Shane van Gisbergen has swept the NASCAR National Series poles for this weekend's action at the Chicago Street Course as he topped Michael McDowell for the pole in Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165.

It certainly is the only venue of its kind in the NASCAR calendar — whereas other races are contested atop cordoned off ovals and road courses, the Grant Park 165 swirls through the heart of Chicago's financial district.

This year, the increasing intensity of the battle for the NASCAR playoffs takes center stage in Second City, as only four open spots for non-winners now remain on the playoff grid. One such spot was filled last week, when local hero Chase Elliott won in Atlanta to stamp his place in the playoffs and clear the way for his run at a second Cup title.