Austin Cindric had an impressive start in car racing, winning the 2022 Daytona 500 in his first year as a Cup Series rookie. While he finished his debut season strong, his time with Team Penske faced challenges.
In his second year, Cindric, who is 25 years old, struggled and ended up in 24th place in the standings. Although he showed potential to win races this year, he couldn’t turn that speed into victories.
However, at the recent race at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, Cindric performed remarkably well. He spent most of the race in the top 10 and was close to overtaking his teammate Ryan Blaney for the win near the end. When Blaney ran out of fuel on the final lap, Cindric took advantage and secured the victory over Denny Hamlin.
This win was significant as it ended Cindric’s 85-race winless streak and also secured his spot in the 2024 playoffs, making him the first Penske driver to do so.
Walt Czarnecki, vice chairman of Penske Corporation, praised Cindric’s determination despite facing challenges. He highlighted Cindric’s patience and desire to win, emphasizing that Penske never lost faith in him.
While Cindric faces added scrutiny because his father, Tim Cindric, is the president of Team Penske, he has used this as motivation to improve. Czarnecki acknowledged the pressure but also mentioned that it pushes Cindric to strive for excellence.
Cindric’s crew chief, Brian Wilson, attributed Sunday’s win to the team’s hard work and progress throughout the year. He expressed satisfaction with their performance and their ability to compete for victories.
Cindric’s victory at the World Wide Technology Raceway was a significant moment for him and the team, showcasing his talent and resilience in the face of adversity.
