Joey Logano and Austin Cindric found themselves at the center of attention following a tense episode during the Talladega Superspeedway race, as Cindric’s choice to bring an Atlanta Braves hat to a subsequent team meeting added fuel to the unfolding team dynamics. On the last lap of Stage 2 at Talladega, both Team Penske drivers were battling for a stage win when Austin Cindric slowed, allowing Bubba Wallace from 23XI Racing to pass and undermining Logano’s opportunity for victory. This sparked an emotional reaction from Logano, who, over the team radio, criticized his teammate in frustration, calling his actions “stupid.”
The incident not only created friction between the drivers but also caught the attention of MLB legend Chipper Jones, who weighed in by calling out Logano for his remarks. In a twist that combined sports and symbolism, Austin Cindric, known to be a Braves fan, later revealed he had a Braves hat in his truck but didn’t wear it at the first team meeting after Talladega. However, after his first Cup Series win, Cindric chose to don the Atlanta Braves hat in front of his teammates, marking a bold and unmistakable gesture that resonated throughout the Penske garage. When asked about this move on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s popular Dale Jr. Download podcast, Logano faced questions about how he perceived Austin Cindric’s choice and the state of their relationship after such a public display of tension.
The discussion came shortly after the Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway, where Logano secured a commanding win, finishing just ahead of Ross Chastain and earning 42 points. In contrast, Austin Cindric finished the race in 25th place, gathering 22 points and reinforcing the competitive gap between the teammates following a difficult stretch for both drivers. Despite Logano’s victory at Texas, he has faced a series of challenges this season, including a disqualification at Talladega that dropped him from P5 to P38 for a spoiler infraction. That setback raised pressure within the team as expectations for the defending champion remained high.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves hat incident involving Austin Cindric represents more than a simple fashion statement; it’s become a symbol of underlying tensions, shifting alliances, and ongoing uncertainty within Team Penske. As the season progresses, all eyes are on how moments like these will shape team dynamics, performance on the track, and the professional relationship between Logano and Cindric. The episode leaves both the team and fans in suspense, waiting to see if this drama will motivate improved results or deepen the complexity of the partnership moving forward.
