THE return leg of the Supercars/NASCAR crossover will finally happen, with Austin Cindric confirmed for a wildcard entry in the 2025 bp Adelaide Grand Final.
Following false starts for similar efforts involving Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson, Cindric is a lock to steer a Tickford Racing Mustang with support from Ford Performance.
The 27-year-old Team Penske regular notably won the 2022 Daytona 500 and, like Shane van Gisbergen, is currently in the midst of a NASCAR Cup Series playoffs campaign.
“I’ve been a fan of the Supercars Championship since I was a kid,” said Cindric.
“I’ve always rated the drivers and teams in the category highly. So needless to say, my interest has been high for an opportunity to test myself against the best, all while still getting to soak in the atmosphere of what I think should be a great weekend of racing at the Adelaide Grand Final.
“I’m grateful for the effort, hard work, and support from Ford Performance, Tickford Racing, Supercars, and the South Australian Motor Sport Board for bringing this project to life.
“I can’t think of a better way to finish off a full year of racing than an adventure like this.”
Pic: Supplied
Tickford CEO Simon Brookhouse described the wildcard program as “extraordinary” and “testament to where the sport is continuing to go from strength to strength”.
Tickford co-owner Rod Nash added: “Securing a talent such as Austin has been a long time in the making and we are excited to watch him step into a Tickford Racing Ford Mustang in Adelaide.
“His young career in the NASCAR Cup Series has been very strong and conquering the Daytona 500 is an unbelievable feat in his career to date.
“He will be challenged on the streets of Adelaide, but there is no better opportunity to allow this wildcard entry to participate at the inaugural bp Adelaide Grand Final.
“With the support of Cam (Waters) and Thomas (Randle), plus the incredible team here at Tickford, we will provide Austin with all the tools to ensure his success on track come November.”
Blue Oval supremo Mark Rushbrook likewise lauded the initiative.
“Ford Performance is incredibly excited to see Austin Cindric head to Adelaide to compete in the Supercars finale as part of a Tickford Racing wildcard, driving the Gen3 Supercar Ford Mustang,” he said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent within our Ford Performance family on a global stage and see how one of NASCAR’s brightest talents fares in one of the world’s most competitive touring car championships, at arguably its most intimidating street circuit.
“We are particularly eager to see how Austin measures up against the formidable Supercars drivers on their home turf.
“We believe this cross-pollination of talent and machinery will be thrilling for fans and a valuable experience for everyone involved.”
Less than four weeks separates the NASCAR decider at Phoenix Raceway (November 2) and the Adelaide Supercars event getting underway (November 27-30).
Per Tickford communications, Cindric’s full wildcard testing schedule is in the process of being finalised, and his livery will be released in due course.