29-04-2025
Cindric wins photo finish at Talladega
An elated Austin Cindric was all smiles during a media center interview after winning Sunday's thrilling Jack Links 500 on the fast 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway.
Cindric drove his No. 2 Menards Team Penske Ford Mustang across the finish line a few feet ahead of fellow Ford driver Ryan Preece to capture his first Talladega victory and third NASCAR Cup Series win. Cindric started seventh in the tension-filled race and ran toward the front of the pack most of the race before taking the lead.
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Cindric held off late race challenges from Kyle Larson, and William Byron before Preece passed Byron and moved into second place beside Cindric. The two Ford drivers battled side by side, inches apart at more than 195 mph during the final laps with Cindric edging out Preece by about a fender length at the checkered flag.
Ironically, Cindric's car ran out of fuel trying to do a victory lap around the massive, 2.66-mile Speedway. He had to be pushed into Talladega Victory Lane where a huge confetti shower initiated a huge Team Penske victory celebration with his exuberant pit crew.
Cindric commented about his thrilling Talladega, 'I don't see more of a team win than (our win) here today! A win like this only helps the whole team move forward. Talladega is a race that can change your whole season! I think one of the keys to winning the race was when the No. 60 (Preece) got clear and into second and having the two Hendrick cars (Larson and Byron) as pushers.
'I felt pretty confident at the end it was between us (Cindric and Preece). Awesome win for the whole team,' Cindric said.
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After post-race inspections, Preece and Logano were disqualified, so the finishing order was adjusted to Cindric, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Noah Gragson and Chase Elliott for the top five.
The NASCAR Cup Series teams head to Texas Speedway next weekend.
