Team Penske Supercars debut driver Austin Cindric navigated a demanding introduction to the Supercars series this weekend at the Adelaide Parklands Circuit, stepping behind the wheel for Tickford Racing’s wildcard entry and facing intense weather and race conditions under the guidance of Scott McLaughlin. The newcomer’s high-profile entry into the field drew attention not only for his perseverance in challenging circumstances, but also for the impactful support received from his fellow Penske driver and key competitors.
Austin Cindric Joins the Supercars Field in Adelaide
Austin Cindric, long known for his interest in the Supercars category and previous Gen2 Supercar test in 2015, finally took on a full-field debut in Adelaide, representing Tickford Racing with the Armor All/Repco Rewards No. 5 Ford. Prior to the main event, Cindric logged valuable preparation laps at Sandown and participated in a two-day test at The Bend, but these sessions did little to foreshadow the added challenge of navigating soaked streets and a rain-soaked start at Adelaide.
The Penske recruit found himself 23rd on the practice charts after Thursday’s 1:20.7125 run. Friday delivered further adversity, with persistent rain causing tricky track conditions and the need to adjust to his first wet weather standing start, a vastly different rhythm from his familiar NASCAR environment. He described the opening day as an essential learning experience and noted just how foreign the balance and rhythm of a Supercar felt in the rain-soaked setting.
Scott McLaughlin and Supercars Veterans Offer Key Support
Throughout the lead-up to his debut, Cindric benefitted from constant encouragement and insight from IndyCar ace and Team Penske colleague Scott McLaughlin. Fans took notice of McLaughlin’s role, prompting his positive review:
“I think he’s doing an awesome job!”
– Scott McLaughlin, IndyCar Driver
Cindric recounted just how deeply McLaughlin was involved, revealing:
“He has texted me every single day,”
he told V8 Sleuth.
“I’ve quizzed him a ton on Adelaide… he’s like, ‘man, I’m going to stay up and watch the race, text me after every session.’”
– Austin Cindric, Team Penske Driver
Scott McLaughlin went as far as requesting telemetry to provide helpful feedback, ensuring Cindric maximized his learning curve at one of the calendar’s most challenging street venues. Meanwhile, Shane van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion now competing in the Cup Series, contributed additional advice to Cindric and fellow driver Jesse Love, sharing insights from his own experiences and ongoing Super2 campaign.
Adelaide Delivers Drama and Setbacks During Debut Race Days
The opening race day proved daunting for the Team Penske Supercars debut as Friday’s heavy rain transformed the course into a test of survival. Several competitors faced incidents, but Cindric kept the No. 5 Ford pointed in the right direction and completed his first laps without significant trouble, describing the outing as “mildly satisfying” due to how difficult the evolving conditions were. Gradually, he became more comfortable with braking zones and tire behavior in the changing Adelaide environment, ultimately placing 25th.
Saturday’s event saw vastly improved track conditions. Broc Feeney seized control at the front, leading Chaz Mostert by over sixteen seconds. However, a late-race clash unfolded between Mostert and Cindric as they entered a corner, resulting in Mostert’s rear making contact and causing major damage to Cindric’s Mustang. The incident forced Cindric to pit for repairs that ultimately cost him six laps and dropped him to the rear of the field. Despite the setback, he brought the car home 23rd, finishing ahead of Aaron Cameron—who did not finish—and Bryce Fullwood.
Next Steps for Cindric and Team Penske
Despite a baptism under fire and the adversity faced in his first Supercars outings, Austin Cindric managed to avoid major errors in his Team Penske Supercars debut, gaining valuable experience in wet and dry conditions alongside a competitive field that included key entities like Broc Feeney, Chaz Mostert, and Shane van Gisbergen. Qualifying resumes tomorrow with a Top Ten Shootout and Race 33 scheduled to further test the resilience of new entrants and veterans alike on the unpredictable Adelaide streets. The lessons learned, combined with the support of Scott McLaughlin and insights from leading Supercars figures, position Cindric and Team Penske for continued growth in the series as the season progresses.
I think he’s doing an awesome job! https://t.co/YOO0b8sfed
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) November 28, 2025
