In his more than two decades-long journeys, Tim Cindric has led Penske’s squad to many memorable victories. As the team’s president, he oversaw operations in NASCAR, IndyCar, and sports car racing, helping Penske secure multiple championships. But ahead of the 2025 season, Tim announced his departure from his leadership role in Penske’s NASCAR program.

While Tim aims to shift his focus on IndyCar operations, it raises serious questions about the future of his son Austin Cindric. The 26-year-old driver has been part of the Penske system for years, rising through the ranks and landing the No. 2 Ford in the Cup Series. But with Tim no longer involved in NASCAR’s day-to-day decisions, many wonder if Austin’s future with the team is now at risk.

A make-or-break season for Austin Cindric!

Austin Cindric is gearing up for his fourth NASCAR Cup Series season with Team Penske. Since making the jump from the Xfinity Series, Austin has faced an uphill battle in the ultra-competitive Cup Series. Notably, in 2020 Austin made headlines by winning the Xfinity Series championship with six race wins throughout the season. His amazing performance earned him graduation from Team Penske with a full-time cup series role in 2022.

Austin made an immediate impact by winning the 2022 Daytona 500 as a rookie. He also made five top-5 and nine top-10 finishes. However, since then, his performances in the following seasons have been inconsistent. Despite having the backing of one of the most dominant teams in NASCAR, Cindric has yet to match the success of his championship-winning teammates, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano.

Austin Cindric’s struggles over the past two seasons have put him in a difficult position. After his strong rookie year in 2022, he failed to make the playoffs in 2023 and was eliminated early in 2024. In 2023 he had an average finish of 21.1 while in 2024, despite winning a race, he had an average finish of 19.1. Though he made it to the playoffs, he was eliminated in the Round of 12. Unlike him, his teammates have delivered for Penske. Blaney won the 2023 Cup Series championship, while Logano added a third title to his name in 2024.

While Cindric’s talent is evident, his lack of results puts him in a vulnerable position. The gap between him and the other Penske drivers is undeniable. NASCAR influencers like Eric Estepp also buy similar sentiments. However, he believes that Tim is still a Penske guy, and his departure from NASCAR ops won’t affect Austin’s journey. Despite such sentiments of the NASCAR world, it should be minded that Penske is not an organization that tolerates mediocrity.

The team has won three consecutive Cup Series championships and expects its drivers to compete at a high level. Notably, Austin’s current NASCAR contract, which he signed in 2023, is likely to expire in a couple of years. This will leave him searching for retention or a new home. To keep his position in the squad, the upcoming season will be a make-or-break for Austin Cindric.

Team Penske Reveals New Paint Scheme!

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As Austin Cindric heads into a critical season, Team Penske has revealed a new look for his No. 2 Ford Mustang. Ahead of the 2025 Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, the team unveiled a fresh Freightliner paint scheme for Cindric. Two-time cup race winner will use this special scheme in multiple races throughout 2025. Notably, the design is a significant departure from his 2024 scheme.

Austin’s new car will feature a sleek “connect the dots” pattern, replacing the light blue accents from last season. The design is more detail-oriented, signaling a refined and focused approach for the new year. Notably, Freightliner is one of Cindric’s primary sponsors. They were in victory lane with him in 2024 when he won at the Worldwide Technology Raceway. While it remains unclear how many races the company will sponsor in 2025, the goal is clear: return to victory lane and prove Cindric’s worth to the team.

With a new season, a new paint scheme, and a renewed sense of urgency, Cindric has a chance to turn things around. But if he doesn’t step up, he could find himself looking for a new ride in the upcoming years. The 2025 season will determine whether he can rise to the challenge or if Penske will move on to someone else. However, Austin’s skills and his rookie performance remind us of how he can run the show.