Austin Cindric, the driver of the No. 2 Menards/Sylvania Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Team Penske in the NASCAR Cup Series, enters this weekend’s Round of 12 elimination race positioned in 11th place, trailing the cut line by 29 points. Earlier today, he joined a NASCAR media call to discuss his current situation.
AUSTIN CINDRIC, No. 2 Menards/Sylvania Ford Mustang Dark Horse – WHAT IS YOUR MINDSET THIS WEEK WITH THE ROVAL AND THE ELIMINATION RACE IN SIGHT?“This race is critical, especially after two difficult starts to the Round of 12. Our focus needs to be on winning, which simplifies our approach in many respects. It definitely clarifies our strategy and preparations for the race. While this is not the ideal scenario to be in, we are ready to compete fiercely and pursue success.”
CAN YOU DETAIL THE CHANGES WITH THE ROVAL, ESPECIALLY AT TURNS 6 AND 7 AND THE FRONTSTRETCH CHICANE?“Both alterations will shift how we drive. While I’m unsure how much these changes will affect the race’s overall flow, the frontstretch chicane notably tightens the entry to the first apex as we complete the lap. Although I haven’t driven on the actual track, I’ve practiced using the Ford simulator. I can foresee this adjustment increasing the chances of missing the corner. It limits our runoff and reduces our margin for error, like simply cutting the curb. I anticipate that curb strikes will be more severe now; though they are already quite intense, the redesign makes the curb more perpendicular to the track, altering our approach angle. This change will require adjustments in our driving tactics. Furthermore, with the repositioned restart zone midpoint now affecting restarts, it appeared that the outside lane had a slight edge by taking that apex and accelerating out of it. We’ll need to observe whether the left lane becomes even more challenging or if it balances both lanes as we continue through the weekend.”
HOW DO YOU MOVE ON FROM LAST SUNDAY’S RACE?“You just need to let it go. That was a race where we had a lot more control; while a win wasn’t guaranteed, a strong finish with good points felt within reach, and that changes our outlook for this weekend and the season overall. It certainly stings. The Kansas incident was more at my own hand, so I can analyze that and work on improving myself in the car. However, the lost opportunity from the last race is tougher to reconcile, yet that’s part of racing. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve expressed that it’s just how it goes over the past 72 hours, I’d probably be above the cut line right now. Such is life.”
WHAT HAVE THE LAST FIVE WEEKS BEEN LIKE FOR YOU WITH THE UPS AND DOWNS?“From a short-term viewpoint, it’s been a drastic shift from the first round to the second, but the one consistent element has been the speed of our cars and our performance on the track. We’ve made significant improvements that reflect the groundwork we’ve laid throughout the season. Looking at the big picture, I mentioned in our Monday meeting that I wish there weren’t just five races remaining, as I believe when we work together effectively, success tends to be replicable. Whenever Brian and I have solved issues, our performance has significantly improved.
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Our outcomes have been solid. However, on the contrary, when an issue arises that we’ve been struggling with, it tends to repeat itself until it gets resolved, and what we’ve successfully addressed then recurs until circumstances change. I am genuinely motivated by what I have observed from my team and from myself during the playoffs and these races, but the last two weeks have been particularly difficult. There’s nothing to be done about it. If you approach the Talladega race with the expectation that it will be your significant points day, you’re likely already at a disadvantage, and that was indeed the case. We currently find ourselves in what appears to be a must-win scenario, and we’ll take it in stride and go for it. It’s quite straightforward.
HAVE YOU OR YOUR TEAM LEARNED ANYTHING IN THIS PLAYOFF RUN THAT YOU CAN APPLY TO THE REGULAR SEASON NEXT YEAR? “I believe that the speed and performance we’ve exhibited is the result of a year’s worth of effort. It doesn’t stem from a single race; rather, it arises from extensive data analysis, numerous discussions, and a number of insightful individuals collaborating to solve problems. As I mentioned, this has required significant effort. I don’t think there’s a singular week or event that makes everything click for everyone, but every time I participate in a playoff media day, I emphasize that you learn the most about yourself and your competitors in this playoff format. I genuinely appreciate that mentality because, regardless of whether you’re as talented as Kyle Larson or Denny Hamlin, the format is challenging and places immense pressure on even the top performers. I take pride in how we have managed this pressure. When the playoffs commenced, I acknowledged that several members of my team were experiencing their first NASCAR playoffs in the Cup Series, so I am very proud of how each person has risen to the occasion. Although many of our mentalities and processes remain consistent, the results we’ve achieved are indicative of our success, which, to me, is the optimal outcome. This is what I expect from myself and my team. Nonetheless, despite recognizing all these positives, I am still in a must-win situation. That said, I feel confident about my team’s position and my own from a long-term standpoint, especially looking ahead to next year.
LOOKING AT VEGAS NEXT WEEK. SOME CONSIDER IT THE MOST CRUCIAL RACE OF THE SEASON DUE TO THE PREP TIME FOR PHOENIX IF YOU WIN. DOES THIS RACE FEEL MORE INTENSE? “I think that for every playoff race, there is a valid argument for heightened urgency for someone, if not for most of the drivers in the field. The intensity tends to fluctuate in this regard. Last week, Talladega appeared to be the most significant race of my season, and now I feel the same way about Charlotte. Several other competitors share this perspective. It’s similar for those who believe they can not only triumph in the championship but also that having extra time to prepare for Phoenix could enhance their performance. The same can be said for Vegas; some drivers might see Homestead as their best opportunity to win, while others look toward Martinsville or other tracks. Essentially, more often than not, every race is viewed as the most critical event of the season for about half of the drivers in the playoffs, which is why mistakes occur and unexpected incidents happen during these high-pressure moments.
DID YOU EXIT THE CAR TOO SOON GIVEN THE CONFUSION SURROUNDING THE DVP POLICY? HOW WOULD YOU APPROACH SUCH A SITUATION MOVING FORWARD? “In our case, there were some broken control arms, so did I know that at the time? Had
There was much debate about the appropriate action to take, but it was undeniably the largest collection of wrecked cars I had ever seen. I was struck by the sheer number of stranded vehicles and the atmosphere of the scene. I can only imagine how challenging it must have been for the safety personnel and first responders working there, given the many damaged cars still attempting to move. The most prominent impression left on me was observing all of this unfold.
AFTER GOING THROUGH THIS, HOW DO YOU MOVE FORWARD IF YOU’RE IN A SIMILAR SITUATION IN THE FUTURE? “I found myself in a similar situation in Daytona in ’23, with people urging me to exit the vehicle. At that moment, you have two choices: argue your case or go along with the instructions. It’s a social interaction with another person. There’s someone at your window net insisting you need to leave, following orders from someone else. Remember, he’s not the one making the call, so don’t blame the messenger. You have to manage that situation. Once your window net is down, the game is over, so you have to protect that window net like a mother bear. It also requires a keen awareness of what’s happening, how much damage is present, and whether it’s possible to repair it. You need to consider all these factors, but ultimately, if you believe there’s a chance, your last line of defense is to safeguard that window net.”
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU WILL GO FOR STAGE POINTS ON SUNDAY OR ARE YOU TOO FAR BACK? “I believe that if circumstances change – say, the 45, 9, and 11 aren’t earning points or are out of the race in the first stage – then a lot would need to occur for us to not aim for the win. Honestly, considering how the road course events play out, especially with stage flips affecting points, everyone tends to end up with a fairly similar points distribution compared to races run straight through. Thus, the likelihood of gaining or losing points on a road course balances out quite well. From this perspective, being 29 points behind, it’s best to give it your all and strive for that win.”
YOU GET TWO 20-MINUTE PRACTICE SESSIONS; HOW MUCH MORE CAN YOU TRY OR IS IT JUST ABOUT GETTING USED TO THE TRACK? “The practice format worked effectively at Watkins Glen, particularly when concerning tire management. Since we have a new tire for this racetrack, it’s always beneficial to gauge tire wear and establish a long run. On our regular weeks with only 20 minutes of practice, we either start off close to where we need to be and do a long run, or we unload far from the ideal setup and have to adjust without knowing how the car will perform until the race begins. This format provides an opportunity to fine-tune the car during the first session and then ideally put laps on the tires in the second session. You might even consider doing a mock run with two sets of tires if necessary; however, the key is to use the early session to familiarize yourself with the track and see how your car handles, leading into longer runs in the second session.”
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Austin Cindric Prepares for High-Stakes Elimination Race at the Roval
The Importance of the Charlotte Roval
The Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, commonly known as the Roval, is a unique blend of oval and road course racing that challenges drivers like Austin Cindric to adapt quickly. This high-stakes elimination race is crucial in determining who will advance in the NASCAR playoffs. The Roval’s configuration includes sharp turns, elevation changes, and a mix of asphalt and concrete surfaces, making it both exciting and daunting for the competitors.
Austin Cindric’s Performance History at the Roval
Austin Cindric has shown promising results at the Roval, solidifying his reputation as a skilled road course racer. According to statistics from previous races, Cindric has demonstrated consistency and a knack for navigating the complexities of this track. Here’s a quick glance at his performance:
| Year | Finish Position | Laps Led | Top 5 Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4th | 20 | 1 |
| 2022 | 6th | 15 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2nd | 30 | 2 |
Strategies for Success at the Roval
To excel in the Roval, drivers must implement specific strategies that cater to the track’s unique challenges. Here are some key strategies that Austin Cindric focuses on:
- Precision Driving: Given the tight turns and technical sections, maintaining precision is crucial. Cindric is known for his meticulous driving style, allowing him to optimize his lap times.
- Tire Management: The Roval can be tough on tires, and Cindric’s team emphasizes the importance of tire conservation to avoid late-race issues.
- Adaptability: Conditions can change rapidly at the Roval. Cindric prepares for various weather scenarios and track conditions, ensuring he can adjust his strategy on the fly.
Behind the Scenes: Cindric’s Preparations
Preparation for the Roval starts long before the race weekend. Here’s a look at what goes into getting Austin Cindric ready:
- Simulator Training: Cindric spends hours in a simulator, honing his skills on the Roval layout to understand every curve and straightaway.
- Team Briefings: Collaborating with his crew chief and engineers, Cindric analyzes data from previous races to identify areas for improvement.
- Physical Fitness: The physical demands of racing require Cindric to maintain peak fitness. His training regimen includes cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
The High Stakes of the Elimination Race
The pressure in elimination races is palpable, as drivers face the prospect of being cut from the playoffs. Austin Cindric acknowledges that mental fortitude is as critical as physical skill. Here are some factors contributing to the high stakes:
- Points System: Every position matters. Cindric must finish strong to accumulate points that could secure his place in the next round of the playoffs.
- Competition: The field at the Roval includes fierce competitors, each vying for the same goal. Cindric must outperform not just one, but multiple drivers to advance.
- Risk vs. Reward: Decisions made during the race can lead to significant outcomes. Cindric must balance aggressive driving with the need to maintain control to avoid costly mistakes.
Insights from Cindric’s Crew
Understanding the dynamics within Cindric’s team sheds light on his preparation for the Roval. Key insights include:
- Effective Communication: Cindric’s crew emphasizes open dialogue, allowing for collaborative decision-making during races.
- Data Utilization: Advanced analytics play a crucial role in Cindric’s strategy, with data being used to enhance performance and adjust tactics as needed.
- Team Morale: High spirits can influence performance. Cindric’s crew fosters a positive environment, helping to keep focus and energy high during the intense pressures of race day.
First-Hand Experience: Cindric’s Reflections
After his second-place finish at the Roval in 2023, Cindric shared his thoughts on the race:
“Every time I race at the Roval, it feels like a new challenge. The track tests everything we’ve prepared for. It’s a blend of strategy and sheer determination. Finishing second this year was a boost, but I know we have to keep pushing harder.”
Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Roval
For fans planning to attend the Roval race, here are some practical tips to enhance your experience:
- Arrive Early: Get to the track early to soak in the atmosphere and find a good viewing spot.
- Stay Hydrated: The energy of race day can be overwhelming; remember to drink plenty of water.
- Explore Fan Zones: Check out the fan zones for interactive experiences and merchandise.
- Follow the Teams: Engage with Cindric’s team on social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates leading up to the race.
Conclusion
With the backdrop of the Charlotte Roval, Austin Cindric’s preparation reflects the dedication and skill required to navigate one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks. As he gears up for the elimination race, fans and competitors alike are eager to see how he will rise to the occasion.
