Austin Cindric, a prominent NASCAR Cup Series driver, is gearing up for his debut in Supercars at the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship finale in Adelaide, where he will pilot the Tickford Mustang. Ahead of this new chapter, Cindric shared the unexpected advice he received from former Supercars champion Shane Van Gisbergen, highlighting the challenge and learning curve involved in adapting to a new racing discipline.
The 27-year-old driver revealed on the Door Bumper Clear podcast that Van Gisbergen reached out to him with unsolicited guidance about a month ago, underscoring the importance of right-foot braking in Supercars racing—a technique Cindric was not fully anticipating.
Unexpected Insight from Shane Van Gisbergen on Racing Techniques
Cindric described waking up to a message from Van Gisbergen that went straight to the heart of the Supercars driving style.
“It’s funny…there’s not too many secrets down there I’ve also learned,”
Cindric said.
“Because I woke up about a month ago to a text from SVG, completely unsolicited, ‘Hey, if you wanna be any good down there, you gotta right-foot brake!’ Okay, like…I’m like okay, well I guess there’s no secrets. And second of all, thanks for the advice.”
This technical tip reflects Van Gisbergen’s deep experience as a three-time Supercars champion, emphasizing the differences between NASCAR and Supercars driving that Cindric must adapt to. Cindric is embracing the learning curve as he prepares for the late-season event.
Preparation Plans Signal Commitment to Supercars Debut
To fully immerse himself in the transition, Cindric plans to dedicate a month after the NASCAR season ends to focus on Supercars-related preparation. He described this phase as an exciting opportunity and a long-held aspiration.
“It should be a really cool adventure. I’m pretty much spending a month down there after the season’s over. It’s a super cool opportunity. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a very long time,”
he shared during the podcast.
His commitment not only reflects personal ambition but also underscores the confidence Team Penske has placed in him to represent them in the Supercars finale at the bp Adelaide Grand Final.
Focus Shifts to NASCAR Playoffs at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Despite already looking ahead to his Supercars experience, Cindric’s immediate attention remains on the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, with the next race scheduled at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. As the fourth race of the 2025 playoff season approaches, Cindric stands just one point shy of the cutoff line.
Winning the race at this 1.05-mile track would secure him an automatic berth in the Round of 8, intensifying his motivation to perform at his peak during this critical phase of the championship.
Reflection on Tough Day at Bristol Motor Speedway
Last week, Cindric encountered adversity during the race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where his vehicle experienced mechanical trouble late in the 500-lap contest. After competitive running and earning valuable stage points by racing near the front, Cindric’s No. 2 Penske Ford started producing smoke with 45 laps remaining due to excess rubber buildup inside the right front fender.
Despite this setback, adjustments made on pit road helped him finish in 30th place. Recalling the incident, Cindric credited his team’s swift response and preparation.
“Yeah, it’s not ideal. I had the fire there, and definitely had a lot of smoke, but huge credit to all my guys behind the wall, over the wall, to be prepared for a situation like that and to only lose five laps,”
Cindric said.
He also praised the car’s strong performance before the issue arose.
“We had a great car tonight, and definitely with the long run speed and being able to keep tires on the car, I’m not sure I would have been able to tell you that was going to be the game to start the day, but just proud of the effort, and well earned Sunday off for the 2 car,”
he added.
Similar mechanical difficulties ended Josh Berry’s playoff hopes on the same night, but Cindric’s finish preserved a critical 10-point cushion over Alex Bowman, who must win to advance further into the postseason.
Implications for Cindric’s 2025 Season and Beyond
Austin Cindric’s transition into the Supercars series marks a promising expansion of his racing career, supported by advice from seasoned veteran Shane Van Gisbergen. His focus on mastering right-foot braking and dedicating significant preparation time suggests a serious approach to excelling in this new environment.
Meanwhile, Cindric’s ongoing battle in the NASCAR playoffs remains intense, with pivotal races ahead that will determine his championship fate. His experience at Bristol highlights the challenges he faces but also showcases his resilience and the strength of his team.
As the season progresses, both Cindric’s NASCAR pursuits and his Supercars debut will be closely watched by fans and experts alike, signaling an exciting period for the driver and Team Penske.
