Team Penske driver Austin Cindric stirred conversation on social media after a turbulent race week at Texas Motor Speedway, with his candid responses to fans drawing both support and criticism. As the racing world watched, Cindric’s sponsor Discount Tire posted a video on X in which the young driver confronted social media comments head-on, offering honest, often humorous, takes on the feedback he received following a dramatic set of events on and off the track.
Since debuting in the Cup Series at the 2021 Daytona 500, Cindric has firmly established himself within Team Penske, earning respect through perseverance and key victories. His 2022 Daytona 500 win marked a pivotal milestone for both Cindric and his team. Over five years, he has secured three wins, 25 top-ten finishes, and one pole in 125 starts, cementing his reputation as a determined competitor and an integral member of Team Penske’s roster.
In the recent video, Cindric addressed a range of comments from fans, starting with a lighthearted suggestion that he adopt the nickname “AC.” Laughing off the idea, he accepted the moniker with good humor, remarking, “I’ve heard worse.” The personable exchange set the tone for a series of responses in which Cindric oscillated between amusement and surprise, reflecting on his journey and persona within Team Penske. When a fan praised him as
The Man, The Myth, The Legend,
Cindric acknowledged the compliment, revealing a humble yet confident side.
One comment stood out, referencing his passion for music, to which the Team Penske driver confirmed he is indeed a “band guy,” further endearing him to fans who see another side of their favorite racer beyond the speedway. Each interaction revealed layers of Cindric’s character, from self-deprecating wit to authentic gratitude, amid the pressures of high-stakes racing.
Cindric’s recent win at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27, 2025, positioned him 14th in the Cup Series driver standings, with three top-ten finishes in just ten starts this season. Yet, his Texas race week was not without controversy. During the Jack Link’s 500, tensions escalated when Cindric, driving the iconic #2 Team Penske car, slowed on the last lap of stage two, allowing Bubba Wallace to overtake and hindering teammate Joey Logano’s chances of a stage win. Logano didn’t hold back, expressing his anger over the radio and calling out Cindric with a harsh “stupid” remark. NASCAR analyst Kelly Crandall relayed the frustration, noting the palpable tension within the Team Penske garage.
Despite the intra-team conflict, Cindric went on to clinch victory in the race, while Logano, originally finishing fifth, suffered a devastating blow when a failed post-race inspection left him officially last, in P39. The dramatic sequence of events captivated fans and industry insiders alike, with social media abuzz over Team Penske’s internal dynamics. Cindric’s open, honest social media reaction not only addressed the controversy but also underscored the emotional complexities faced by drivers in the spotlight.
Looking ahead, the fallout from Texas continues to unfold. Team Penske now faces the task of managing internal tensions while maintaining competitive momentum. Cindric’s willingness to engage directly with fans and critics marks a new chapter for the organization, suggesting a more transparent, emotionally charged approach to racing’s public scrutiny. As the NASCAR season intensifies, all eyes will be on Team Penske, eager to see how Austin Cindric’s candid reactions and on-track resolve will shape the team’s fortunes going forward.
