SHANE van Gisbergen has made a massive first impression in the NASCAR Cup Series with a stunning Saturday in Chicago.
Despite having only ever once before driven a NASCAR (a test in Charlotte), van Gisbergen was straight on the pace at the brand-new street course.
In fact, he smashed the 37-car field in practice, going fastest of all with a time 0.313s better than nearest threat Denny Hamlin.
Those two would continue to duke it out when qualifying got underway immediately afterwards.
Van Gisbergen again was on form, one of 10 drivers to make it through to the battle for pole position.
For a time, he held provisional pole but ultimately wound up third behind Toyota duo Hamlin and Tyler Reddick.
Nevertheless, it’s a remarkable spot from which all eyes are sure to be on him in his debut race.
Behind van Gisbergen in the top 10 was Christopher Bell, teammate Daniel Suarez, Michael McDowell, Kyle Larson, Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button, Joey Logano and AJ Allmendinger.
The 100-lap, 220-mile race will start at an updated time of 7:05am AEST Monday and will be broadcast live on Fox Sports/Kayo Sports.
