Austin Cindric starts second in the Enjoy Illinois 300. (Photo: Josh James | The Podium Finish)
MADISON, Il. – Not even Austin Cindric can explain why he has run so well at World Wide Technology Raceway.
“Dude, I have no idea,” Cindric said with a laugh. “I can sit and here and tell you it’s something we’re doing, but I think there’s something to be learned from us. We’re having the same conversation no matter what package we come with.”
The 2022 Daytona 500 Champion was part of a banner day for Team Penske, as himself, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney posted the best 10-lap averages in practice for the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Cindric turned that speed into a second-place qualifying run, the second time he has qualified on the front row in three World Wide Technology Raceway events.
The other occasion was in 2022, when he benefited from Chase Briscoe suffering a flat tire to lead 26 laps and earn a stage win.
He finished 11th in the inaugural running and 13th in last year’s race.
This track has been good to Team Penske as a whole over the years, both in the NASCAR Cup Series and in IndyCar.
Not only did Logano win the inaugural Enjoy Illinois 300, but Josef Newgarden and Will Power have combined for five wins at the track since it returned to the schedule in 2017.
“The last few years have been different,” Cindric said. “The first year, we had a whole practice and last year was kind of our normal deal. This year, you have the awkward 30 minutes for everybody’s practice sessions.
“Specifically this track, we’ve leaned on each other less and less and seem to have similar results. I don’t really know what makes us this good other than relying on strong runs.”
Austin Cindric sits 20th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings. (Photo: Josh James | The Podium Finish)
After starting the year slowly with the new Dark Horse Mustang, things have been on the rise for Ford.
The manufacturer scored wins in May with Brad Keselowski at Darlington and with Joey Logano at North Wilkesboro to win a million dollars.
For Cindric, who sits 20th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings, he is encouraged by what he is seeing from his Ford teammates.
“It shows that it’s possible,” Cindric said. “It hasn’t necessarily been consistent and it hadn’t necessarily been for our team. Especially some of the bigger tracks, so still a lot of work to do. But good to know that it’s possible.”
Cindric says it has been a balance for the Ford teams to work toward making improvements, while still competing against one another.
“It’s a difficult line to walk,” he said. “Whether it’s developing the Dark Horse Mustang or sharing things between whether it’s simulator, team or from an engine standpoint, I think all of that stuff is shared. You’re helping each other out. But past that, we are still separate race teams.”
The Enjoy Illinois 300 from World Wide Technology Raceway takes off on Sunday at 2:30 P.M. ET on Fox Sports 1.
