Imagine stepping into the high-octane world of NASCAR, only to find yourself navigating the twists and turns of a completely foreign racing scene. That’s exactly where Austin Cindric found himself as he geared up for the Adelaide wildcard event. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a NASCAR driver truly adapt to the unique demands of Supercars racing in such a short time? Let’s dive in.
After a busy schedule that included a ride day post-Sandown 500 and a two-day test at South Australia’s The Bend, Cindric didn’t hit the pause button. Instead, he jetted off to Queensland for an intensive driving session at Paul Morris’ Norwell Motorplex on the Gold Coast. This isn’t just any training facility—it’s the very place where many of today’s Supercars stars have refined their skills.
‘I’ve known Paul Morris for a while and have always admired his work,’ Cindric shared with Speedcafe. ‘As a race car driver, no matter how experienced you are, there’s always something new to learn or a fresh perspective to gain. I had a free weekend, so I thought, why not make the most of it?’
The visit wasn’t just about solo driving. Cindric was invited to spend time behind the wheel of the training cars alongside some of the younger drivers. He even joined Paul for a few ride-alongs, soaking in the expertise of the 2014 Bathurst 1000 winner. ‘Paul’s facility is top-notch, and it was a blast to experience it firsthand,’ he added.
But Morris wasn’t the only one offering insights. Dick Johnson Racing’s Brodie Kostecki also shared his wisdom during a brief visit. ‘Brodie was there for a couple of hours, and I picked his brain about car handling and racing techniques,’ Cindric explained. ‘It was another reminder of how welcoming everyone has been since I arrived. I really get the sense that they want me to succeed and enjoy this experience.’
And this is the part most people miss: While Cindric is a Ford import, his time on the Gold Coast left him with an unexpected prediction for the championship. ‘I think Broc Feeney is going to take it all,’ he revealed in a Tickford video. ‘I met him at an Italian restaurant on the Gold Coast last weekend. He was eating spaghetti in a full white outfit—shirt, pants, socks, and sandals. If that’s not the epitome of confidence, I don’t know what is. That’s the mark of a winner.’
Transitioning to the Adelaide street circuit, Cindric admitted that mastering the track would be his biggest challenge. ‘Learning the layout quickly and efficiently is key,’ he said. ‘I feel comfortable in the Tickford Mustang after my time at The Bend, but Adelaide’s concrete canyon is a whole different beast. It’s not just about speed—it’s about tire management, extracting maximum performance, and nailing qualifying on green tires to set up a strong race finish. Balancing all of that while still learning the track is going to be the real test.’
On Thursday, Cindric finally met his race crew at the Adelaide circuit and got his first look at the infamous Turn 8. His goal for the weekend? Simple: ‘Run all the laps.’ He’s made it clear he’s not here to interfere with the championship fight but to gain experience and have a good time.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: With Cindric’s NASCAR background and his rapid immersion into Supercars culture, could he be the wildcard that shakes up the Adelaide Grand Final? Or will the learning curve prove too steep? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out the full schedule and viewing details for the 2025 Supercars Adelaide Grand Final—it’s shaping up to be an event you won’t want to miss!
