DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Austin Cindric admitted he’s in a bit of an unusual position as he prepares to attempt to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 63rd annual Daytona 500 at Daytona Int’l Speedway.
After all, it’s one thing for a driver to have to race into The Great American Race as a non-chartered entry. It’s another thing entirely to be in that position while driving for one of the sport’s premier teams.
However, that’s exactly where Cindric finds himself as he readies for his first appearance at the top level of the sport. He’ll drive the No. 33 Verizon 5G Ford Mustang for Team Penske and will have to either race his way in to the field through his Duel qualifying race or fall back on his qualifying speed to make the show.
Cindric told SPEED SPORT during his Daytona 500 Media Week availability on Monday that yes, it does feel strange to be in the position that he’s in, but it’s not entirely foreign to him.
“It’s going to be different, but I wouldn’t say it’s the first time in my career I’ve had to do it,” Cindric said of having to qualify for a big event. “When I raced the No. 2 truck in the Truck Series for Brad Keselowski Racing, it was kind of the same scenario — we had to qualify our way in — and if there was a rainout or something like that, we didn’t get in. So I’ve been in that position, but at the highest level for the biggest race of the year, yeah, it’s completely different than what I’m used to.”
The lineup of non-chartered entries for this year’s Daytona 500 is, perhaps, the most talented in many years.
In addition to Cindric, Kaulig Racing’s Kaz Grala, Front Row Motorsports’ David Ragan, JTG Daugherty Racing’s Ryan Preece and Beard Motorsports’ Noah Gragson are among the drivers who are wheeling cars that do not have guaranteed starting spots in the Feb. 14 event.
Thirty-six chartered teams are locked into every NASCAR Cup Series race, including the Daytona 500.
Four positions are available on the Daytona 500 starting grid for open entries, with two spots given to the highest-finishing open team in the twin 150-mile Duel qualifying races and two spots awarded to the fastest two open drivers from Daytona 500 qualifying that don’t lock in through their Duels.
Cindric hopes he’s not one of those on the outside looking in when the green flag waves on the 63rd annual Daytona 500.
“There are a lot of people in that boat. You’ve got guys who have contended to win the Daytona 500 that are having to qualify their way in, so it’s definitely a challenge and it’s unique to this race,” Cindric noted. “I think it gives fans something to be excited about on Wednesday and Thursday, a reason to watch the Duels probably more than any year before, at least in recent years. I’m excited for that challenge.
“Hopefully, we qualify our way in, and I don’t have to lose too much sleep at night on Wednesday night, but, otherwise, every bit of my effort so far has gone into figuring what it’s going to take to qualify in in those Duels and put our best foot forward.”
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