Austin Cindric Steps In for Rolex 24 After Ben Barker Injury, Joins No. 64 Ford Mustang GTD Pro Team

Austin Cindric, a NASCAR Cup Series driver for Team Penske, is set to make an unexpected return to endurance racing at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Cindric will step in for Ben Barker, who suffered a collarbone injury while skiing during the holiday break. Barker’s absence has opened the door for Cindric to join the No. 64 Ford Mustang GTD Pro entry, which has already secured pole position in its class, thanks to Mike Rockenfeller’s stellar qualifying effort.

The opportunity marks a return to sports car racing for Cindric, who has previous experience in endurance events, and he’s ready to embrace the challenge of competing in one of the most prestigious races in the world.

Cindric Embraces the Rolex 24 Opportunity

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Cindric expressed his excitement about the unexpected call-up and his gratitude for the chance to compete.

“This is definitely not how anyone wants to step into a role, and I wish Ben [Barker] a speedy recovery,” Cindric said. “At the same time, I’m incredibly honored to be trusted with this opportunity. The No. 64 Ford Mustang is obviously fast, and with Rockenfeller already putting us on pole in GTD Pro, I’m looking forward to helping the team execute over the course of the race.”

Cindric, who won the 2022 Daytona 500 in his rookie NASCAR Cup Series season, is no stranger to Daytona International Speedway. However, the 24-hour endurance event presents a vastly different challenge compared to NASCAR’s high-intensity sprint races.

“It’s a different mindset,” Cindric explained. “You’re balancing outright speed with conserving the car and being ready to adapt to changing conditions. I love endurance racing for that reason—it’s a team effort in every sense of the word.”

Ford Performance and the No. 64 Team Poised for Success

The No. 64 Ford Mustang GTD Pro entry has already proven to be a contender heading into the race. Rockenfeller’s pole-winning performance has positioned the team at the front of the GTD Pro class, providing a strong foundation for a successful run.

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Joining Cindric and Rockenfeller on the driver lineup are two experienced racers: [Insert Driver Names], who bring a wealth of experience and endurance racing knowledge to the team.

Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform despite the late driver change.

“Austin is a tremendous talent and a perfect fit for this team,” Rushbrook said. “We’re disappointed that Ben can’t be with us, but we’re thrilled to have Austin step in. With Mike’s qualifying performance and the strength of our driver lineup, we’re ready to take on the challenge of the Rolex 24.”

Cindric’s Versatility on Display

While Cindric’s NASCAR career remains his primary focus, his adaptability across different racing disciplines has been a hallmark of his career. With previous stints in sports cars, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Cindric is well-prepared to handle the unique demands of the Rolex 24.

“It’s always been important to me to be versatile as a driver,” Cindric said. “Whether it’s NASCAR, endurance racing, or anything else, I want to be able to contribute to a team and deliver results. This is an incredible platform to showcase that.”

A Weekend to Watch

As the Rolex 24 kicks off this weekend, all eyes will be on the No. 64 Ford Mustang GTD Pro team as they look to convert their pole position into a class victory. For Austin Cindric, it’s a chance to prove once again that he’s more than just a NASCAR star—he’s a true racer.

The green flag drops at Daytona on Saturday, and with a strong team behind him, Cindric is poised to make the most of this unexpected opportunity.

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