At the Charlotte Motor Speedway media center on Saturday, Austin Cindric confronted questions regarding his father and recent changes within Team Penske’s IndyCar program. Despite shifts in the organization, Cindric emphasized his steady focus and momentum as the season progresses.
Unwavering Focus on Performance Despite Leadership Changes
Cindric expressed a strong sense of confidence about his current position, stating,
“Professionally, I’m in no different place than I was a week ago. I feel like we have a lot of momentum on our team right now, on the [No.] 2 car. I’ve never felt better. I’ve never had a better start to a season, so for me, I’m more focused on execution. I feel like we’ve had some really fast race cars and some good opportunities.”
His remarks underline a commitment to his own progress, unaffected by external organizational shifts.
Personal vs. Professional Impact of Team President’s Departure
Tim Cindric, Austin’s father and former Team Penske president since 1999, stepped down earlier this year. This followed investigations revealing violations involving Josef Newgarden’s and Will Power’s cars during the Indianapolis Motor Speedway event. Austin shared his perspective on how this change influences him, saying,
“The interesting thing for me about my first three years in Cup is … I was actually in meetings with my dad. And that ended at the beginning of this year (when Tim Cindric stepped back as team president), so I feel like there really is only a personal connection to any of the news from this week.”
Reassurance on Contract Status and Future with Penske
When asked about his contract and continuation with Team Penske, Cindric confirmed with a clear “correct,” indicating his status remains secure. He also noted that Penske never left his position uncertain, highlighting the stability amid the organizational changes.
Outlook for Cindric and Team Penske Moving Forward
Amid the turbulence caused by leadership departures and regulatory scrutiny, Austin Cindric remains optimistic and focused on racing success. His determination to maintain momentum in the No. 2 car signals that Team Penske’s IndyCar program adjustments are unlikely to derail his development or performance this season. Observers will be watching how this resilience shapes the rest of his campaign and Penske’s efforts at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and beyond.
