Roger Penske’s Driver Austin Cindric Attributes Darlington Triumph to Underdog Mentality
DARLINGTON, SC – Austin Cindric secured a hard-fought finish at Darlington Raceway in the Cook Out Southern 500, capitalizing on a chaotic race were teammate Ryan Blaney faced misfortune. cindric’s performance underscores a mindset within the Team Penske organization that embraces an underdog approach, particularly at challenging tracks like Darlington.
Cindric’s advancement came amidst a race punctuated by incidents, including a mid-race tangle that impacted Blaney. The reigning NASCAR champion was spun out on Lap 209 after checking up to avoid contact with Kyle Busch, who had gotten loose, but was then rear-ended by Austin Dillon. The incident forced Blaney to pit for repairs, ultimately resulting in an 18th-place finish after starting 12th.
“There’s less room to work, so I think that’s what makes that place so difficult, and the two ends being vastly different is definitely a challenge,” Blaney told reporters following the race.
Despite Blaney’s setback, Cindric navigated the race effectively, securing a position within the top 20. The contrasting fortunes highlight Team Penske’s depth, but also the precarious nature of racing at the 1.366-mile oval, frequently enough referred to as “Too Tough to Tame.”
Blaney’s finish dropped him to seventh in the playoff standings with a +22 buffer. Cindric’s performance, coupled with Blaney’s resilience, demonstrates the team’s ability to adapt and compete under pressure as the playoffs continue, with the next race scheduled at Gateway and then Talladega in 2025.