Ponder for a moment the possibility of accomplishinga monumental goal, and how you might celebrate such an occurrence.
Confetti shower? Check.
Hugs forone and all? Check.
Big trophy presentation? Check.
Burgers and fries for all who made it happen? Sure, why not? Check.
Hot-tubbing with good ol’ Dad? Um …
Austin Cindric was back in Daytona Beach this past week, some two weeks after winning the Daytona 500.
Along with team owner Roger Penske and crew chief Jeremy Bullins, he helped roll his Daytona-winning car into its 12-month parking spot at the Speedway’s museum.
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He then took some time to expand on the story of his wee-hours celebration itinerary following his big win.
Eventually that Sunday night, he finished all of his post-race obligations, which basically come down to a ton of photos in Victory Lane, a press conference, more photos, and maybe a few more photos.
After all that, he and his No. 2 Team Penske crew (and the big trophy) headed east on ISB to the Steak ’n Shake, where they steaked and shaked until closing time.
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While his team left to extend the festivities elsewhere, Cindric headed to his parents’ hotel across the street from the Speedway —“The Daytona” at One Daytona. He would crash in a room next door that had belonged to Penske executive Walt Czarnecki, who’d already flown home.
But first, some more winding-down was needed, so Austin and dad Tim headed to the pool deck and climbed into the hot tub, which, just a hunch, is something Richard and Lee Petty never likely considered.
“Apparently, we weren’t supposed to be there,” Cindric recalled with a laugh. “A maintenance guy came by and said, ‘you know this is closed, right?’ I said no and told him the gate was open. And I said, ‘But I just won the Daytona 500 if you wanna come hang out.’”
By then it was 3 a.m., and as bedtime was finally inching within site, Austin and Tim —he’s president of Team Penske —scrolled through the rest of their text messages and, literally, you could say, continued soaking it all in.
“I hadn’tseen my pops in a week or so,” Austin said. “He’d been busy with the IndyCar stuff, testing, and I’d been in Daytona. It was a good time to call some family friends and catch up.
“We were comparing text messages, seeing who we’ve heard from. It’s moments you’ll get back, for sure, and I mean that in the best way possible. That’s an experience we’ll never have again.”
The days to come were going to be busy regardless of the Daytona outcome, as Cindric’s first full-time Cup Series season continued to unfold in California, Las Vegas, this week in Phoenix, and beyond.
Modern technology provides highly accurate simulators for today’s young racer to learn how his car will act at the various tracks, and Team Penske takes full advantage of that. Toss in some scheduled promotional duties for sponsors and a previously unscheduled trip to Daytona for car delivery, and it’s been a bit turbulent for the 23-year-old racer.
“There’s been absolutely nothing normal aboutmy life the last three weeks, let me tell you that,” he said. “I haven’t been to the grocery story since before we left for Daytona. Spent a total of like 36 hours at home.”
He’s known the team owner since he was a toddler. Known the team president even longer. Has he considered asking for a well-deserved day off just to unwind, take a few deep breaths, maybe catch up on laundry and groceries?
Nope.
“I didn’t want to have the best day of my life get in the way of the biggest opportunity of my life, and that’s driving the 2 car for Roger Penske,” he said. “The season has started, I’ve gotta hit the ground running and figure this thing out. We’re in the playoffs and we have a chance for the championship. I still want to put 100% into my prep work.”
The “Penske Way,” they call such attitudes.
“Things like today that are very cool and really special, but otherwise I’d be on the simulator right now,” Cindric said. “Lots to tackle.”
— Reach Ken Willis at ken.willis@news-jrnl.com
