Labeling statistics as “kind of an American thing,” Shane van Gisbergen avoids dwelling on his record-setting rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“It normally hits me on the plane ride home or at 4 a.m. after a few beers,” van Gisbergen said Sunday after conquering the Watkins Glen International road course in New York for his fourth victory this year. “I try to reflect on it, but I also try and get to the next week pretty quick. I’ll try not to tweet at 4 a.m. this morning.”

If the laid-back Kiwi were into chest-pounding on social media, the list of heady accomplishments includes being the third driver with four consecutive Cup wins on road or street courses, joining 2020 champion Chase Elliott and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon.

It also includes being the first rookie with f

See Full Page