Shane van Gisbergen achieved his inaugural pole position in the NASCAR Cup Series, surpassing playoff contender Tyler Reddick during qualifying at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval.
The three-time Supercars champion, set to transition to a full-time role in the Cup Series next season with Trackhouse Racing, will compete in his 12th Cup race on Sunday (2 p.m. ET, NBC).
The New Zealand driver is participating full-time in the Xfinity Series this season and secured the pole earlier on Saturday for that series’ playoff elimination race at the Roval, aiming to progress to the second round.
Piloting the No. 13 Chevrolet fielded by Kaulig Racing in the Cup Series (the same team that also earned its first Cup pole), van Gisbergen clocked a lap time of 1 minute, 22.704 seconds (99.246 mph).
RESULTS: Click here for qualifying speeds at the Roval
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“I’m grateful to the Kaulig Racing team,” van Gisbergen expressed to NBC Sports’ Kim Coon. “This opportunity came together last minute for me to race here. A big thanks to (team owner) Matt (Kaulig) and the crew for letting me drive their car. This Chevy is incredibly fast. What an extraordinary day! I’m almost speechless.”
By becoming the sixth foreign-born driver to secure a Cup pole, van Gisbergen aims to claim his second Cup victory, having won in his debut at the Chicago Street Race last year.
However, he must stay alert while racing against 11 championship hopefuls who are vying for a spot in the third round of the playoffs during Sunday’s elimination race.
On Sunday, four drivers will be eliminated from the title chase.
