It took 54 races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Austin Cindric to finally break in to victory lane. Cindric came in to Mid-Ohio with a little extra incentive, as the 20 year old driver grew up watching races on the hill in turn 5. Now, he goes back to back and scores a dominating win at Mid-Ohio. A win that put’s him in rare company. Cindric is only the 5th driver to win back to back for their first two races.
Austin Cindric said earlier this week that every driver has certain tracks they want to win on in their career. “Everyone wants to win Daytona or Indy, but for me, Mid-Ohio is on that list. Cindric’s family has a long connection with the central ohio track and after finishing up final practice on Friday in the second position, then continuing that fast pace putting his No. 22 Ford Mustang on the pole for the B&L Transport 170.
Post Race
After the race Cindric and crew chief Brian Wilson talked about the success of the No. 22 team on road courses.
Wilson said that they are lucky at Team Penske. “We have a really good notebook for road courses.” Wilson adds that it helps too when you have a guy that enjoys road course racing like Cindric.
The No. 22 PPG Ford Mustang unloaded fast, in fact Wilson said they only needed to make a few adjustments during practice and that allowed for Cindric to put up some quick laps.
Cindric led 46 of the 75 laps and was only challenged at times by Christopher Bell, but in the end a 3.780 second margin of victory.
After the race, Austin Cindric said that he feels confident about winning on an oval. Even thought Cindric’s first three win’s have been on road courses. “This team is ready to win on an oval, and I know we’ll get it done.
Aggression was the name of the game early here at Mid-Ohio and it’s been a normal occurrence throughout the NASCAR Xfinity Series season. When asked about if it will take extra aggression to get that first oval win, Cindric laughed and said. “If you as my competitors, aggression isn’t the problem.” I’ve actually evened out.
Playoff
For Cindric, his second win put’s him solidly in the playoffs. But, the question is. Will it require a win on an oval to win this championship? Cindric said they can win on an oval, but it won’t necessarily be needed to win the championship. “We’ve just got to get to homestead, then outrun 3 other guys.”
Austin Cindric is 2 for 2 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Road Course Month, and with a trip to Bristol, he’s focused on making it 3 for 3 and then going and getting another road course win at Road America in two weeks.
