No. 2 Menards/Atlas Ford Mustang – Austin Cindric
Start: 2nd
Race Finish: 11th
Stage 1 Finish: 1st
Stage 2 Finish: 16th
Laps Led: 26
Point Standings: 18th (-177)
Race Rundown: Austin Cindric started the inaugural Enjoy Illinois 300 at Gateway in the second position and finished 11th on Sunday afternoon. The driver of the Menards/Atlas Ford Mustang took the race lead on lap 27 and brought home the Stage 1 win, 10 points and one additional playoff point. As the track changed, Cindric fought handling conditions and with a mix of different pit strategy, the NASCAR Cup Series rookie fell to 19th but raced his way to 16th at the conclusion of Stage 2. Cindric stayed on track to gain several positions and started the final stage 11th. The team continued to adjust the No. 2 Menards/Atlas Mustang, pitting on lap 184 for four tires and final adjustments, restarting ninth with 51 laps remaining. The race saw three more caution periods including the last resulting in NASCAR Overtime. Cindric restarted 11th and was able to hold position to finish 11th at the end of the event.
Cindric’s Thoughts: “Proud of the pit crew guys, really solid race for them and proud of their progress. Obviously a really strong weekend for Team Penske great to get Joey (Logano) another win, we’ve got a lot of strengths as a team. Feel like I just adjusted myself too tight by the end. We had the trap door come down and that took off a lot of rear downforce and led me down the wrong road.”
TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!
