NASCAR playoff star reveals surprise strategy choice for Chicago race

A NASCAR Cup Series playoff driver has admitted that he and his team may change their strategy this weekend in Chicago.

Shane van Gisbergen locked himself into a playoff spot with a win in Mexico City, despite continued struggles on oval tracks in his debut Cup Series campaign.

The New Zealander is returning to Chicago this weekend, the scene of his famous debut Cup Series win, which he's credited with 'changing his life' as it helped him secure a full-time Cup Series drive this year.

The Cup Series rookie revealed that his team may alter their strategy this weekend at a race where he's the bookies' favorite, looking out for potential playoffs points via stage wins rather than putting himself in the best race position.

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SVG: This place changed my life

Van Gisbergen said this week: "We're in a nice position now having won a race. And it may change our strategy. If we're in a position to get a playoff point, we'll probably try and get that, but that'll put us deep in the field for the next stage. So yeah, there's a bit of a toss-up there what we're going to do, but it's a nice position to be in."

Speaking about returning for what may be the final Chicago Street Race, he added: "You know, I have great memories here. This place has changed my life, so I'm going to have special memories of this place forever."

The 36-year-old also spoke about his learning curve on ovals, admitting: "These guys have been doing left-handers since they were 10 years old. You know, they're two completely different sports, and although there has been road racing in NASCAR forever, it's not that much.

"So yeah, just the experience levels are different in what we do. And I feel like, yes, they've definitely gotten a lot better since the first one on this track, for sure."

READ MORE: NASCAR confirm Cup Series driver will MISS Chicago race

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