Austin Cindric: The Steady Hand Behind Team Penske’s No. 2 Ford
Austin Cindric’s path to NASCAR prominence has been shaped by both heritage and hard work. Born on September 2, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, Cindric grew up surrounded by racing. His father, Tim Cindric, served as the president of Team Penske, one of motorsport’s most respected organizations. That connection opened doors, but it was Austin’s skill across diverse racing disciplines that earned him his place in the sport’s upper ranks. Before diving into stock cars, he competed in open-wheel development series, sports cars, and rallycross—gaining a versatile foundation that would later define his adaptability on NASCAR’s demanding circuits.
Cindric began turning heads in NASCAR’s lower divisions long before his Cup debut. His first appearance came in the Camping World Truck Series in 2015 with Brad Keselowski Racing. Just two years later, he was running full-time, finishing an impressive third in the final standings and establishing himself as one of Ford’s top young prospects. Alongside his Truck commitments, he made select starts in the ARCA and K&N Pro Series, where he notched several wins, particularly on road courses—an early sign of his technical driving talent.
By 2019, Cindric had transitioned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time with Team Penske’s No. 22 Ford Mustang. His breakout came in 2020 when he captured six wins, earned the regular-season title, and claimed the 2020 Xfinity Series Championship, cementing his status as one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars. The following season, he came within one corner of defending his title, finishing second to Daniel Hemric in a dramatic finale.
Cindric’s rise through Penske’s ranks culminated in 2022, when he took over the No. 2 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series—a seat with a storied history, previously driven by Brad Keselowski and Rusty Wallace. In just his eighth start, Cindric achieved a dream most drivers chase their entire careers: winning the Daytona 500. The historic victory secured him a spot in the playoffs and earned him Rookie of the Year honors, instantly elevating him to the national spotlight.
However, the seasons that followed tested his resolve. The 2023 campaign brought challenges, as Cindric and the No. 2 team struggled with consistency and missed the playoffs. Yet, his determination never wavered. In 2024, he rebounded with a victory at Gateway, ending a long winless streak and proving he could compete again with the sport’s elite. The effort carried him to an 11th-place finish in the final standings, signaling a return to form.
The 2025 season has continued that resurgence. Cindric scored an early-season win at Talladega, edging out Ryan Preece in a dramatic finish. With sponsors like Discount Tire, Menards, and Freightliner backing him, he remains one of Ford’s most marketable young stars. Still, his journey hasn’t been without turbulence. A mid-season penalty at COTA for an on-track incident with Ty Dillon cost him points and a fine, and off the track, his father’s dismissal from Team Penske’s IndyCar division brought unwelcome headlines. Yet, Austin handled it all with professionalism, emphasizing his focus on racing and his confidence in the Penske organization.
As of 2025, Cindric holds three Cup Series victories, 27 top-10 finishes, and one pole position—an impressive résumé for a driver still in his twenties. While some critics question his consistency, few doubt his potential. With sharp instincts on superspeedways and finesse on road courses, he’s positioned as a versatile talent capable of leading Team Penske into NASCAR’s next era.
Cindric carries both the weight of legacy and the promise of youth. Driving one of the most iconic cars in NASCAR, he’s determined to prove that his Daytona 500 triumph was only the beginning. If his growth continues, Austin Cindric could soon redefine what it means to carry the No. 2—turning inherited opportunity into lasting achievement.