Team Penske driver Austin Cindric has commended NASCAR’s recent schedule adjustment for 2026, highlighting the addition of a mid-season off-week as a significant development for everyone involved in the sport. During a discussion prior to the upcoming Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, Cindric expressed appreciation for the governing body’s willingness to address the challenges faced by teams and families through the new break.
In a recent update on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, NASCAR revealed the finalized Cup Series schedule for 2026. The season is set to begin with the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 1, 2026, followed by the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15. The key change this year involves a newly introduced two-week pause in the regular season. The off-week will commence after the Martinsville Speedway event on March 29 and racing resumes at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 12.
Cindric Responds to NASCAR’s Schedule Changes
This schedule shift is designed to provide respite for drivers, crews, and their families during a grueling stretch of racing that often starts early in the year and runs deep into the summer. The break marks a substantial shift from previous seasons and received a positive response from Cindric, who recognized how exhausting the continuous competition can be.
He stated:
“Number one is two off weeks. That’s, we need one in the middle of something. You think about it, we’ve been racing since easter, which I love. I love that, but god, it is a grind for everybody involved. And you know, a lot of people that I work with, all our families, and you know, those things are, you know, very important to have have a little bit that time off. So, I think that’s big for the whole industry to have that.” —Austin Cindric, Team Penske driver
Cindric’s reflections underscore the heavy demand the Cup Series places on drivers, pit crews, and their loved ones, echoing the sentiments of many within the paddock who have advocated for improved work-life balance. The off-week provides a window for recovery, family time, and preparation before teams resume the championship campaign with Bristol’s famed short-track challenge.
Fresh off a strong fifth-place finish at Richmond Raceway, Austin Cindric is preparing for a high-stakes appearance at Daytona International Speedway. The pivotal 160-lap showdown, set for Saturday, August 23, will air live across NBC Sports, MRN, HBO Max, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90 at 7:30 pm ET.
Cindric Shares Perspective on Connor Zilisch’s Post-Race Injury
Earlier in the month, Cindric joined NASCAR analyst Claire B. Lang for an in-depth interview, sharing his take on fellow driver Connor Zilisch’s recent injury. During a celebration at Watkins Glen after claiming his sixth win with JR Motorsports, Zilisch suffered an awkward fall from the roof of his #88 Chevy when his left foot became entangled in the window net. The accident resulted in a broken collarbone, necessitating surgery and the insertion of a metal plate for stabilization. Fortunately, Zilisch avoided head and neck trauma.
Cindric commented on the challenging incident:
“That’s a long way for a big, tall guy to fall from. So I guess the rookie mistake there was not putting the window net inside the race car. I do that because it covers up the door numbers and the pictures look bad. But yeah, it’s a scary sight, honestly. I mean, it’s kind of an upsetting thing to sit there and watch and, you know, kind of feel helpless about. I’m sure many felt the same, but I think his dad put out a tweet making fun of him, and I think that definitely calmed a lot of the nerves. Something probably very similar that my dad would have put too.” —Austin Cindric, Team Penske driver
“So I can sympathize with that as well. Yeah, just a shame, but it’s probably not going to stop me from being overly excited when I get out of the race car. But if you’re going up on top, I guess the moral of the story is there, you might as well just stand on the roof,” he added. —Austin Cindric, Team Penske driver
His remarks highlighted the precarious nature of post-race traditions and the risks drivers occasionally face even after the checkered flag, especially when overtaken by celebration and emotion.
Cindric’s Performance and Outlook for the Season
Austin Cindric currently stands 15th in the Cup Series points table with 543 points, demonstrating a consistent campaign with a victory, five top-ten results, and two top-fives from 25 starts this year. As he approaches the next race at Daytona, Cindric’s adaptability and the support from Team Penske will be crucial as the season enters its decisive phase. The newly scheduled off-week in 2026 is expected to enhance both performance and morale across the grid, reinforcing NASCAR’s focus on the long-term health of its competitors and their families.
