Austin Cindric Bio
Early Life and Background
Austin Louis Cindric was born on September 2, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in a family with deep roots in motorsports; his father, Tim Cindric, served as the president of Team Penske, and his grandfather, Jim Trueman, was a former IndyCar team owner. Cindric graduated from Cannon School in 2017, balancing his education with a burgeoning racing career.
Cindric’s early exposure to racing began with legends car and Bandolero racing in North Carolina. He honed his skills at the Skip Barber Racing School, which paved the way for his entry into more competitive racing series. His formative years were marked by participation in various racing disciplines, including the U.S. F2000 National Championship and the Global RallyCross Championship.
Path to NASCAR
Cindric made his debut in the NASCAR scene in 2015, starting with the Camping World Truck Series. His early career saw him competing in multiple series, including ARCA and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He quickly established himself as a formidable competitor, finishing third in the Truck Series standings in 2017. Cindric’s transition to the Xfinity Series was marked by significant achievements, including winning the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship.
His success in the Xfinity Series set the stage for his full-time move to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022, where he drives the No. 2 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske. Cindric’s diverse racing background, including stints in sports cars and rallycross, has contributed to his adaptability and skill on the track.
Austin Cindric Career
Early Career (2015-2019)
Cindric’s professional racing career began in 2015 when he made his ARCA Racing Series debut and quickly transitioned to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 2017, he secured his first Truck Series win at Mosport, showcasing his talent on road courses. His performance in the Truck Series led to a full-time ride in the Xfinity Series, where he began to make a name for himself.
In 2019, Cindric achieved his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series wins with back-to-back victories at Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the sport.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2020-2021)
Cindric’s breakout year came in 2020 when he won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship. He dominated the season, winning multiple races and finishing first in the regular season standings. His championship victory at Phoenix was a defining moment in his career, as he led the standings in top fives and top tens throughout the season.
In 2021, Cindric continued to excel in the Xfinity Series, securing wins at Daytona, Phoenix, and Dover. He consistently ranked among the top drivers, leading much of the regular season standings and finishing as a runner-up in the championship race.
Team Penske Era (2022-Present)
Cindric made his full-time debut in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022, taking over the No. 2 car for Team Penske. His inaugural season was highlighted by a remarkable victory at the Daytona 500, making him the second-youngest driver to win the prestigious race. Cindric’s performance throughout the season earned him the NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors.
As of 2025, Cindric continues to compete for Team Penske, showcasing his skills and determination on the track. Despite facing challenges in the 2023 season, where he struggled to secure top finishes, he rebounded in 2024 with a victory at Gateway, breaking an 85-race winless streak. He remains a key figure in the NASCAR Cup Series, aiming for further success.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Cindric is known for his strategic approach to racing, combining aggressive driving with a keen understanding of race dynamics. His background in various racing disciplines has equipped him with a versatile skill set, making him a formidable competitor on both road courses and ovals.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Cindric’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Daytona 500 and the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship. He has also earned recognition as the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, marking a significant milestone in his racing journey.
Austin Cindric Career Wins
Austin Cindric has achieved notable success across various racing series, with a total of three wins in the NASCAR Cup Series and multiple victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and other competitions.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Cindric has secured three wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, with his most recent victory at Talladega. He has demonstrated consistent performance, although he faced challenges in the previous season, finishing 24th in the standings. Cindric’s ability to compete at a high level remains evident as he continues to pursue further wins.
Previous NASCAR Xfinity Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Cindric boasts 13 wins, including his championship-winning season in 2020. His ability to perform on road courses and ovals has made him a standout driver in the series, with multiple top finishes and accolades.
Austin Cindric Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Cindric comes from a prominent motorsports family, with his father, Tim Cindric, having a significant influence on his career. His grandfather, Jim Trueman, was a respected figure in IndyCar racing, further solidifying Cindric’s connection to the sport.
Personal Life
Cindric maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his racing career. He graduated from Cannon School in 2017, shortly before competing in a Truck Series race, showcasing his dedication to both education and racing.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Cindric finishing eighth in the Daytona 500, signaling a promising start. However, he faced challenges throughout the season, including a points deduction following an incident at COTA. Despite these setbacks, Cindric rebounded with a victory at Talladega, demonstrating resilience and skill. As the season progresses, he aims to build on this momentum and secure a strong playoff position.
