Austin Cindric is set to replace Kyle Larson for the upcoming Adelaide 500 in the Repco Supercars Championship, marking a significant crossover for the NASCAR Cup Series driver. Scheduled for late 2025, this potential one-off appearance with Tickford Racing has generated considerable excitement among fans eager to see Cindric’s debut on Australia’s challenging street circuit.
Cindric’s entry into the Adelaide 500 is not a spontaneous decision but the result of longstanding ties to Australian motorsport via his father, Tim Cindric, who was heavily involved in DJR Team Penske’s Supercars efforts from 2015 to 2020. This connection afforded Austin early insight and experience in the Supercars scene, including tests with DJR Team Penske and Matt Stone Racing. A planned Super2 Series appearance in Newcastle during 2017 fell through due to scheduling conflicts, but the driver’s enthusiasm for racing Down Under has never waned.
Background and Path to the Adelaide Opportunity
Austin Cindric is a rising star in NASCAR, known for major achievements such as winning the 2022 Daytona 500 and capturing the 2020 Xfinity Series Championship. More recently, he earned notable Cup Series victories at Gateway in 2024 and Talladega in 2025, where he edged out Kyle Larson by a mere 0.056 seconds. Despite not planning a full-time switch to Supercars, a one-off entry at Adelaide would allow him to test himself on one of the world’s toughest street circuits, famous for its narrow turns and unforgiving barriers.
For Tickford Racing, which reduced to two cars in 2025, adding a wildcard entry featuring a high-profile international driver makes strategic sense. By aligning with Cindric, who has strong Ford ties through Team Penske’s longstanding relationship with the Blue Oval brand, Tickford boosts its visibility and appeal at the Adelaide 500 event. Negotiations are underway with Supercars officials and the South Australian Motorsport Board, with licensing and car preparation still pending approval.
The move reflects a growing trend to bridge NASCAR and Supercars, both of which have welcomed international talents for special appearances in recent years. Last year, Triple Eight nearly signed Kyle Busch for a similar outing, though plans fell through. Cindric’s potential entry represents a renewed effort to connect these motorsport worlds and expand their global appeal.
Fan Reactions Highlight Excitement and Expectations
The prospect of Austin Cindric replacing Kyle Larson has sparked intense conversation online, especially on Reddit, where fans are both hopeful and anxious about the NASCAR star’s ability to perform on Australian soil. Many recall Cindric’s early involvement in Australian racing, including his participation in the 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race at just 16 years old, making him the youngest competitor ever in that event. He drove a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 for Erebus Motorsport alongside teammates Simon Hodge and Nathan Morcom, finishing the race without incident and establishing his Australian racing credentials.
“Cindric does have some history running in Australia, fwiw. Did the Bathurst 12 Hour in an Erebus prepared Mercedes GT3 car a fair few years back, was only 17 at the time iirc.”
—Reddit User
Supporters praise Cindric’s composure and reliability compared to Kyle Larson’s more aggressive driving style. His calm approach and early successes have earned respect among NASCAR fans who view him as a safer and more consistent contender. Cindric’s rookie season momentum, capped by the Daytona 500 win, showed he could handle pressure under intense conditions.
“Oh good. Now the world won’t laugh and mock NASCAR when Kyle crashes. Austin is a better choice for sure!”
—Reddit User
Enthusiasts also pointed to Cindric’s teenage testing experiences with V8 Supercars teams, including a 2014 test with Matt Stone Racing at Queensland Raceway where he posted competitive lap times just as a 15-year-old. In 2016, he was close to matching lap records during a DJR Team Penske V8 test, emphasizing his long-standing desire to race anything with wheels.
“If I remember correctly, he did pretty decent when he tested V8 Supercar when he was a teenager. He had said many times that he’d love to race anything with wheels on, and it was sort of his motto before NASCAR. Would be cool to see if this comes to fruition.”
—Reddit User
Challenges and Opportunities on the Adelaide Street Circuit
Despite enthusiasm, concerns remain about Cindric’s current form on road courses given some mixed performances in NASCAR’s top series. While he dominated Xfinity road courses, his Cup Series results on similar tracks have been inconsistent. Fans hope Adelaide’s street circuit offers a platform for him to rediscover his road racing prowess, especially since he showed promise in the 2023 Chicago street race, securing a top-10 finish that suggested adaptability to street-style racing.
“Hopefully, he can get some confidence back. He’s been blah on road courses in Cup after a great Xfinity career.”
—Reddit User
Adelaide’s unique layout—with its narrow pit lanes, tight corners, and unforgiving walls—is considered one of the most demanding circuits globally. It presents a valuable opportunity for Cindric to sharpen his skills in a different environment. His appreciation for urban racing atmospheres, noted in his enjoyment of events like the Chicago street race, aligns well with Adelaide’s vibrant and intense setting.
“Adelaide is an amazing track, will be a good experience for street Courses.”
—Reddit User
Implications for NASCAR and Supercars’ International Relations
Cindric’s potential participation signals a strengthening of ties between American NASCAR and Australian Supercars, helping both series reach broader audiences and engage international fans. The wildcard entry concept is part of Supercars’ ongoing effort to attract global competitors without committing them to full seasons, balancing promotional value with competition integrity.
Should the move go ahead, it may set a precedent for more cross-series collaborations and increase exposure for drivers seeking to expand their skills and fanbases across different racing disciplines. For fans, Cindric’s Adelaide run represents a unique opportunity to see a NASCAR star tackle one of motorsport’s most demanding street circuits, reflecting the evolving nature of professional racing and its global connections.