Austin Cindric, a prominent driver for Team Penske in NASCAR, may compete in the Australia Supercars series‘ grand finale in Adelaide, as fresh reports indicate discussions are underway for a potential wildcard entry, taking place four weeks after the close of the NASCAR Cup Series. This Team Penske NASCAR Supercars opportunity is drawing attention as it could see yet another notable American driver cross over into international racing.
Austin Cindric linked with Supercars Adelaide run
Cindric, age 26, has surfaced as a frontrunner for a rare international race appearance, as rumors swirl about his involvement in the high-profile Supercars event in Adelaide. According to Speedcafe, Tickford Racing has initiated talks to possibly field a third car alongside regulars Cam Waters and Thomas Randle, collaborating with the South Australian Motorsport Board and Supercars organizers to facilitate the entry. This prospective effort, while likely a one-time event, highlights growing connections between major NASCAR figures and international racing series.
This move stands to offer a compelling counterpoint to Shane van Gisbergen’s path—he transitioned from Supercars to NASCAR and marked his Cup Series debut in Chicago with a strong victory, signaling success in crossing disciplines. The buzz around Cindric’s possible involvement reflects the rising trend of top-level drivers exploring opportunities outside their traditional motorsports circuits, as global interest in crossover events grows.
NASCAR drivers expressing interest in Supercars
In recent years, several Cup Series drivers have attempted to secure appearances in Supercars, though most initiatives have not come to fruition. Kyle Larson, well-known for his versatility, planned to race in the Adelaide event before withdrawing. Similarly, two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch pursued an arrangement for the same event, working with Triple Eight, Supercars, and event organizers to potentially compete in both the main and Super2 series in Adelaide. However, Busch ultimately stepped back from the plan, citing commitments unrelated to racing, and never officially announced his involvement.
Despite previous setbacks among top American drivers, Cindric may set himself apart with sustained enthusiasm for the Australian race. He has openly stated his interest in competing, once sharing he would
“love a chance to race there”
. Should ongoing negotiations prove successful, Cindric might become the latest in a select group of American NASCAR talents to participate in Supercars, possibly impacting future collaboration between the racing communities.
Potential impact and next steps
Whether or not Austin Cindric’s entry into the Adelaide Supercars event materializes, his involvement emphasizes a growing trend among NASCAR’s elite to look for challenges abroad. The collaboration between Tickford Racing and various motorsport stakeholders underlines Adelaide’s rising profile in global racing. Should Cindric compete, it could encourage further participation from U.S. drivers, strengthen ties between NASCAR and Supercars, and introduce a new audience to the spectacle of international motorsport competition.
