Motorsport: Shane van Gisbergen crashes out of NASCAR Xfinity Iowa as struggles on oval tracks continue 

Kiwi NASCAR driver Shane van Gisbergen has been unable to follow up his back-to-back Xfinity series wins, crashing out of the latest race in Iowa during the second stage.  

After already crashing his main car during a practice the day before, van Gisbergen lost the rear of his backup #97 Kaulig Racing entry as he ran through Turn 2 on Lap 87. 

Van Gisbergen contacted fellow driver Blaine Perkins as he tried to catch his car before being shunned by Kyle Weatherman and spinning into the wall. 

Running 25th at the time of the crash, van Gisbergen exited his damaged Chevrolet Camaro under his own power before his car was ruled out of the race.

It's a disappointing result for the Kiwi after capturing back-to-back Xfinity wins in Portland and Sonoma. 

"I just sort of got a little bit loose and tried to save it and then I was spinning just trying to stay in the middle so my fault, and I'm guttered for the guys who were involved," said van Gisbergen after the crash. 

"It's pretty hard to be happy after wrecking two cars so I'm pretty gutted for all the racing cars there, it's a shame.

"Thanks for everyone supporting us but gutted to do that again."

Despite impressing during his rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, both of van Gisbergen's wins have come on road courses, while he has struggled for results on oval tracks.

The Aucklander openly admits that he has work to do if he wants to become a true championship contender. 

"Road courses I'm always going to be competitive but it's these ovals where I'm learning and getting better.

"It's a hard knock but we'll try to learn from it and get the next one." 

His next chance to do that will come at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway when Xfinity moves to the Ambetter Health 200.  

Van Gisbergen currently sits 10th in points after 14 races.    

Kiwi NASCAR driver Shane van Gisbergen has been unable to follow up his back-to-back Xfinity series wins, crashing out of the latest race in Iowa during the second stage.  

After already crashing his main car during a practice the day before, van Gisbergen lost the rear of his backup #97 Kaulig Racing entry as he ran through Turn 2 on Lap 87. 

Van Gisbergen contacted fellow driver Blaine Perkins as he tried to catch his car before being shunned by Kyle Weatherman and spinning into the wall. 

Running 25th at the time of the crash, van Gisbergen exited his damaged Chevrolet Camaro under his own power before his car was ruled out of the race.

It's a disappointing result for the Kiwi after capturing back-to-back Xfinity wins in Portland and Sonoma. 

"I just sort of got a little bit loose and tried to save it and then I was spinning just trying to stay in the middle so my fault, and I'm guttered for the guys who were involved," said van Gisbergen after the crash. 

"It's pretty hard to be happy after wrecking two cars so I'm pretty gutted for all the racing cars there, it's a shame.

"Thanks for everyone supporting us but gutted to do that again."

Despite impressing during his rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, both of van Gisbergen's wins have come on road courses, while he has struggled for results on oval tracks.

The Aucklander openly admits that he has work to do if he wants to become a true championship contender. 

"Road courses I'm always going to be competitive but it's these ovals where I'm learning and getting better.

"It's a hard knock but we'll try to learn from it and get the next one." 

His next chance to do that will come at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway when Xfinity moves to the Ambetter Health 200.  

Van Gisbergen currently sits 10th in points after 14 races.    

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