Cindric Addresses Team Changes as He Prepares for Coca-Cola 600
Charlotte, NC – Austin Cindric faced the media at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, addressing recent shifts within Team Penske following the departure of his father, Tim Cindric, and others after infractions involving Josef Newgarden and Will Power’s cars during the Indianapolis Motor Speedway events.
“Professionally, I’m in no different place than I was a week ago,” Cindric stated, emphasizing the momentum surrounding the No. 2 car. With three career wins, including the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2022, Cindric is entering his third season in the NASCAR Cup Series and expressed confidence in his team’s performance.
Tim Cindric, a long-time fixture in the organization since 1999, ended his tenure as team president earlier this week. Austin noted the shift, saying, “There really is only a personal connection to any of the news from this week,” referring to the change.
Cindric confirmed he has a contract in place to continue driving for Penske, responding with a concise “correct” when asked about his status. He emphasized the stable support he receives from team leadership: “Their support has always been very strong and very transparent.”
Roger Penske addressed the entire organization, discussing the situation directly with drivers and crew members. Cindric observed the significance of this dialogue, stating, “Roger is a class act… he recognizes all the people involved, and there are so many who work so hard to have the success we have as a race team.”
Despite the familial implications of the week’s events, Cindric reiterated his focus on professional duties, mentioning that racing can be a “cruel industry” while also being rewarding. With the Coca-Cola 600 approaching, he remains steady, saying, “It’s not something that I have weighing on me heavily for this weekend.”
As a fan of the Indianapolis 500, Cindric plans to watch the race on Sunday before his own competition, showcasing his commitment to both his family and his career in motorsports. “For my pops, I love my dad, and that’s about all I have to say on it,” he concluded.
