SHANE van Gisbergen was swamped after completing a celebratory burnout to put the icing on the cake of a NASCAR Cup Series debut win.
The Kiwi defied a strategy curveball provided by officials shortening the race to charge from 18th to first in the final 27 laps around the Chicago Street Course.
Interviewed immediately post-race, the three-time Supercars champion said he had dreamed of such a result but never expected it to come to fruition.
“Thank you so much to the Trackhouse team and Enhance Health, Project91,” he said.
“What an experience in the crowd out here. This was so cool. This is what you dream of.
“Hopefully I can come and do more.”
To that end, van Gisbergen gave the latest indication that he will remain in Supercars in 2024 but that it could be his swansong season.
“I’m doing one more year in Aus and then I’d love to come over here,” he said.
MORE: Why NASCAR has grabbed van Gisbergen’s attention
The #91 Chevrolet driver admitted he had begun to worry when the race went away from him strategically.
“The racing was really good, everyone was respectful,” he said.
“It was tough but a lot of fun.
He added: “Anything is possible.
“The fans in Australia and New Zealand, the response this week and the coverage has been — I can’t explain it.
“Like the response and the support I’ve got from everyone and even over here how welcoming everyone is, I can’t believe it. Dream come true.”
Van Gisbergen is due to return to the Supercars paddock in time for practice this Friday at the NTI Townsville 500.
