Roger Penske, owner of Team Penske, has addressed the speculation surrounding Austin Cindric‘s future at Team Penske NASCAR, firmly stating that Cindric will stay with the organization. The confirmation comes after a wave of rumors caused by leadership changes within the broader Penske team, centering on the No. 2 Ford driver’s contract status for upcoming seasons.
Penske Responds to Ongoing Speculation About Cindric
Austin Cindric’s position in the NASCAR Cup Series has come under scrutiny following a series of off-track controversies. Recent chatter was sparked when Team Penske faced penalties over illegal car parts during Indy 500 qualifying, leading to the dismissal of three high-ranking members of Penske’s IndyCar leadership, including team president Tim Cindric, Austin’s father. This leadership upheaval fueled further conjecture that Austin might also depart the team. The situation prompted direct questions to both Austin Cindric and Roger Penske regarding the driver’s future.
Penske directly addressed these concerns in a conversation with FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass. The team owner made it clear that Austin Cindric’s position remains secure and that the contract with the team extends into the following year.
“Let me say, as far as Austin Cindric is concerned, I had a good talk with him,”
—Roger Penske, Team Owner
According to Penske, he has watched Cindric develop over the years, reaffirming both the driver’s employment and the existing agreement:
“So as far as I’m concerned, we don’t need to be talking about Austin Cindric. We need to be talking about Austin Cindric in the winner’s circle.”
—Roger Penske, Team Owner
Recent Performance and Outlook for Cindric
In 2025, Austin Cindric captured a crucial victory at Talladega, driving his No. 2 Team Penske Ford into victory lane. This win secured his placement in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, offering a boost of confidence amid the surrounding turmoil. Penske’s public reassurance aims to quell any further rumors and re-center attention on the track rather than off-the-track drama.
Names such as Tim Cindric, Kyle Larson, Bob Pockrass, and Kyle Busch have come up in wide discussions about changes in NASCAR, but Penske’s comments specifically underline the team‘s trust in Austin Cindric’s continued role. The driver’s future at Team Penske NASCAR now appears certain for at least another season, regardless of organizational changes or speculation fueled by recent team incidents.
What Lies Ahead for Team Penske and Austin Cindric
By addressing rumors head-on, Roger Penske has provided stability for both Austin Cindric and Team Penske as they focus on performance in the ongoing NASCAR Cup Series. With playoff contention secured, attention for Cindric turns to building on his Talladega win and striving for further success. The team’s leadership expects the No. 2 Ford driver’s focus to remain on racing achievements as the season progresses, and further updates on organizational adjustments are likely to emerge as the broader Penske operation continues to evolve.
