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 president of Team Penske, and his grandfather, Jim Trueman, was a former IndyCar team owner. Austin attended Cannon School, where he graduated in 2017, just hours before competing in a Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Cindric’s early exposure to racing began with semi-professional 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 various racing disciplines, including the U.S. F2000 National Championship and the Global RallyCross Championship.
Path to NASCAR Cup Series
Cindric made his NASCAR debut in 2015, starting in the Camping World Truck Series. He quickly established himself as a promising talent, finishing third in the Truck Series standings in 2017. His transition to the NASCAR Xfinity Series was marked by significant success, culminating in a championship win in 2020. This victory set the stage for his full-time entry into the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022.
Austin Cindric Career
Early Career (2015-2019)
Cindric’s early career was characterized by a diverse range of racing experiences. He began in the ARCA Racing Series, where he made his debut in 2015 and secured his first win at Kentucky Speedway in 2016. His performance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series began in 2018, where he drove for Team Penske and quickly made a name for himself with back-to-back road course victories at Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio in 2019.
In 2020, Cindric’s talent shone brightly as he dominated the Xfinity Series, winning the championship and solidifying his reputation as a top driver in the sport.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2020-2021)
Cindric’s 2020 season was a breakout year, as he won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship. He achieved a remarkable seven victories, including a historic sweep at Kentucky Speedway, where he won both races in a single weekend. His consistent performance throughout the season earned him the regular season championship, and he capped it off with a victory at Phoenix in the playoffs.
In 2021, Cindric continued to excel in the Xfinity Series, adding to his win tally with victories at Daytona, Phoenix, and Dover. He finished the season as a strong contender, ultimately finishing as the 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 first season was nothing short of spectacular, highlighted by a victory in the prestigious Daytona 500, making him the second-youngest driver to win the event. Cindric’s performance throughout the season was impressive, leading to a twelfth-place finish in the points standings and earning him the NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year award.
In 2023, Cindric faced challenges, finishing 24th in the final standings with only one top-five and five top-ten finishes. However, he rebounded in 2024, securing a win at Gateway and showing signs of returning to form.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Cindric is known for his strategic approach to racing, showcasing strong skills in both road course and oval track settings. His ability to adapt to different racing conditions and his experience across various series contribute to his effectiveness as a driver.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Cindric’s career is marked by significant milestones, including his championship win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and his historic victory at the Daytona 500. His achievements reflect his potential as a rising star in NASCAR.
Austin Cindric Career Wins
Cindric has established himself as a formidable competitor in NASCAR, with a total of three wins in the NASCAR Cup Series and thirteen wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His victories span various tracks and conditions, showcasing his versatility as a driver.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
In the NASCAR Cup Series, Cindric’s most notable win came at the 2022 Daytona 500, where he made history as a rookie champion. His performance in the 2023 season was less impactful, but he managed to secure a win at Talladega in 2025, demonstrating his resilience and capability to compete at the highest level.
Previous NASCAR Xfinity Series Achievements
Cindric’s Xfinity Series career is highlighted by his 2020 championship win, where he led the series in wins and top finishes. His back-to-back victories at Kentucky Speedway in 2020 remain a significant achievement in his racing career.
Austin Cindric Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Cindric comes from a family deeply embedded in motorsports. His father, Tim, has played a pivotal role in shaping his career, while his grandfather, Jim Trueman, was influential in the IndyCar scene. This lineage has provided Cindric with unique insights and opportunities within the racing community.
Personal Life
Cindric maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his racing career. His educational background from Cannon School reflects his commitment to balancing academics with his passion for racing.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Cindric finishing eighth in the Daytona 500, showing promise for the year ahead. Following a strong performance at COTA, he faced a setback with a points penalty but quickly rebounded with a win at Talladega, narrowly edging out Ryan Preece. Despite some challenges, Cindric’s ability to secure wins demonstrates his potential to compete for higher standings in the coming races.
