SVG wins third straight road course from pole position

Starting on pole, SVG controlled the most recent Sonoma race from the front, edging Chase Briscoe. He is the first driver in 26 years to win three consecutive road course races from pole.

He also delivered a near-perfect performance across all three stages. It was his first pole at Sonoma, the third for the season.

As the green flag dropped, van Gisbergen launched cleanly and led the field into Turn 1.

By Lap 14, he was already 2.3sec ahead, extending the margin to over six seconds before pitting.

He wrested back control in Stage 2, and was able to conserve tyres while events unfolded behind him.

As Briscoe closed, SVG responded by stretching his lead to over three seconds.

In the closing laps, van Gisbergen and Briscoe pitted again under green. SVG rejoined in second and passed Kyle Larson to reclaim the lead and clinch Stage 2.

The final stage had Briscoe and van Gisbergen side-by-side at the restart. SVG held firm while behind carnage resulted in multiple cautions.

SVG nailed the restart and with 21 laps to go retook the lead. Towards the end there were two restarts, both of which went to SVG over Briscoe.

The Kiwi pulled clear in the closing stages and won by 1.128sec.

The Sonoma victory propels SVG into third place in the playoff standings. He is now a clear title contender in his first Cup Series campaign, especially with two more road courses to come.

Next up is the Dover Motor Speedway one-mile concrete oval.