Austin Cindric showcased his skill during the NASCAR Cup Series practice at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, setting the pace in the 50-minute session. The 2022 Daytona 500 Champion and his No. 2 Team Penske Ford recorded a fastest lap of 187.402 mph in 48.02 seconds, making him the one to watch in the upcoming race and bringing the Austin Cindric Daytona 500 practice into the spotlight.
Cindric Sets the Pace in Initial Practice
The opening practice session was mostly composed of single-car runs without drafting, as drivers focused on refining their individual setups. Out of 45 entrants, only Michael McDowell, piloting the No. 71 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, and Todd Gilliland in the No. 34 Ford for Front Row Motorsports, did not participate, remaining in the garage for the entirety of the session. Austin Cindric made just 13 laps around the trioval, enough to secure the top spot on the speed chart.
Standout Performances Among Leading Drivers
The top-five fastest drivers, behind Cindric, included Ross Chastain in his No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing at 186.931 mph, Corey LaJoie, Bubba Wallace, and Daniel Suarez. Corey LaJoie stands out as one of the “go or go home” competitors, fighting to secure his place in the historic Daytona 500 lineup. While the initial plan did not include drafting, a handful of drivers inadvertently found themselves in small groups, briefly experiencing drafting conditions during their laps.
Preparation Continues for Daytona 500 Lineup
As open entries and full-time competitors look ahead, many drivers—especially those without a guaranteed race spot—will use upcoming opportunities to improve their odds of qualifying. With the single-car runs providing a baseline, further sessions and time trials will be crucial for settling the final roster and setting the grid for the Great American Race. The anticipation remains high as everyone at Daytona International Speedway watches to see if strong practice results like Cindric’s can translate into a successful qualifying run and, ultimately, race performance.
