Austin Cindric is set for an exciting new chapter, as his Austin Cindric Supercars Adelaide 500 adventure will extend his racing season far beyond his NASCAR Cup Series peers. While most drivers wrap up in Phoenix on November 2, Cindric will take on the challenge of the Adelaide 500, the final race in the Australian Supercars Series, thousands of miles away from the U.S.
Taking on the Australian Supercars Finale
Representing Team Penske, Cindric will journey across the Pacific to compete on Australian soil. As he prepares for this international competition, Cindric draws comparisons to his Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin. McLaughlin made his name in Supercars before switching to American open-wheel racing, while Cindric now embarks on a similar but reversed path, joining the high-intensity finale of the Supercars calendar.
Reflecting on his history with the region, Cindric shared,
“It’s been about 10 years since I’ve been down to Australia to go race,”
—Austin Cindric, NASCAR Driver. His interest in Supercars isn’t new; earlier in his career, Cindric seriously considered making the Australian series a full-time pursuit, even exploring opportunities in the developmental Super Two league. He recognized the series as a productive ground for emerging talent, making it an attractive option during his formative years in motorsport.
Cindric stated,
“I’ve always kind of kept a pulse on it. I did some racing down there in the past, with the Bathurst 12 Hour and I have a lot of great relationships there. It’s really cool to see it all come full circle.”
—Austin Cindric, NASCAR Driver.
Ford and Tickford: Key Connections for Competing Down Under
This Australian racing opportunity is rooted in Cindric’s relationship with Ford, his NASCAR manufacturer, which also powers his entry into the Supercars series with Tickford Racing. Addressing his gratitude, Cindric remarked,
“Obviously, I wouldn’t be able to do it without the help and connection from Ford, with all the guys at Tickford (the Supercars team he’ll be racing for overseas) and kind of just piecing things together to see if it is all possible.”
—Austin Cindric, NASCAR Driver. These trans-Pacific manufacturer and team connections were instrumental in making his Supercars debut possible.
Embracing the Challenge and Looking Ahead
Cindric views the experience as more than just a one-off race; it is an opportunity to develop as a driver and perhaps inspire more international competitions.
“All in all, it’s going to be a super fun adventure,”
he shared. —Austin Cindric, NASCAR Driver. He is eager to make the most of this chance, aiming not only to perform well but to potentially open the door for further racing opportunities in the series. Cindric explained that the Adelaide circuit and the Supercars field will be a real challenge:
“But it’s a tricky course and an incredibly competitive series. So looking to see what I learn about myself and how well I stack up against a pretty stout grid.”
—Austin Cindric, NASCAR Driver.
For now, however, Cindric’s immediate focus remains on his NASCAR Cup playoff campaign, beginning with the upcoming race at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. Entering the event ranked ninth in the playoffs, he hopes a strong finish will help secure his advance into the Round of 12 before he heads overseas.
What This Means for Cindric and American Racing
Cindric’s participation in the Adelaide 500 marks a significant exchange of talent between American and Australian motorsports, highlighting the global reach of both NASCAR and Supercars. His Austin Cindric Supercars Adelaide 500 adventure reflects a hopeful and ambitious approach to racing, as he leverages his relationships with Ford, Tickford, and Team Penske to push the boundaries of his career. Whether this international endeavor leads to more global appearances, Cindric’s upcoming race will be closely watched by fans of both NASCAR and Supercars alike, bridging excitement between these two high-profile racing communities.
