Austin Cindric, the reigning Daytona 500 champion, is approaching the upcoming NASCAR season with more experience and confidence under his belt. Last year, he was a rookie driver on Team Penske, a team with a rich history of Daytona 500 winners. However, as he approaches his second full-time Cup Series season, he knows what to expect this time around.
A Memorable Daytona 500 Win
The 2022 Daytona 500 remains Cindric’s only Cup Series win, but it’s a win that will stick with him forever. When asked about the win, Cindric said, “As of February 16th, 2023, I’m still talking about it. Absolutely the best day of my life.” The win has made him hungrier to achieve more success in the future.
Growing Up Thirsting for Indy
Cindric’s father, Tim, is the president of Team Penske, and while Penske has a rich history in NASCAR, the team’s legend stands tallest in IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500. Growing up, Cindric was blanketed in all things Indy and the Indy 500 will always hold a special place in his heart. However, he views his Daytona 500 win as a bookend to his love for the Indy 500.
Traditions and Memories at Daytona
Cindric is still building up his annual Daytona Beach traditions, but he looks forward to February 19th, the day of the Daytona 500. He’s excited to see the stands packed with fans, as it makes winning there even more special. The immediate aftermath of his win, celebrating with his team and the crowd, is what burned itself into Cindric’s memory bank. He said, “It’s pretty hard to describe, I guess, and not an experience a lot of people can get.”
Driving for Team Penske
When asked about driving for Team Penske, Cindric said, “When you show up at a race track driving for Roger Penske, you have a chance to win. That’s the reality in my mind. No doubt in my mind, that’s the reality I live.” With more experience and the support of Team Penske, Cindric is ready to tackle the upcoming NASCAR season.
Conclusion
Austin Cindric, the reigning Daytona 500 champion, is approaching the upcoming NASCAR season with more experience and confidence. He’s still talking about his Daytona 500 win and is excited to see the stands packed with fans. With the support of Team Penske, Cindric has the chance to win more races and make more memories at the racetrack.
READ ALSO: 2023 Daytona 500: Your Guide to Ticket Prices, Schedule, and How to Watch
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