Austin Cindric has been battling to score that first Xfinity Series win. Last week at Watkins Glen, it finally came.
Certainly, Cindric had to fight hard last week at Watkins Glen as he battled with AJ Allmendinger, one of the best road racers in the business.
In fact, Cindric worked hard to win last Saturday as he chopped a 10-second gap to leader AJ Allmendinger. Above all, he overcame a mistake to retake the lead with two laps to go. But, for Cindric, two things are just as important as last week – a win on the oval and a win at Mid-Ohio.
Cindric said this morning at Mid-Ohio, “We’ve been so close to that oval win. I feel like Watkins Glen solidified our efforts, and I feel like that oval win will come.”
As much as that oval win means to Cindric, he’d be just as happy to find one more spot at a track he’s grown up around.
History
The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course holds a special place in Austin Cindric’s heart. The 20-year-old driver’s grandfather, Jim Trueman, purchased the race track in 1981 and began making improvements.
Those improvements included permanent grandstands and amphitheater-style seating. He also added the current garages with spectator balconies and a five-story media and hospitality center. To make it possible for fans to move from the back stretch grandstands in to the infield, Trueman had underground tunnels built.
Plus, they updated paddock area. In addition, a tall, three-sided scoreboard tower was constructed in the infield, strategically placed such that it was visible from nearly all spectator areas around the track. Mid-Ohio has since become a favorite for racers of all disciplines.
Speaking of all types of disciplines of racing. Road course racing has been a long favorite for Cindric. In fact, he’s attended the Skip Barber Racing School to gain valuable road racing experienced.
Cindric’s Road Racing
In 2013-’14, Cindric raced for Pabst Racing in the U.S. F2000 National Championship. Also, he competed in Historic SportsCar Racing, winning a race in a Porsche 944.
For the young 20-year-old driver, if a vehicle has wheels, Cindric has likely raced it. He’s turned laps in Global RallyCross Championship Lites, IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, ARCA, Pirelli World Challenge. Plus Cindric scored his first NASCAR Truck Series win on the road course in Canada.
The Cindric family amassed great success throughout their careers. Of course, Austin Cindric possesses a win on his grandfather’s old track. In fact, he has a pole, victory, and a track record in the Sports Car Club of American championships at Mid-Ohio in 2016.
Ultimately, Cindric bids for a repeat of last week, not last year. In this race a year ago, Justin Allgaier passed Cindric late to score the win. On that note, Cindric is looking for one more spot and to add a race win on a track that has a lot of history for his family.
