Austin Cindric Reacts Boldly to IndyCar Team Changes

Austin Cindric addressed the recent personnel changes at Team Penske’s IndyCar program during race weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The discussion came after Team Penske’s IndyCar teams received penalties for illegal parts during Indianapolis 500 qualifying. The penalties at the IndyCar level led to swift action, reflecting Penske’s commitment to compliance and integrity on and off the track.

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As a result, three key leaders—Tim Cindric, Ron Ruzewski, and Kyle Moyer—were released from their roles. Tim Cindric, who became IndyCar president in February after nearly two decades overseeing Team Penske’s racing, is also Austin’s father. Tim Cindric’s departure was a major shake-up within the program.

Speaking to reporters before the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 25, Austin shared his perspective. He emphasized that keeping personal and professional matters separate has helped him through difficult times.

Austin said, “When family’s involved, you’ve got to understand it from both sides,” showing support for his father while focusing on his own career. He started driving for Team Penske in 2018 and quickly rose through the ranks.

He is the 2022 Daytona 500 champion and won the NASCAR Xfinity Series title in 2020. Now driving the No. 2 Ford Mustang, Austin secured his third career Cup Series win in the 2025 season at Talladega Superspeedway in April, clinching his playoff spot early.

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At 26 years old and in his fourth Cup Series season, Austin describes this year as his strongest yet. Despite the recent shake-ups at Team Penske, his position in NASCAR remains unchanged.

He explained that his job security and focus have not wavered, even as his father’s situation changed. Austin pointed out that team meetings with his father ended earlier this season, so the recent news affects him more personally than professionally.

Team Penske owner Roger Penske has been vocal about upholding the highest standards. The organization stresses the importance of fair competition and transparency in all its motorsports efforts, as outlined in the IndyCar rulebook.

The penalties at the IndyCar level led to swift action, reflecting Penske’s commitment to compliance and integrity on and off the track. This season, Austin has built momentum with the No. 2 team, feeling confident about their chances.

He credited fast race cars and strong teamwork for his best season start so far. Austin remains focused on race execution and aims to capitalize on opportunities ahead, including the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The recent issues stemmed largely from illegal parts used by Team Penske’s IndyCar program.

While the departures within the Penske IndyCar program are significant, Austin says they do not affect his daily work in the NASCAR Cup Series. He continues to focus on racing, grateful for team support and ready for the challenges of the long season ahead.