Shane van Gisbergen discusses possible championship run in 2024

Shane van Gisbergen seemed a little surprised to learn he currently leads the NASCAR Xfinity Series in both wins and playoff points, but it should come as no surprise to the field that he's a legitimate title contender in 2024.

"That's cool," the 35-year-old New Zealand native said when informed that he leads the Xfinity Series in wins.

With 17 playoff points and three race wins to his name, van Gisbergen currently leads the Xfinity Series playoff standings with eight regular-season races remaining. With plenty of playoff points still available through race wins, stage wins and regular-season standings, the Xfinity Series rookie seems to be in a good position when the postseason rolls around.

"It's something we didn't think we'd be talking about," van Gisbergen said when asked about having a chance to chase a championship. "It was a cool conversation with Bruce (Schlicker) this morning about whether we stay out in Stage One or Two and get stage points. It's a cool conversation to be having, and not one we thought we'd be having."

"Three wins and a few stage wins, we're in a pretty nice position now. We can keep evolving on the ovals and take some risks and try to learn some things."

While he's still looking for his first win on an oval, van Gisbergen seems to have a positive mindset through the first half of his rookie season.

"It's cool to just keep getting better and getting these results, and some nice (win) stickers on the side of the car," van Gisbergen said.

van Gisbergen will go for the weekend sweep in Sunday's Grant Park 165. His next Xfinity Series race will be one of his toughest tests in NASCAR yet, as the 2.5-mile "Tricky Triangle" of Pocono Raceway looms next weekend.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.