Video: Race Highlights of the Townsville 400
The young Kiwi star showed he is a genuine contender for the Championship with a commanding win ahead of a fast finishing James Courtney, with Mark Winterbottom taking third place.
While Van Gisbergen took the checkered flag, it was Courtney who stole the spotlight in the closing laps as he surged from ninth to second in what was his best performance since his win at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide in March.
The Holden Racing Team driver narrowly edged past his Ford rival Winterbottom on the finish line in what was a much needed return to form for the team which has struggled in recent months.
Jamie Whincup finished back in fourth place and will have to wait until the Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint later this month to try to claim his 100th championship win.
Whincup still leads the Championship ahead of van Gisbergen and Winterbottom in third place.
The next round of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship will be the Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint from 22-24 July.