When the NASCAR Cup Series drivers take to the streets of Chicago on Sunday, eyes will be on Alex Bowman’s defense of his crown from last year’s race. The No. 48 driver outlasted a challenge from Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs to take the checkered flag home, while also adding 54 points to his 2024 tally.
This year, however, the 32-year-old faces a completely new set of challenges. On one hand, he will have to battle against Bubba Wallace in the in-season tournament, and on the other, Bowman will need to keep Shane van Gisbergen at bay.
Shane Van Gisbergen a Cause of Concern for Alex Bowman in Chicago
Bowman is the defending winner of the Grant Park 165, which is scheduled to take place in Chicago on Sunday. The No. 48 Chevrolet driver is also matched up with Wallace in Round 2 of the in-season tournament, following his P3 finish in Atlanta last Sunday.
While that will be an important factor in how Bowman approaches his race, an even bigger cause of concern will be a Cup Series rookie driver.
Speaking to Bob Pockrass recently, the Hendrick Motorsports driver claimed that Gisbergen will be the driver to beat on the streets of Chicago. While he feels that there are drivers that have their strengths and weaknesses on the track, Bowman claimed that the Trackhouse Racing driver is the most well-rounded entry for Sunday’s race.
“I’m sure SVG (Shane van Gisbergen) is gonna lights out, super strong since he’s been in a Cup car all year and be tough to beat.”
Between stops yesterday, defending Chicago winner Alex Bowman on being good on a street course, prep for this year and the pressure to make the playoffs: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/zoh8tvTsNh
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 4, 2025
Taking charge of the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet entry, Gisbergen returns to Chicago in the Cup Series after his debut at the track in 2023. Racing in NASCAR for the first time since switching from Australian Supercars, the now 36-year-old took everyone by surprise.
Not only did he win the race, but Gisbergen also earned enough trust for Trackhouse Racing to sign him on as a development driver for 2024. Having joined the Xfinity Series as a 35-year-old rookie, Gisbergen went on to win three races, further solidifying his standing as a promising driver on the grid. His performances then earned him a full-time Cup Series seat in 2025.
In his first full-time Cup season, Gisbergen has once again stood tall on the expectations of his team, having secured his playoff berth. A road course expert, the 36-year-old won the Mexico City race ahead of Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott.
Heading to Chicago, he will now be hoping to secure his second win of the season and earn some extra playoff points.
Also Read: ‘Didn’t Really Have a Choice’ – Alex Bowman Breaks Down Sacrifice That Sealed Atlanta Turnaround