Supercars drivers have been heading to the United States to race NASCAR for the last couple of years, but now the reverse will happen at the bp Adelaide Grand Final.
Reigning Daytona 500 race winner Austin Cindric will take to the streets of Adelaide in a Tickford Racing-run Ford Mustang.
Cindric is no stranger to Australia having competed locally in the Bathurst 12 Hour and has prior experience in Supercars after testing with Dick Johnson Racing.
In fact, Cindric was reportedly due to make an appearance in Super2 during 2017.
Son of former president of Team Penske Tim, Cindric has the runs on the board in NASCAR following his Xfinity Series title in 2020 and Daytona 500 victory two years later.
At age 17, he formed part of Erebus Motorsport’s attack on the 2017 Bathurst 12 Hour and has varied experience including Global Rallycross.
This Wildcard opportunity enables Cindric to live out a dream.
“I’ve been a fan of the Supercars Championship since I was a kid,” Cindric revealed.
“I’ve always rated the drivers and teams in the category highly. So needless to say, my interest has been high for an opportunity to test myself against the best, all while still getting to soak in the atmosphere of what I think should be a great weekend of racing at the Adelaide Grand Final.
“I’m grateful for the effort, hard work, and support from Ford Performance, Tickford Racing, Supercars, and the South Australian Motorsport Board for bringing this project to life.
“I can’t think of a better way to finish off a full year of racing than an adventure like this.”
For Tickford Racing, it is excited to bring a NASCAR driver to join the field in Adelaide.
“We are thrilled here at Tickford Racing to be part of such an extraordinary wildcard addition to the Supercars grid in Adelaide,” said CEO Simon Brookhouse.
“The collaborative effort with Tickford, Ford Performance, Supercars, Austin and his team is a testament to where the sport is continuing to go from strength to strength.
“Welcoming in the NASCAR audience to our sport will continue to reinforce the direction of Supercars growth and provide future benefits for all involved in this opportunity.”
Crossover between Ford Racing’s various disciplines will be showcased in Adelaide and the aim is to build on it.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent within our Ford Performance family on a global stage and see how one of NASCAR’s brightest talents fares in one of the world’s most competitive touring car championships, at arguably its most intimidating street circuit,” said Rushbrook.
“We are particularly eager to see how Austin measures up against the formidable Supercars drivers on their home turf. We believe this cross-pollination of talent and machinery will be thrilling for fans and a valuable experience for everyone involved.”
The inaugural bp Adelaide Grand Final is due to host an exciting culmination to the Repco Supercars Championship on November 27-30.