Austin Cindric’s ongoing misery in the 2025 NASCAR season continues at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and Kyle Larson may have played a role in it. A tough two weeks have tested Cindric, who has faced setbacks that continue to haunt his season. While some struggles are part of racing, this situation feels different. Larson’s regretful actions add another layer to the story.
Key Highlights
- Austin Cindric criticized Kyle Larson’s aggressive driving following their collision in the Ambetter Health 400.
- The incident ended Cindric’s lead with 10 laps to go and took out his No. 2 Ford.
- Cindric expressed frustration over Larson’s lack of spatial awareness causing the crash.
- Larson accepted blame, citing a miscalculation and late spotter warning as factors.
- Cindric seeks redemption and aims for strong performances in upcoming races.
Roger Penske’s Team Misses Out on Victory Again
Roger Penske’s team faced disappointment once again as they narrowly missed capturing a victory at the 2025 Ambetter Health 400, a race that seemed within their grasp until the final moments.
Despite being favorites to retain the NASCAR Cup Series title, the team has yet to clinch a win this year. Their performance at Atlanta Motor Speedway mirrored the frustration experienced at the Daytona 500, where triumph slipped through their fingers.
The team has exhibited remarkable potential, consistently positioning themselves at the forefront of the competition. However, they have fallen victim to untimely circumstances, failing to convert their promise into victory.
This persistent pattern of near-misses highlights a concerning trend for Roger Penske, as his drivers face challenges in sealing the deal. Such setbacks cast a shadow over their championship aspirations, leaving them to ponder the elusive path to victory lane.
Austin Cindric’s Late-Race Heartbreak at Atlanta
Tension was tangible as Austin Cindric experienced yet another setback in his racing career during the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Positioned confidently in the lead with just 10 laps remaining, Cindric seemed poised to break his frustrating 22-race winless streak at the 1.5-mile oval.
His aspirations, however, were abruptly undermined by an aggressive maneuver from Kyle Larson. As Larson attempted a bold move on the inside, he failed to fully clear Cindric, forcing the No. 2 Ford into the wall.
This unfortunate collision not only dashed Cindric’s hopes for victory but also caused a chain reaction involving William Byron, effectively ruining any chance for a commendable finish for the trio.
Austin Cindric Calls Out Kyle Larson for Reckless Driving
In the aftermath of the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Austin Cindric expressed visible frustration over Kyle Larson‘s aggressive driving, which he blamed for his dashed hopes of victory.
Feeling aggrieved, Cindric voiced his discontent during a post-race interview, pinpointing Larson’s lack of spatial awareness as the catalyst for his misfortune. “Up in the wall, wrecked, and didn’t win,” he lamented, emphasizing the need for a conversation regarding Larson’s decision-making.
“We’re not clear. I don’t know what information he’s getting. Obviously, my car is on his outside. It definitely merits conversation. It’s unfortunate because we led a lot of laps and had four of the fastest cars in Atlanta but didn’t win.” – Kyle Larson
Austin Cindric said Kyle Larson was not clear. Clearly disappointed. pic.twitter.com/zeHl9FxzrI
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 23, 2025
Cindric highlighted that his Team Penske Ford had a competitive edge, leading numerous laps and being among the fastest on the track, yet it was rendered futile due to the incident.
“As a team, as Fords, we had the best cars here this weekend. We put ourselves into position to win the race and got used up and into the fence and didn’t win the race. It’s a shame.”
“Two weeks in a row I feel like we have had the car to beat and haven’t done it. One way or another it is disappointing.” – Austin Cindric
Cindric’s comments reflect a broader narrative of frustration, as he has faced similar disappointments, especially at Daytona International Speedway.
Despite having cars capable of winning, these recurring incidents have left him with suboptimal finishes, underscoring the unstable nature of high-stakes racing.
Austin Cindric’s Ongoing Struggles Despite Strong Performances
Despite numerous competitive showings, Austin Cindric consistently finds himself on the losing end of races, highlighting a pattern of misfortune that belies his on-track capabilities. Since joining Team Penske in 2022, Cindric has only managed two victories, a pronounced contrast to his frequent commanding performances.
This year, he has led 106 laps over just two weeks, yet remains without tangible success. The disparity between his efforts and results emphasizes a challenging reality: while his teammates, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney, take pride in Cup Series championships, Cindric struggles to capitalize on similar resources.
Kyle Larson Takes Blame While Austin Cindric Hopes for Redemption
Kyle Larson candidly acknowledged his responsibility in the incident with Austin Cindric during the 2025 AmBetter Health 400, admitting that his miscalculation led to the on-track clash.
He reflected on the dynamics of the situation, noting his attempt to clear Cindric and misjudgment of the latter’s proximity. Larson explained how his spotter’s late warning exacerbated the situation, illustrating the inherent challenges of high-speed racing.
“Yeah, that was my fault. I haven’t seen a replay, but I’m sure that was my fault. I was gonna clear him a little bit better and, like, just drive in front of him, and he could pick me up in the backstretch, and I think he just, he just got there, like, he got closer to my right side quicker than I anticipated, and then I’m, like, tight, you know? My spotter is yelling last second, outside, outside, and I’m just, I’m trying to give space because I don’t want to get hooked myself in the wall.” – Kyle Larson
He expressed regret for the incident, which inadvertently affected Cindric’s prospects in the race.
Meanwhile, Austin Cindric remains focused on redemption. Despite the setback at Atlanta, his performance showcased his strong capabilities on drafting tracks, which have been acknowledged by fellow racers like Denny Hamlin.
Although a win still eludes him, Cindric’s consistent displays of skill suggest potential for future success. With the season still in its early stages, Cindric is poised to capitalize on upcoming opportunities to secure a coveted playoff spot.
News in Brief: Kyle Larson’s Regret Fuels Austin Cindric’s Ongoing Misery
Austin Cindric’s frustration following the Atlanta race emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by Roger Penske’s team, as they aim for victories amid fierce competition. Despite strong performances, Cindric’s hopes were dashed by Kyle Larson’s controversial move, which he deemed reckless.
While Larson accepted responsibility for the incident, Cindric remains focused on future opportunities for redemption. The incident highlights the intense nature of racing, where split-second decisions can dramatically alter outcomes, leaving drivers grappling with the unpredictability of the sport.
ALSO READ: Austin Cindric’s Future in Doubt? Team Penske’s High Standards Could Force a Change
