In a captivating interview, The Athletic delves into the mind of Austin Cindric, the 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion and current Cup Series playoff contender. From his unwavering commitment to racing to his relentless pursuit of a personal golf milestone, this piece offers a unique and insightful look into the multifaceted life of this rising star.

Unlocking the Secrets of a NASCAR Prodigy's Ambitions

Chasing Golfing Glory Amidst the Demands of Racing

Austin Cindric's passion for racing is undeniable, but his competitive spirit extends beyond the racetrack. The 24-year-old driver has set his sights on a personal goal that has eluded him thus far – breaking 100 in golf. Despite the demanding schedule of a NASCAR Cup Series driver, Cindric remains determined to conquer this elusive milestone, even as the offseason approaches. "My two goals for the year were to make the playoffs and break 100," he reveals. "You can see how difficult golf is, because I've obviously accomplished one of those goals, but not the other." With the season winding down, Cindric is running out of time, but he remains optimistic that the offseason will provide the opportunity to focus on his golfing aspirations.Cindric's near-miss with a 101 score has only fueled his determination, as he recounts the surprising moment. "I was honestly surprised. It was a surprising 101. I did the math, pulled out the calculator and realized it was better than I thought. So, it has actually fueled some hope." This close call has instilled a renewed sense of purpose, and Cindric is determined to break the elusive 100-stroke barrier before the year is out.

Navigating the Delicate Balance Between Sport and Entertainment in NASCAR

As a professional race car driver, Cindric offers a unique perspective on the dynamic between the competitive nature of the sport and the entertainment value that fans crave. He acknowledges that there is often a disconnect between the drivers' focus on the sport and the fans' desire for entertainment. "If we're talking sport versus entertainment, easily the drivers and competitors lean toward sport and the fans lean toward entertainment. It's always about finding the happy medium between the two."Cindric draws an insightful analogy to illustrate this point, comparing the approach of NASCAR to that of soccer and the NFL. "I always like to use the analogy of soccer compared to the NFL. The NFL is more entertainment-oriented than the World Cup. I don't think the World Cup has a halftime show. It's just, 'We're going to have these guys run around on a field for 90 minutes and whoever the best is, wins.' Whereas the Super Bowl, there's a lot more breaks, a lot more entertainment decisions and features for the event."This delicate balance is a constant challenge for the sport, as Cindric acknowledges. "There's a happy medium, but it's not realistic to expect fans to lean toward the sport all the time." The driver's perspective, rooted in the competitive nature of the sport, often differs from the fans' preference for a more entertainment-driven experience. Navigating this dynamic is a crucial aspect of Cindric's role as a professional racer.

The Sacrifices and Challenges of a NASCAR Driver's Lifestyle

One of the most significant aspects of a NASCAR driver's life that often goes unnoticed by the general public is the sheer amount of time and dedication required to excel in the sport. Cindric emphasizes this point, stating, "The lack of time people in racing have outside the racetrack is what separates the perspective. Most people have a regular job and a regular family and a regular schedule, but for anyone who works in racing — especially in NASCAR with as much travel — it's very difficult to give perspective of that."This demanding lifestyle is a stark contrast to the typical 9-to-5 routine that many fans may be accustomed to. Cindric's commitment to his craft extends far beyond the confines of the racetrack, as he navigates the challenges of balancing his professional obligations with his personal life. "Most people I meet and explain what our sport is and what we do, that's the first thing that takes everybody aback."This insight into the sacrifices and challenges faced by NASCAR drivers serves to highlight the dedication and passion required to excel in the sport. Cindric's willingness to share this perspective offers a valuable glimpse into the realities of life as a professional race car driver, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of the job.

Embracing the Competitive Spirit and Exploring Future Opportunities

Cindric's competitive nature is a defining characteristic that has propelled him to success in the NASCAR Cup Series. The driver acknowledges that this trait is a source of pride, stating, "Honesty. Maybe another way could be described as 'blunt,' depending on the social situation, I guess. But I've always had more of a competitive mindset, so if I'm going to be trying to improve myself or improve my team, you're wasting time if you're not being honest."This unwavering commitment to honesty and improvement has earned Cindric the respect of his peers and the admiration of fans. As he looks towards the future, the driver contemplates the possibility of exploring opportunities beyond his driving career, though he remains firmly focused on his current role."I'd like to drive as long as my body permits it. That's my only stipulation because otherwise, I can't imagine my life not doing what I'm doing. I've tried to, and it's impossible, so I've just committed myself." While Cindric acknowledges the potential for a management or advisory role in the sport, he is quick to emphasize his loyalty to Team Penske, the organization that has nurtured his talent and provided him with the platform to excel.Cindric's competitive spirit and his desire to give back to the sport he loves have led him to consider ways in which he can help bridge the gap between the grassroots level and professional racing. "Are there things I can do as a driver or as an influential person in the sport that can help other drivers bridge the gap between the grassroots level and professional racing? It's kind of an idea that's existed in my head, but there could be something the industry — not just in NASCAR but in all forms of motorsports — could get behind."This forward-thinking approach, coupled with Cindric's unwavering commitment to his craft, suggests a bright future for the young driver, both on and off the racetrack.

The Mooresville Advantage: Embracing the Racing Lifestyle in North Carolina

Cindric's upbringing in the Mooresville, North Carolina area has played a significant role in shaping his passion for racing. The driver describes the region as a "small big city," offering the perfect blend of amenities and accessibility to the sport he loves. "The Charlotte area in general has all the things you need. You drive two hours to the mountains, two hours to the beach and there's an airport that can take you anywhere in the world. We have a nice downtown. It's a small big city, in my opinion. So you have all the things you need, but you can easily get to where you need to go."Beyond the practical advantages, Cindric also appreciates the racing culture that permeates the Mooresville community. "Then you have the lake, and there's a bunch of racing stuff. The weather is decent enough." This immersion in the racing lifestyle has undoubtedly contributed to Cindric's unwavering dedication to the sport, as he has been surrounded by the industry from a young age.While no location is perfect, Cindric acknowledges that the Mooresville area offers a unique blend of amenities and opportunities that have made it an ideal home for him and many other NASCAR professionals. This connection to his roots serves as a testament to the importance of fostering a supportive and vibrant racing community, which has undoubtedly played a role in Cindric's rise to the top of the sport.