The Rolex 24 at Daytona International is a prestigious endurance racing event that draws top drivers from around the world. Competing in such an event is vastly different from the typical NASCAR race, and only a few current NASCAR drivers have the experience of tackling such a challenge. Austin Cindric, however, is one of the few who do.
Initially not scheduled to compete at Daytona, Cindric got a last-minute call when Ben Barker suffered a collarbone injury while skiing. Ford reached out to Team Penske, and Cindric stepped up to race in the GTD Pro class. Despite limited time to prepare, Cindric is confident about performing at his best in the No. 64 Ford Mustang GT3 for Ford Multimatic Motorsports, alongside experienced teammates Seb Priaulx and Mike Rockenfeller.
Although Cindric is no stranger to endurance racing, having participated in the Rolex 24 five times before, this opportunity came unexpectedly. He acknowledged that NASCAR drivers typically focus on their main series commitments and are less likely to compete in events like the Rolex 24. Cindric, however, sees it as a rare chance to test himself and relishes the opportunity.
Preparation for such a race is complex, especially when adjusting to the unique characteristics of a GT3 car. “The experience level there’s a huge variety of drivers…,” Cindric said, pointing out the challenge of competing against drivers from around the world with different backgrounds. Despite this, he believes the event’s exclusivity makes it a sought-after experience, and those who are eager to compete find a way to participate.
While NASCAR drivers like Chase Elliott and Austin Dillon have competed in the Rolex 24, participation from Cup drivers is becoming increasingly rare. However, Cindric embraced the challenge, motivated by the desire to succeed. He believes this drive is why he continues to receive opportunities. Though he has not won the event in past years, he has consistently performed well, with his best finish being fifth in 2022.
This year, Cindric’s team is starting the race on pole, giving them a strong position to contend for victory. Reflecting on his readiness, he shared that he felt comfortable quickly, recalling how it felt “like riding a bike” after two years away from a GT3 car. With a strong qualifying performance, Cindric could be poised to make history at Daytona and carry that momentum into the 2025 Cup Series season.
