NASCAR, drawing 50,000 fans and generating $109 million in economic impact in 2023. Yet, its future is uncertain, with rumors of a 2026 move to San Diego amid political shifts in Chicago’s City Hall.

NASCAR’s rulebook demands clarity, but the Chicago race exposed a troubling inconsistency. Past last-lap caution controversies have haunted the sport, and this incident—where a crash’s severity seemed secondary to the leader’s position—has eroded trust. Van Gisbergen’s brilliance, honed through three Australian Supercars titles and a 16-second win in Mexico City earlier in 2025, is undeniable. His strategic tire and brake management, guided by crew chief Stephen Doran, outclassed rivals, yet the victory’s legitimacy is now questioned not for his driving but for NASCAR’s judgment. As the series heads to Sonoma Raceway on July 13, the sport must address these concerns. Will NASCAR revise its caution protocols to ensure fairness, or will it dismiss the outcry as another storm to weather? For now, van Gisbergen’s triumph stands, but the smoke from Turn 6 lingers, casting a shadow over a historic weekend and challenging NASCAR to restore faith in its system.