Former Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen is fast closing on the NASCAR Cup Series record for road race victories after snatching his fifth victory in his rookie season.

The New Zealander saw off tough challenges from Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, emerging from a car-slamming battle with Larson through the turns with 14 laps to go and taking the lead for good three laps later to triumph on the twisty Charlotte layout on Sunday.

Van Gisbergen also had to survive a late scare, managing an issue with his right rear tyre to win by 15 seconds.

After failing to win in the season's first road event at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, van Gisbergen reeled off wins at Mexico City, the Chicago Street Race, Sonoma and Watkins Glen before Sunday's victory amid the NASCAR Cup Series playof

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