In November 2025, Austin Cindric, known for his performances in the NASCAR Cup Series, made his Supercars debut in Adelaide, Australia, marking a significant moment in his racing career. Competing at the BP Adelaide Grand Finals with Tickford Racing, Cindric spent almost a month overseas, where he not only gained valuable track time but also built strong bonds with his team and fellow drivers, making his time in Australia especially memorable.
The Emotional Connection: Honoring McLaughlin and Family Legacy
Driving the #5 Ford Mustang, Cindric was supported by Team Penske and took on three unique tracks: Sandown Raceway, The Bend Motorsports Park, and the Adelaide Street Circuit, all while maneuvering the powerful Gen3 V8 Supercar. Throughout his journey, Cindric credited Scott McLaughlin for helping him adjust to the unfamiliar world of Supercars, affectionately referring to McLaughlin as his “sensei.” The experience carried emotional weight not only due to the new technical challenges but also because the #5 Mustang held personal significance—Cindric’s grandfather, Jim Trueman, was historically connected to the vehicle.
Sharing Gratitude for Teammates and Support Crew
Reflecting on his experience, Cindric shared heartfelt messages to his teammates and supporters on social media, highlighting the camaraderie that defined his debut abroad. He said:
“Cam and Thomas were about as good of teammates as I could ask for. Cam was really my big brother for this whole trip, whereas Tom was more of the fun uncle… Dangerous combo, the three of us.”
Cindric also praised Scott McLaughlin for his vital guidance, stating:
“Speaking teammates, teammate of the year goes out to Scott McLaughlin for being my sensei from Day 1. I knew I was jumping into the deep end and the pool would’ve been a lot deeper without his support,” he added.
His efforts paid off, with Cindric finishing his debut session in 23rd place, ahead of two-time race winner Jack Le Brocq. His journey in Australia drew praise not only from his new teammates Cam and Thomas but also from the broader Tickford Racing camp and revered Supercars veterans, who recognized his ability to adapt under pressure.
Insights on Upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Changes
After his Supercars adventure, Cindric returned to Team Penske and turned his focus back to the NASCAR Cup Series, appearing in an August 2025 interview with SpeedFreaks. There, he addressed upcoming changes in the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2026 season, specifically highlighting the addition of two scheduled off weeks in the regular season. These breaks will come after the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway and before the Iowa Speedway event, changes designed to benefit drivers and their families.
Speaking about the enhancements, Cindric expressed his approval, commenting:
“Number one is two off weeks. That’s, we need one in the middle of something. You think about it, we’ve been racing since Easter, which I love. I love that, but god, it is a grind for everybody involved. And you know, a lot of people that I work with, all our families, and you know, those things are, you know, very important to have a little bit of that time off. So, I think that’s big for the whole industry to have that.”
Cindric’s 2025 NASCAR Season at a Glance
In the 2025 season, Austin Cindric finished 14th in the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings, highlighting his resilience and consistency throughout the year. He clinched victory at Talladega Superspeedway in the spring and recorded a total of five top-ten and two top-five finishes. Securing 2,156 points across 36 starts, Cindric demonstrated growth as a driver, reflecting both his ambition and adaptability, shaped in part by his experiences racing internationally.
Looking Ahead After an Emotional Off-Season
Austin Cindric’s Supercars debut showcased not only his talent but also his capacity to build meaningful relationships and honor mentors like Scott McLaughlin. As he carried lessons learned in Australia back to the NASCAR Cup Series, Cindric’s journey exemplifies the dedication and emotional drive required to compete at the highest level, leaving fans and the industry eager to see how these experiences will shape his future performances on both domestic and international stages.
