In the wake of Team Penske leadership changes after IndyCar penalty rulings related to parts modifications during Indianapolis 500 qualifying, NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Cindric has reflected publicly on the situation that led to his father, Tim Cindric, departing the organization. The staffing changes, announced on Wednesday, followed severe penalties against two of the team’s IndyCar entries.
Team Penske Announces High-Profile Departures
On Wednesday, Team Penske revealed that it had parted ways with Tim Cindric, who served as president of its IndyCar program, along with managing director Ron Ruzewski and general manager Kyle Moyer. The decision came after two Penske teams received penalties for using illegal parts in last weekend’s Indianapolis 500 qualifying sessions. This significant shakeup affected senior figures across the organization just days after the penalties were handed down.
Austin Cindric Addresses the Media at Charlotte
At Charlotte Motor Speedway, Austin Cindric met with reporters ahead of Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 to discuss his family’s perspective on the changes. While understanding the gravity of having family involved in high-level motorsport, he indicated a clear separation between personal and professional matters.
“When family’s involved, you’ve got to understand it from both sides,”
—Austin Cindric, Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series driver.
He emphasized that since his own start with Team Penske in 2018, he, his father, and team owner Roger Penske have all worked to keep business and family life distinct, even when difficult situations arise. Cindric stated that the transition impacts his family, but he remains focused on the race weekend.
“Racing can be a cool industry. It can be an incredibly rewarding industry. And past that, it’s not something that I have weighing on me heavily for this weekend and for my pops. I love my dad, and that’s kind of about all I have to say.”
—Austin Cindric, Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Impact on the Team and Looking Ahead
The consequences of the IndyCar penalty have resulted in a significant restructuring of Team Penske’s leadership. With prominent figures like Tim Cindric departing, the team faces a period of adjustment. The organization now must move forward while maintaining focus on ongoing seasons in both IndyCar and NASCAR competition. As the motorsport world watches, Austin Cindric prepares to compete in the Coca-Cola 600, keeping his priorities clear amid the broader fallout from recent events within Team Penske.
