Austin Cindric is bringing NASCAR history back to life with a stunning throwback paint scheme honoring the legendary Dale Earnhardt. The Team Penske driver recently revealed his No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang, which will carry a blue and yellow design that pays tribute to Earnhardt’s 1979 and 1980 Wrangler-sponsored car. This tribute is set to debut at Darlington Raceway during the Goodyear 400 on April 6, 2025, as part of NASCAR’s annual Throwback Weekend.
The reveal of the paint scheme took place at the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion, where Cindric, alongside Governor Henry McMaster and Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris, showcased the special design. The colors and layout closely resemble Earnhardt’s original No. 2 car, which he drove before becoming the iconic “Intimidator” in his black No. 3. Earnhardt’s time in the blue and yellow machine was significant, as it was the car he drove when he secured his first NASCAR Cup Series victory and went on to win his first championship in 1980.
For Cindric, carrying Earnhardt’s legacy on his own No. 2 car is an honor. “There are few names in our sport more recognizable than Earnhardt,” he said. “It’s really special to bring this look back to the track, especially at a place like Darlington, where history means so much.”
Freightliner, a longtime partner of Team Penske, played a key role in making this tribute happen. The company worked closely with the team to ensure that the details of the throwback design stayed true to Earnhardt’s original scheme while fitting the modern body style of the Next Gen car. Fans of both Earnhardt and Cindric are excited to see the car hit the track, and many have praised the design as one of the best throwback schemes of the year.
Darlington Raceway’s Throwback Weekend has become one of the most anticipated events of the NASCAR season, with teams across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series paying homage to legends of the past. Cindric’s tribute to Earnhardt adds to the excitement, as it celebrates not just a legendary driver, but also the historic success of the No. 2 car. Over the years, the No. 2 has become one of the most successful numbers in NASCAR history, with 102 Cup Series wins to its name.
Fans can watch Austin Cindric and his Dale Earnhardt-inspired ride take the green flag at the Goodyear 400 on April 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET. The race will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, giving everyone a chance to witness this incredible tribute in action.
