Cindric wary of being caught up in Grand Final title battle

Tickford's American wildcard Austin Cindric is cautious of playing a role in the outcome of the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship, even if he doesn't do it intentionally.

Out of the 25 drivers set to tackle the bp Adelaide Grand Final, Cindric has more experience with playoffs-style racing than anyone else.

The NASCAR Cup Series star has featured in the Cup Series Playoffs in each of 2022, 2024, and this season, and was also crowned the 2020 Xfinity Series champion in a grand final-style weekend.

Cindric arriving for a cameo start in the Grand Final weekend had raised questions over what kind of role in the title decider he could play, especially of either of Tickford's full-timers were in the final four.

However, a nightmare Sandown 500 saw both Cam Waters and Thomas Randle tumble out of contention, with all three Tickford Mustangs free to race clear of any external championship pressure.

Regardless, Cindric has made it clear that he isn't out to influence the championship in any way, aiming to enjoy his Australian adventure after another completing his 36-race Cup Series schedule.

“First of all, I definitely don't want to have any effect on what happens at the end of the day,” Cindric said on Monday.

"You know, whether that’s causing a caution or racing guys that are at the most important part of the year that they’ve raced all year for.

"Very aware of what's on the line, just because I've been on the other side. There's a ton of similarities between The Finals and our playoff system. How it's structured, what it rewards."

A long-time Supercars fan, Cindric relished his first opportunity to get behind the wheel at the Monday's ride day in Sandown, and is completing his second of two test days at The Bend today.

Cindric has been impressed by what he's seen in the inaugural Repco Supercars Finals Series, saying that it has encouraged teams and drivers alike to think differently and push to their absolute limits.

As a result, key contenders such as Matt Payne, Cam Waters, Brodie Kostecki, and Ryan Wood have all dropped out of championship contention, with consistent rookie Kai Allen making it all the way to the Grand Final.

“It's been fun to kind of see this for the first time with this category. I’m a race fan. I follow along and it's been fun to kind of see,” Cindric said of The Finals.

“Like I said, it’s a bit of an alternative universe in a lot of ways. Cool to see the excitement around it and how it's kind of pushing drivers and teams to their limits and in maybe different ways other than just standard points racing.”

Cindric won't be the only NASCAR star taking on the streets of Adelaide next weekend, with 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Jesse Love set to compete in the final round of the Dunlop Super2 Series.