By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
Austin Cindric is gaining momentum in his rookie XFINITY Series season in 2018. Though it’s coming through two teams and three cars, the 19-year-old is conforming to the challenge.
And it was a challenge at season’s start for Cindric, who scored only one top 10 through the first five races along with two DNFs.
That pattern has been broken in the following five races, as Cindric has finished 12th or better in four of them, including a top five at Richmond and a ninth in Saturday’s OneMain Financial 200 from Dover International Speedway.
And though a top 10 is a good day for a rookie, it might not cut it anymore for Cindric, who has altered his expectations as the performance as started to improve.
“A month ago, I would’ve been happy with ninth, today, I’m disappointed with ninth,” Cindric told Kickin’ The Tires. “I guess that’s the progression. That’s what I expect from myself.”
In the late stages, Cindric was in the top five behind the wheel of his No. 22 Team Penske Ford. After winning the first two rounds of qualifying (before starting seventh), Cindric felt confident he’d have another top five in the books. The short runs, however, proved to lessen that speed.
“We were short with the short runs, we needed some long ones,” he said. “We had a top-five car, should have had a top-five day. Had to nurse it home for ninth but I’ll take it. A good points day for the guys and more experience for me to learn when I come back here in the playoffs.”
Driving the No. 22 for the last four races during the XFINITY Dash 4 Cash contest, Cindric continues to keep the student’s eye alongside top teams.
“This car has been awesome every time I’ve been in it,” he said. “I’ve definitely learned a lot the last few weeks. I have to thank them for letting me do the last four races, I look forward to doing more in the summer.”