NASCAR Cup Series driver and former Daytona 500 champion Austin Cindric will take on a new challenge later this month as he joins the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona. Cindric has been announced as a substitute for Ben Barker, who sustained a collarbone injury while skiing, leaving him unable to compete in the grueling endurance event.
Cindric will partner with seasoned sports car racers Mike Rockenfeller and Sebastian Priaulx in the No. 64 Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang GT3. The team, fielding Ford’s newest GT3 contender, aims to make a strong statement in the highly competitive GTD Pro class.
A Natural Fit for Cindric
Cindric, no stranger to sports car racing, brings a wealth of road course experience and endurance racing expertise to the table. Before making the full-time leap to NASCAR, Cindric competed in IMSA events, including the Rolex 24, and has showcased his versatility on some of the world’s most challenging circuits.
The opportunity to rejoin the sports car racing world is a special one for Cindric. “The Rolex 24 is one of the most iconic races in the world, and I’m honored to step in for Ben and represent Multimatic Motorsports and Ford Performance,” Cindric said. “The new Mustang GT3 is an incredible car, and I can’t wait to work with Mike and Seb to give it our all at Daytona.”
Multimatic Confident in Cindric’s Ability
Larry Holt, Multimatic Motorsports’ Executive Vice President, expressed confidence in Cindric’s ability to quickly adapt to the team and car. “Austin is not only an exceptional driver but also someone deeply familiar with Ford Performance’s programs. His road racing background and experience in long-distance racing make him the perfect fit to fill in for Ben,” Holt said.
Barker, while disappointed to miss the race, voiced his support for the team and his replacement. “I’m gutted to not be part of the Rolex 24 this year, but I’m confident the team will be in good hands with Austin stepping in. I’ll be cheering them on and wish them all the best for a successful race.”
A Star-Studded Lineup
Cindric will join forces with Mike Rockenfeller, a two-time Le Mans winner and DTM champion, and Sebastian Priaulx, the 2021 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge champion and son of touring car legend Andy Priaulx. The trio will compete in a race that demands relentless focus, seamless teamwork, and extraordinary stamina as they navigate the challenges of Daytona International Speedway’s famed road course over 24 hours.
A Crucial Event for Ford Performance
This year’s Rolex 24 marks the debut of the Ford Mustang GT3, a car developed as part of Ford’s renewed commitment to global endurance racing. Success at Daytona would be a significant milestone for the Mustang program, and the addition of Cindric to the lineup only strengthens their prospects.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is set to take place on January 27-28, 2025, kicking off the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. Fans of both NASCAR and sports car racing will be eager to see how Cindric fares in this highly anticipated return to his endurance racing roots.
