It was going to be a giant ask for Ryan Preece to make up 31 factors on Shane van Gisbergen, particularly since SVG received Stage 1 whereas Preece was sliding by way of the infield grass.
Nevertheless, Preece fought again by way of the sector and received the race — his first victory in 249 profession NASCAR Cup begins. The ‘win and also you’re in’ format could be gone, however the quantity of factors on provide for race wins was greater than sufficient for Preece to bump Van Gisbergen from the sixteenth and ultimate spot within the Chase.
“I knew if I am going and win, I am fairly assured we will make it in,” stated Preece concerning the back-and-forth battle with SVG. “That 20 factors is a giant deal. As a race automobile driver, Shane did every part proper tonight. He is a hell of a race automobile driver. He is a hell of a highway course racer, however he is a hell of a race automobile driver.
“He (SVG) knew that I had my knee on the throat or my thumb on the strain level, and he answered that in stage one. When he threw that proper hook, metaphorically, in a metaphor, I felt like I answered that again in stage two, so…
“I am happy with the racer I’m. I am happy with competing in opposition to him. The bar he units on highway programs, as a result of he is a real expertise that we’re fortunate to have right here in america, however I am pleased New England beat New Zealand at this time (smiling).”
Van Gisbergen reacted to the elimination with just a few phrases on pit highway, the place he additionally provided congratulations to the No. 60 workforce.
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