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Austin Cindric’s Last-Minute Rolex 24 Entry Delivers Dramatic Podium at Daytona

Austin Cindric’s last-minute Rolex 24 entry turned into a story fans won’t forget. Stepping in just days before the race, he faced a big challenge: adapting to a car he’d never driven. How did Austin Cindric handle the pressure, and what moments kept everyone on edge? From unexpected twists to a thrilling podium finish, this journey at Daytona was anything but ordinary.

Key Highlights

  • Austin Cindric replaced injured Ben Barker for the Rolex 24, joining Ford Multimatic Motorsports on short notice.
  • Cindric quickly adapted to the Ford Mustang GT3 through simulator sessions and studying technical manuals.
  • During the ROAR Before the 24, Cindric secured the fourth fastest time in his class, showing adaptability.
  • Ford Multimatic Motorsports finished third at Daytona with Cindric, just 5.766 seconds behind their class-winning teammates.
  • Cindric was satisfied with the podium but believes the Mustang GT3 has unrealized potential.

Unexpected Opportunity for Austin Cindric

Opportunity often knocks when least expected, and such was the case for Austin Cindric with his unexpected entry into the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Until recently, Cindric had resigned himself to watching the event unfold from the comfort of his home. Despite his interest in participating, he found no available openings in the competitive field.

This changed when a sudden vacancy emerged due to Ben Barker’s unfortunate accident during a ski holiday, resulting in a broken collarbone. With Barker unable to compete, Ford Multimatic Motorsports needed a capable replacement for their No. 64 team.

Consequently, on January 6, Cindric was announced as the chosen driver to fill this unforeseen gap.

This opportunity, however, came with its challenges. Cindric faced the intimidating challenge of acclimating to the Ford Mustang GT3 in just ten days, a demonstration of the unpredictable nature of motorsport and the swift turns of fortune it can bring.

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Preparing for the Race on Short Notice

Faced with the challenge of preparing for the Rolex 24 at Daytona on such short notice, Austin Cindric had to rapidly adapt to his new role as a driver for the Ford Multimatic Motorsports team.

Preparation was multifaceted, involving simulator sessions and intensive study of the GT3 car’s manual. Memorizing technical specifications was essential, ensuring Cindric could react swiftly to any mechanical contingencies during the race.

“It’s tough to do all the preparation for a race, then not be able to do it.”

“I’m grateful for the call and to be thought of for a program that’s this involved.” – Austin Cindric

As a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, he regarded this opportunity as a prime chance to excel in a competitive factory ride, which is a rarity in the motorsport world.

Cindric’s familiarity with some team members, stemming from his earlier racing days, provided a vital advantage. This continuity allowed for seamless communication and tactical alignment.

Entering the third year of the Mustang GT3 program, the team was poised to challenge the class’s top contenders, thereby requiring Cindric to be exceptionally prepared to contribute effectively.

Early Performance at the ROAR Before the 24

During the early stages of the ROAR Before the 24, a vital precursor to the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Ford Multimatic Motorsports exhibited promising speed right out of the gate.

Relatively faster than their 2024 performance, the team quickly made an impression on the track. Austin Cindric, despite having never driven the car prior to January 17, secured the fourth fastest time in his class during the following session. This early achievement highlighted his adaptability and the team’s swift acclimatization to the challenging Daytona circuit.

However, the groundwork laid during these initial sessions proved invaluable as the race weekend approached. The ROAR served as a vital testing ground, allowing Ford Multimatic Motorsports to refine their strategy and optimize vehicle performance.

These early efforts set a solid foundation, positioning the team as a formidable contender for the prestigious Rolex 24 race.

Austin Cindric Confronts the Realities of His NASCAR Journey

Race Highlights and Final Results

As the Rolex 24 at Daytona unfolded, Ford Multimatic Motorsports quickly established themselves as a leading contender in the race. Early on, Vervisch seized the lead, skillfully maneuvering through the chaos when Rockenfeller had to dodge Nick Boulle’s spun LMP2 car.

The two Ford Mustang GT3s remained formidable throughout the endurance challenge, showcasing impressive consistency and speed.

Despite fierce competition, Dennis Olsen piloted the No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 to a notable class victory, marking the initial win in IMSA for the model. This success emphasized the team’s tactical skill and technical excellence.

Meanwhile, the No. 64 team, though competitive, concluded the race in third position, trailing 5.766 seconds behind their victorious teammates. Their podium finish, albeit just shy of the top spot, highlighted the team’s resilience and resolve over the grueling 24-hour contest.

This performance cemented Ford Multimatic Motorsports’ status as a formidable force at Daytona.

Austin Cindric’s Reflections on the Race

Satisfaction and a hint of disappointment marked Austin Cindric’s reflections on the Rolex 24 race at Daytona.

While he expressed contentment with achieving a podium finish, Cindric acknowledged a sense of unrealized potential. “It’s an amazing result for Ford [and it’s] cool to be part of it,” he shared, yet admitted that third position did not fully represent the capabilities of the Mustang GT3.

“I’m definitely satisfied with the result, but for this car, I feel like third wasn’t quite the maximum.” – Austin Cindric

Despite these mixed emotions, Cindric’s rapid acclimatization to the team over just ten days was commendable, showcasing his adaptability and skill in a highly competitive environment.

Looking forward, he anticipates future opportunities in the Rolex 24, potentially broadening his involvement by 2026.

This experience has certainly enriched his motorsport repertoire, leaving him poised for further success and highlighting the promising path of his racing career.

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News in Brief: Austin Cindric’s last-minute Rolex 24 entry

Austin Cindric’s unexpected entry into the Rolex 24 at Daytona proved to be a remarkable success, as he secured a podium finish. Despite the limited preparation time, Cindric demonstrated his adaptability and skill, performing impressively during the ROAR Before the 24.

The race was filled with intense moments, but Cindric maintained composure, ultimately achieving a dramatic result. Reflecting on the experience, Cindric expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities in motorsport.

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