Shane van Gisbergen exits his car after victory in Mexico City. Photo: Chris Graythen / AFP
A few tips from four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen have helped Kiwi driver Shane van Gisbergen to victory in NASCAR's inaugural race in Mexico City.
Van Gisbergen led a career-high 60 laps and decimated the field by almost 17 seconds - the biggest winning margin in more than 15 years.
The win was Van Gisbergen's second in NASCAR, after he won his debut two years ago in a Chicago street race.
He went into the Mexican race feeling very ill.
"What a week, I felt pretty rubbish today," said van Gisbergen, who called Verstappen for a few pointers before the 100-lap race.
"You just look for every advantage you can. I walked pit road first thing this morning and it was so greasy, there was oil coming out of the road and I just reached out [to Verstappen].
"He'd run here in the wet before and he gave me some tips on some lines. The cars are so different, but any little advantage can help."
Some advice from Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen proved beneficial for Shane van Gisbergen. Photo: AFP
Van Gisbergen was impressed with the performance of his No.88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet.
"Our car was amazing," he said. "I think the 54 [of Ty Gibbs] was close, but that [last green-flag run], what a pleasure to rip lap after lap and watch them get smaller in the mirror."
Van Gisbergen said, at one stage, his team wanted him to slow down.
"I tried to slow down, but I kept making mistakes. You just lose concentration, so I just stayed in a nice rhythm and 'see you later'."
-Reuters/RNZ
