NASCAR fans are quite territorial when it comes to choosing their favorites, especially with cars. Some paint schemes resonate with drivers and any changes in the same lead to severe discontent among fans. This is exactly what Team Penske has been facing after the formal unveiling of the all-new No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang for 2025. 

The iconic paint scheme that had become almost synonymous with Austin Cindric has gone through a major makeover. However, while there are some new changes that fans welcome with open arms, this paint scheme is certainly not one of them. 

Cindric’s new car does not live up to the expectations 

Austin Cindric, often known for his dry wit and sneaky sense of humor, has been dubbed an “undercover joke artist” by none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. This came after Cindric took a lighthearted jab at Chase Briscoe, who had advertised for America’s #1 Sandwich Cracker brand, Lance. While his humor flies under the radar, his presence on the track is anything but subtle—especially when it comes to his No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang. Cindric has been driving the car for years now. In his 2024 season, it was this car that led him to a commanding victory at the World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis. 

The No. 2 had led a total of 53 laps which was Austin Cindric’s personal best. It had also cemented his position in the playoffs. However, one of the paint schemes that has etched a special place in the hearts of all fans is the classic ‘Tron” look. One of the most signature elements of the car was the bright blue lines that added to a sporty look.  However, the new car is in stark contrast to the one that fans are used to, given that the car body looks quite empty. This version has got a map textured base but that doesn’t add much to the overall look of the car. Announcing the same, Team Penske’s official X account posted the picture of the car along with a caption, “Connecting the dots. Introducing the No. 2 @freightliner Ford Mustang for 2025”. 

The announcement has been met with quite a bit of resentment as fans believe that this one is a major stoop down. However, it is not the first time that the car went through a makeover. During the 2024 season, the blue lines were replaced with pink lines as they stood for a cause. The idea was to spread breast cancer awareness. The decklid of the car had the names of various breast cancer warriors, written personally by Cindric. However, much like Cindric’s humor, his car’s design has taken a subtle yet significant shift. The only difference is that for this one, the fans are not exactly laughing about it. 

Fans are vocal about how the paint scheme doesn’t sit with their schema

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Once the announcement was made officially from Team Penske‘s social media handle, fans poured in comments. The majority of the comments showcased how resentful they were of this makeover. Speaking of how this car doesn’t look good and is a major disaster, a fan commented, “NOOOO WHY DID YALL RUIN IT”. Another fan resonated with the same feeling where he couldn’t help but showcase the frustration about the new scheme. He took to the post which read, “YOU RUINED IT GO BACK”. 

However, it seems as though it is not only a couple of fans who feel that the car does not match their perception. Citing how the iconic Tron design has been done away with, another fan commented, “Downgrade”. The paint scheme that the No. 2 had exhibited till now was close to the hearts of fans and the new color scheme has added to frustration. Harping on the same emotion, another fan commented “Ruined it” while another wrote, “downgrade like crazy”. 

Fans are having a hard time adjusting to the new paint scheme and the only way to make a position back is by salvaging through a good drive. Whether Team Penske’s Cindric will be able to retain the enigma of the No. 2 Ford Mustang is something time would tell.