Austin Cindric was promoted to full-time Cup racing as a replacement to Brad Keselowski for the No. 2 Team Penske Ford.
Many critics are quick to point out Cindric’s lineage for the easy road he has had throughout his rise to the Cup Series. However, Cindric, the son of Team Penske President Tim Cindric has earned everything on his part and his performances prove likewise.
He won the 2020 Xfinity Series championship and made it again to the final race, amassing five wins in the 2021 season. Team Penske have already given Cindric a taste of Cup racing last season and he will be fully ready to take on veteran drivers in his first season as a full-time driver there.
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He will be in charge of the seat of the No. 2 Ford. Cindric is a fan of his predecessor and said that he still has a picture of Brad at his home.
“I’ve been surrounded by some great people and I feel like there are a lot of people within the walls of Team Penske that are the reason I’m at where I’m at,” Cindric said. “I probably couldn’t have told you that when I was racing Bandolero and Legends cars that I was ever going to drive the No. 2 car. I’m not sure that was even like a thought.
“I remember playing video games with Brad Keselowski in my basement. My bedroom at home still has a signed picture from Brad after he won Bristol. It’s kind of one of those things where you almost have to tell yourself not to think about it because I have a job to do and I’m excited for it.
“It’s what I’m passionate about. It’s what keeps me up at night. It’s what gets me out of bed, but now it’s kind of the time to start doing it. I’m glad that it’s that time.”
There is no denying the fact that Cindric deserves a place in the Cup Series, and he is more than ready to showcase his talent in the sport’s highest tier. But unlike other years, Cindric will have to prove his credentials with new technology in the Next Gen car.