Austin Cindric is positioning himself as a strong contender for a wildcard entry in the Supercars series, demonstrating extensive preparation for the shift. Shane van Gisbergen has observed Cindric’s impressive skill development, including right-foot braking and heel-toeing techniques. While Cindric expresses keen interest in returning to Australia, his enthusiasm is tempered by scheduling complexities. The growing interest in Supercars-NASCAR crossover events adds excitement to his potential participation. More insights about Cindric’s expedition and the crossover landscape await.
Key Highlights
- Austin Cindric is preparing for a potential wildcard entry in the Adelaide Grand Finale, demonstrating his commitment to Supercars.
- Shane van Gisbergen observed Cindric practicing right-foot braking and heel-toeing, essential skills for Supercars.
- Cindric’s last appearance in Australia was in 2016, making his return a notable event for fans.
- His testing with DJR Team Penske Ford keeps his Supercars prospects active despite scheduling challenges.
- The growing crossover interest in motorsport may further energize competition between Supercars and NASCAR.
Cindric emerges as Adelaide wildcard option
NASCAR driver Austin Cindric has emerged as a leading contender for a wildcard entry in the Adelaide Grand Finale, a project spearheaded by Tickford Racing in collaboration with Ford.
Following unsuccessful attempts to secure NASCAR drivers for previous events, including Kyle Busch for 2024 and Kyle Larson earlier this year, Cindric represents a promising shift in strategy.
His experience in high-pressure racing environments positions him as a viable candidate for the demanding street circuit in Adelaide.
Tickford Racing’s partnership with Ford signals a commitment to diversifying the talent pool in Supercars, and Cindric’s potential inclusion could energize the competition.
As preparations continue, anticipation builds for his performance on this international stage.
Van Gisbergen sees signs of preparation
Shane van Gisbergen has observed clear signs of Austin Cindric’s preparation for the Supercars wildcard entry. During a recent ECU test at Kershaw, van Gisbergen noted Cindric’s commitment to mastering the intricacies of Supercar driving.
“We did a test last week, an ECU test at Kershaw (Carolina Motorsports Park), which is a terrible race track, by the way — but you could hear him right foot braking and he was heel-toeing and already practising.”
“Because in those cars (Supercars) you can’t left-foot brake and be fast. It was cool to hear him practising for it, so I guess it means he’s doing it.” – van Gisbergen
- Cindric’s right-foot braking technique was apparent.
- He practiced heel-toeing, vital for speed in Supercars.
- Van Gisbergen’s approval highlights the significance of preparation.
- Cindric’s proactive approach hints at his resolve.
These observations reflect Cindric’s willingness to adapt and excel in a competitive environment.
Cindric’s adaptability and determination highlight his potential to thrive in the highly competitive Supercars arena.
As he gears up for this unique challenge, the preparation signals a serious commitment, embodying the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines elite motorsport.
Cindric interested but cautious
Austin Cindric’s enthusiasm for a potential return to Australia is tempered by caution as he navigates the complexities of scheduling and commitments.
While Cindric expresses a strong interest in competing again in Australia, particularly in Supercars, he acknowledges that nothing is finalized. His last appearance was at the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2016, and he has tested a DJR Team Penske Ford.
“Nothing to really announce but it’s something I’ve looked at for a long time,” he stated.
“Even when I was younger, I’ve gone down and raced Bathurst 12 Hour and done some tests in some Supercars, so it’s something I have always kept a pulse on.
“Ford has a huge presence down there so it would be something I would absolutely love to do but obviously schedules aligning is a pretty challenging thing.” – Cindric
Cindric’s history with the Bathurst event and his familiarity with Supercars keep the prospect alive, but he recognizes that aligning schedules presents a substantial challenge.
His enthusiasm remains, yet practicality dictates a measured approach.
Supercars–NASCAR crossover builds momentum
As interest in motorsport crossover events grows, the collaboration between Supercars and NASCAR gains considerable traction, particularly following Shane van Gisbergen’s impressive debut in Chicago in 2023.
This momentum has inspired several drivers to pursue opportunities in the United States, including Brodie Kostecki, Will Brown, and Jack Perkins.
Broc Feeney is next, keen to test his skills in stock car racing. However, van Gisbergen has issued a cautionary note for those considering the shift.
The excitement surrounding this crossover can be encapsulated by:
- A blend of diverse racing cultures
- The thrill of high-stakes competition
- Opportunities for innovation in vehicle design
- The potential for unprecedented fan engagement
Van Gisbergen’s warning and what’s next
Acknowledging the growing interest in cross-disciplinary racing, van Gisbergen emphasized the challenges that come with moving from Supercars to NASCAR. He noted that the competitive landscape is daunting, stating, “The guys here are very good.”
This observation serves as a cautionary reminder, particularly in view of Will Brown’s recent disappointing performance in Chicago despite being a Supercars champion.
“There are more and more coming here I guess, but it’s hard. You see Will Brown, he’s the champion there (in Supercars) and he ran mediocre at Chicago.”
“The guys here are very good, I just had a good first time I think and that set unrealistic expectations for people. People are really good here. It’s hard to just come in.” – Shane van Gisbergen
Van Gisbergen’s initial success may have set unrealistic expectations for newcomers, highlighting the steep learning curve associated with adapting to NASCAR.
As he prepares for upcoming events, including the Cup Series at Darlington, the focus remains on honing skills and adjusting to the unique demands of the sport, ensuring that he remains competitive within this rigorous racing environment.
News In Brief: NASCAR Star’s Wildcard Dreams Take Shape with Early Supercars Practice
As NASCAR star Austin Cindric investigates the possibility of a Supercars wildcard entry, anticipation builds within the motorsport community. His proactive approach, coupled with Shane van Gisbergen’s observations of Cindric’s preparation, highlights a growing interest in the crossover between NASCAR and Supercars. While Cindric remains cautious, the momentum for such collaborations continues to grow, promising an exciting evolution in both series. Fans enthusiastically await developments as this potential crossover unfolds on the racetrack.
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