Why Cindric wants a shot at Supercars
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 5 September 2025
After many Supercars drivers have taken on NASCAR, things will switch in November when lifelong fan Austin Cindric takes on the bp Adelaide Grand Final.
Cindric has been confirmed to be a guest star of the famous Supercars season finale, steering a Tickford wildcard with support from Ford Performance.
Since stepping up in 2021, the 27-year-old has established himself as a star of the NASCAR Cup Series with Team Penske.
A year after his debut, the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion won the 2022 Daytona 500, being the standout of his three wins so far.
The son of Tim Cindric is currently alongside Shane van Gisbergen in the Playoffs battle.
While he has forged a career in America, Australia has always held a special place in Cindric’s heart.
In 2015 and 2016, he took part in the Bathurst 12 Hour as a teenager with Erebus, making him the youngest to drive in the race at the time with a best result of 21st.
With his father involved in the DJR Team Penske project, he also kept a close eye on Supercars.
“I’ve been a fan of the Supercars Championship since I was a kid,” Cindric said.
“I’ve always rated the drivers and teams in the category highly. So needless to say, my interest has been high for an opportunity to test myself against the best, all while still getting to soak in the atmosphere of what I think should be a great weekend of racing at the Adelaide Grand Final.
“I’m grateful for the effort, hard work, and support from Ford Performance, Tickford Racing, Supercars, and the South Australian Motor Sport Board for bringing this project to life.
“I can’t think of a better way to finish off a full year of racing than an adventure like this.”
The likes of van Gisbergen, Will Brown, Cameron Waters, Jack Perkins and Brodie Kostecki have all raced NASCAR in just the last three years.
Over that time, teams have explored the possibility of getting a NASCAR star to repeat the favour and race in Australia.
The bp Adelaide Grand Final has always been the event of choice with NASCAR Cup Series champions Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson linked to drives that fell over at the final hurdle.
But through Tickford, Ford and Cindric, they have finally made it happen with the last international wildcard run by WAU at Bathurst 2019 with Alexander Rossi and James Hinchcliffe behind the wheel.
Despite the arrival of the Chicago Street Race, Cindric faces a steep learning curve, jumping into the unfamiliar Gen3 Mustang on one of the most famous and demanding street circuits in the world in Adelaide.
Tickford Managing Director Rod Nash said Waters and Thomas Randle and the entire team will support the American.
“Securing a talent such as Austin has been a long time in the making and we are excited to watch him step into a Tickford Racing Ford Mustang in Adelaide,” he said.
“His young career in the NASCAR Cup Series has been very strong and conquering the Daytona 500 is an unbelievable feat in his career to date.
“He will be challenged on the streets of Adelaide, but there is no better opportunity to allow this Wildcard entry to participate at the inaugural bp Adelaide Grand Final.
“With the support of Cam and Thomas, plus the incredible team here at Tickford, we will provide Austin with all the tools to ensure his success on track come November.”
The drive is a combined effort with the might of Ford Performance pushing it over the line.
The wildcard is not just a big deal for Supercars and Tickford, but also Ford.
“Ford Performance is incredibly excited to see Austin Cindric head to Adelaide to compete in the Supercars finale as part of a Tickford Racing wildcard, driving the Gen3 Supercar Ford Mustang,” Ford Performance Global Director Mark Rushbrook said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent within our Ford Performance family on a global stage and see how one of NASCAR’s brightest talents fares in one of the world’s most competitive touring car championships, at arguably its most intimidating street circuit.
“We are particularly eager to see how Austin measures up against the formidable Supercars drivers on their home turf.
“We believe this cross-pollination of talent and machinery will be thrilling for fans and a valuable experience for everyone involved.”
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