Cindric to attempt Daytona 500 with Penske

Defending NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Austin Cindric will attempt the Daytona 500, Team Penske confirmed Wednesday.

Cindric will drive a No. 33 Ford Mustang as he attempts to qualify for the 500. Miles Stanley, who has served as race engineer for Penske’s No. 12 and No. 22 Cup Series teams, will serve as crew chief for Cindric.

“There is a lot to be excited about heading into Daytona,” said Cindric. “It doesn’t really even need to be said that the Daytona 500 is the biggest crown jewel race in NASCAR and one of the biggest races in the world – so to have a shot to be in the show while driving for Roger Penske is a big opportunity.

“Qualifying our way into the race as an ‘open’ car will be a big challenge. I look forward to working with Miles and all of the guys on the No. 33 team, while also continuing my focus on winning back-to-back Xfinity Series Championships.”

Cindric and Stanley will attempt to make the 500 and other starts in 2021 that are yet TBA.

Cindric will also drive his championship-winning No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season.

With Cindric’s entry into the Daytona 500, there are now 44 entries for the 500, with eight open cars vying for four spots in the race.

SOURCES:
NASCAR
Racing-Reference.Info
Team Penske