For Austin Cindric, the challenge of adapting to different racing environments has defined his rise as a NASCAR star, yet the seemingly straightforward skill of right-foot braking has proven unexpectedly difficult. As the former Daytona 500 winner prepares for his Supercars debut in Australia, the subject of Austin Cindric right-foot braking becomes central to understanding his approach to competing overseas.
Cindric Confronts the Complexities of Switching Braking Styles
Although both NASCAR stock cars and Repco Supercars boast high horsepower and demanding handling, their on-track realities differ dramatically, a lesson highlighted by drivers like Shane van Gisbergen. As Cindric steps into the world of Supercars, he acknowledges these differences, which have shaped his struggle and eventual respect for right-foot braking.
Set to become the first American driver in the Repco Supercars Championship since Alexander Rossi and James Hinchcliffe entered Bathurst in 2019, 27-year-old Cindric stands on the cusp of a new racing chapter. His journey began with a ride day at Sandown, progressing to test sessions at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, all leading to his entry as the 25th driver at the Adelaide Grand Final from November 27–30.
The Hidden Drawbacks of Right-Foot Braking in NASCAR Cup Cars
As Cindric prepared to debut for the Penske team in Australia, he shed light on the technical hurdles he faces with right-foot braking in NASCAR’s Cup cars. He stated,
Image of: Austin Cindric
“The reason why I haven’t really really tried (right foot braking) to almost risk doing it in Cup cars is because I had no time to learn all these and you know apply them,”
Austin Cindric, Driver. This insight highlights time constraints and the pressure to perform as key obstacles that kept him from embracing the technique in NASCAR.
He continued, explaining the lack of flexibility available stateside.
“I can’t reinspect my car because my pedals are wrong or because I installed the wrong master cylinder so. That’s why I haven’t really done it in the States because it doesn’t make sense, but with the track time and the opportunity I have here, I think it’s a great chance for me to always revert… I can always go back and say, ‘You know what, this isn’t working well. I’ve run terribly all weekend, I’m not comfortable, we’re just going to swap things up.’”
Austin Cindric, Driver. For Cindric, the international challenge provides more room to experiment and adapt than the rigid, fast-paced demands of Cup Series weekends.
A Track Record of Adaptation Across Disciplines
Cindric’s reputation in motorsport has been shaped by a refusal to settle into one specialty. He honed his craft early in Legends cars and Bandoleros, then threw himself into Global RallyCross, before competing in the ARCA Racing Series. That pattern of versatility carried him up through Trucks, Xfinity, and finally into the NASCAR Cup Series—where he startled the motorsports community by clinching the 2022 Daytona 500 as a rookie, instantly placing himself among racing’s most promising newcomers.
Despite these accomplishments, competing in Oceania’s fiercely competitive V8 Supercars presents an entirely new test. With unfamiliar vehicles, a unique driving philosophy, and distinctive track configurations, Cindric enters a domain that even the most seasoned drivers acknowledge as unforgiving. Yet, the expectations surrounding his presence in Australia, driving a Mustang with Team Penske, are enormous, and the Australian public eagerly anticipates how an American Cup Series racer will perform in this renowned championship.
Early Impressions Suggest a Promising Start Down Under
When Cindric finally suited up for his initial Supercars sessions, few could have foreseen the stir his on-track innovation would cause. Despite being known as an unconventional rookie, his use of an alternative braking style during testing quickly captured the attention of observers within the Australian racing community. His willingness to adapt and experiment, a hallmark of his career, seemed to resonate even on unfamiliar circuits.
The implications of Cindric’s Australian experiment are far-reaching for both NASCAR and Supercars fans. His journey underscores the complexity and customization required in top-tier motorsport, challenging assumptions about driving technique and adaptation. As he prepares for his race at the Adelaide Grand Final, all eyes remain on Austin Cindric and his evolving mastery of right-foot braking, a testament to his determination to push personal and professional boundaries wherever the next challenge emerges.
Interesting points from @AustinCindric in discussion with @scottpye19 on why he hasn’t tried to transition to right foot braking in the Cup Series and why he may test it in Supercars because of the additional practice time. pic.twitter.com/nPbA1R42oH
