2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion, Austin CIndric, will move to Team Penske full-time in 2022 to pilot the organization’s No. 2 Ford Mustang beginning with next season’s Daytona 500 in February. The announcement comes after Cindric was initially set to transition to the series full-time with Wood Brothers Racing.
The 22-year-old will replace Brad Keselowski in the No. 2 Ford Mustang, who is set to pursue additional opportunities within the sport, likely in the form of a partial ownership stake in Roush Fenway Racing, which would be renamed to Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing.
“Austin is a champion and has proven his abilities both on and off the track.” said Roger Penske. “The Cup Series is a big step for any rookie but making this move now, in conjunction with the introduction of the new NextGen car, makes sense. He has gained valuable experience this year competing in a handful of races at the Cup level and he has shown that he belongs out there.”
Throughout his tenure for Team Penske in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Cindric has collected 12 victories, and currently leads the series point standings and series-high numbers in wins, top-10s, stage wins, and laps led. At COTA and Road America, Cindric qualified inside the top-five and led laps in the NASCAR Cup Series, while also running inside the top-10 and leading laps in the Daytona 500, his NASCAR Cup Series debut.
Cindric will join Team Penske mainstays, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney to round out the organization’s lineup for next season.
“Throughout my NASCAR career, I’ve grown a lot as a driver and an individual,” said Cindric. “There are so many individuals within the walls of Team Penske that have elevated me to a level that matches this opportunity. The support towards my development from Roger, Team Penske, and all of our partners has been the leading factor towards race wins and a championship.
“The No. 2 car is iconic to this sport and is a number that represents the foundation of this team. It is a great honor and a great responsibility to continue that role. As 2022 gets closer, I am excited to embrace that. Until then, my focus remains on winning another Xfinity Series Championship.”
Additionally, Team Penske indicates that long-time partner, Discount Tire, will remain a key sponsor within the organization, sponsoring both Austin Cindric’s No. 2 and Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 in 2022.
One Response