MusaYou’d never guess it from the checkered flag and the champagne spray, but Shane van Gisbergen wasn’t just battling the track in Mexico City—he was battling his stomach. The New Zealand racing phenom and NASCAR newcomer stunned fans with a gutsy win south of the border, but behind the scenes, it was far from smooth driving.
In a post-race interview that had fans both applauding and grimacing, van Gisbergen admitted he was feeling queasy before and during the race—something most drivers dread, especially when you’re whipping around tight corners at 180 mph. “It was touch and go there for a while,” he said, half-joking, half-serious. “There were moments I wasn’t sure if I’d make it to the end—or if I’d need a bucket in the cockpit.”
Despite the nausea, Shane put on a masterclass in racecraft. Navigating Mexico City’s notoriously tricky track, he stayed ice-cool while weaving through the field, making daring passes, and timing his pit strategy to perfection. Not only did he keep his composure, he dominated the final laps—proving that sometimes, the greatest victories come with a side of discomfort.
The win adds another layer to the growing legend of van Gisbergen, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about international drivers in NASCAR. From winning on debut in Chicago to muscling through physical adversity in Mexico, he’s showing fans that grit isn’t optional—it’s his brand.
Social media lit up with praise, with one fan dubbing him “the Iron Stomach of NASCAR.” Others joked about a “Pepto Bismol sponsorship incoming.” But behind the humor is serious respect. Racing in peak condition is hard enough; doing it while feeling like your insides are doing donuts? That’s another level entirely.
With his popularity soaring and his adaptability proven, van Gisbergen is carving out a unique space in the NASCAR world—equal parts road-course specialist, gritty underdog, and international wildcard. And if his Mexico City performance is any indication, no amount of nausea is going to keep him off the podium.
So the next time Shane van Gisbergen straps in for a race, fans won’t just be watching for blistering lap times. They’ll be wondering: what obstacle will he overcome this time—and will he make it to Victory Lane before losing his lunch? Either way, one thing’s for sure: this Kiwi’s got guts—literally.
Musa
