NASCAR Insider Questions Austin Cindric's Ceiling in 2026

Cites 'alarming' stat on Penske driver's 2025 performance

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A NASCAR insider has raised concerns about Austin Cindric's ability to elevate his performance to match his Team Penske teammates in the 2026 season. The analyst highlighted an 'alarming' statistic that Cindric finished 25th or worse in 15 out of 36 races in 2025, leading to an average finish of 20.6 that is seen as inconsistent with championship-level expectations at a powerhouse organization like Penske.

Why it matters

Cindric's inconsistency has limited his ceiling, and with the shifting Cup Series landscape favoring consistency under the returning Chase-style playoff format, the pressure is on him to close the gap to his more successful teammates Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney. Cindric's position as the 15th-ranked projected playoff driver is seen as fragile, raising questions about his long-term future at Penske.

The details

According to the analyst, Cindric's high volume of poor finishes in 2025 explains why his average finish ballooned to 20.6, a number that doesn't align with championship-level expectations at Team Penske. While Cindric has generally done enough to hover around the playoff cutline, the inconsistency has held him back compared to his more successful teammates.

  • In the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Cindric finished 25th or worse in 15 out of 36 races.

The players

Austin Cindric

A NASCAR driver who competes for Team Penske.

Joey Logano

A NASCAR driver who competes for Team Penske.

Ryan Blaney

A NASCAR driver who competes for Team Penske.

Chris Buescher

A NASCAR driver who is seen as a potential beneficiary of the shifting Cup Series landscape.

Tyler Reddick

A NASCAR driver who is seen as a potential beneficiary of the shifting Cup Series landscape.

Bubba Wallace

A NASCAR driver who is seen as a potential beneficiary of the shifting Cup Series landscape.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Do you want to hear an alarming stat about Austin Cindric? He finished P25 or worse 15 times last year. Fifteen out of 36 races.”

— Jordan Bianchi, Analyst (The Teardown)

“There's something missing there. They're not on the same level as the No. 22 or the No. 12.”

— Jordan Bianchi, Analyst (The Teardown)

“They're going to have to up their game.”

— Jordan Bianchi, Analyst (The Teardown)

“A couple of bad races and somebody heats up. It's going to be a fight for him to get in.”

— Jordan Bianchi, Analyst (The Teardown)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.