After competing at the Sandown 500, Austin Cindric’s Supercars debut with Tickford Racing was unveiled as the NASCAR driver prepared to participate at the BP Adelaide Grand Final. Making his first on-track appearance with the #5 Armour All Ford Mustang, Cindric joined team co-drivers James Moffat and Lochie Dalton for a ride day at Melbourne, marking a significant chapter in his racing career and providing a new challenge ahead of his upcoming event. The Austin Cindric Supercars debut is regarded with anticipation by both teams and fans as he transitions from NASCAR to Australia’s premier touring car category.
Early Impressions During Testing in Melbourne
Cindric experienced his first laps in the Supercar at the Melbourne circuit, initially driving a few solo laps before taking passengers for rides throughout the day. This opportunity served as Cindric’s introduction to the Supercars environment ahead of a planned full test at The Bend Motorsport Park before the Adelaide season-closer. Reflecting on his initial experience, Cindric described the atmosphere as unusual yet enjoyable.
“I would have figured the team would have jokingly told people that they’re getting in a car with somebody who’s driven five laps,”
Cindric told Speedcafe.
“But I’ve given up on trying to even scare people in that sense. It’s become normal enough to where I have to remind myself that I have somebody sitting next to me, so you only really realise it until like, ‘Oh, I missed that apex. I wonder if they noticed’. It’s cool to see the reaction,”
Cindric explained, openly discussing the unique dynamics of sharing the car with passengers during his acclimation to the new vehicle type.
Adapting to Supercars—Comparisons and Challenges
Analyzing the technical differences, Cindric noted that the Supercar felt more approachable than the NASCAR Cup Series machines he drives regularly. The current Gen3 Ford Mustang Supercar boasts a weight of 1335kg, compared to the 1450kg of the NASCAR Next Gen car, which contributes to a noticeable difference in handling and response. He highlighted that the Supercar offers more overbody downforce, lighter construction, and grippier tyres, all of which align to create a more responsive driving experience, though he also acknowledged some shared limitations between the two car types.
Further elaborating on the car’s behaviour, Cindric pointed out contrasts in vehicle rigidity and handling characteristics. The Supercar’s increased grip enables aggressive cornering without as much risk of losing control over kerbs, a clear shift from what he experiences in NASCAR.
“It has a bigger effect on the driver, but the car still stays gripped up, whereas if I hit some of these kerbs in the Cup car, I’d be in the blue tent,”
Cindric reflected, drawing on his extensive NASCAR experience to highlight the learning curve he faces in Supercars.
Learning and Progressing Despite Limited Laps
Cindric’s debut at Sandown was focused on getting comfortable with both the Ford Mustang and the Tickford Racing team. Although there was no official timing, and he faced restrictions on the number of laps and addition of passengers, Cindric believed the session provided valuable learning opportunities. With each lap, he worked on adapting best practices and techniques unique to the Supercar environment, noting progress and areas requiring further focus.
“I think in a lot of ways quite a bit of what I expected,”
said Cindric.
He went on to emphasize the value of this hands-on experience, allowing him to put his preparatory work to the test and start personalizing his approach to various technical questions that arise naturally through driving. The lack of lap times or timing beacons shifted his attention toward understanding the car and circuit at a deeper level.
“I feel like I’ve gotten up to speed well. I probably need to continue to ramp up. I think the brake zones are the biggest piece, just being able to maximise those and from there, whether that’s technique or best practices like I said, or trying to understand the track as well,”
Cindric stated, underlining the importance of brake zone management and familiarity with the circuit while he continued to progress.
Adjusting Driving Technique for Supercars
When questioned about adapting his driving style, particularly regarding the use of left-foot braking—a skill frequently used in Supercars but less common in NASCAR—Cindric explained that he is still adjusting.
“My left foot has only touched the clutch pedal and the dead pedal,”
Cindric confirmed, signifying that he is maintaining some habits from his NASCAR roots while he continues to explore the nuances of his new machine.
Significance of the Debut and Next Steps
Cindric’s entry into Supercars with Tickford Racing is notable not just for the technical adjustments involved, but also for the cross-disciplinary excitement it generates within motorsport communities. This high-profile debut at the Adelaide Grand Final could pave the way for more trans-Atlantic driver crossovers and shines a spotlight on the adaptability required when transitioning between major racing series like the NASCAR Cup Series and the Australian Supercars Championship. As Cindric prepares for further testing at The Bend Motorsport Park and readies himself for his wildcard appearance in Adelaide, his performance will likely be closely watched by fans, competitors, and industry observers alike.
