“Mad” Austin Cindric Forced to Drop Humble 6-Word Admission Moments After Kyle Larson’s Unthinkable Act

Talladega Superspeedway was charged on April 27, 2025, when Austin Cindric inscribed his name in NASCAR history books with a jaw-dropping photo-finish. The Team Penske No. 2 edged RFK’s Ryan Preece by a mere 0.006 seconds. The victory, his first Gateway last June, was a race won, a redemption, an exhale, and a ticket to the playoffs for the driver who’s been knocking on superspeedway doors for years.

Cindric’s win was an exercise in teamwork and strategy. His team laid down the quickest final-cycle pit stop of the day, a fuel-only stop that put the yellow Menards car into the lead. But maintaining that lead on Talladega’s frenetic final lap was no easy task. The pack was relentless, with Ryan Preece, Brad Keselowski, and Bubba Wallace leading the charge. Cindric required more than speed—he required trust.

Austin Cindric is no longer mad at Kyle Larson

That trust was earned from an unexpected ally: Kyle Larson. Earlier this year, Cindric had been livid with Larson following a contentious incident at Atlanta Motor Speedway. But as they came together on Talladega’s tri-oval on the last lap, Larson did an unthinkable thing—not to pass Cindric, but to nudge his car just at the right moment. That move for a push helped keep Cindric ahead, and in front of a bellowing Alabama mob, he took the checkered flag.

“I’m just so proud of this team,” Cindric said, heavy with emotion. “I’m just so grateful for everybody’s support… We talk about it in every single one of those meetings, why we haven’t won one of these races, and no, just proud of the effort and very grateful for Discount Tire, Snap-On, and AutoTrader. Roger Penske, everyone, makes it possible for me.”

Team Penske has been through times this season, leading a lot of laps but unable to take the checkered flag. Cindric was even in a position to win the 2025 Daytona 500 until Cole Custer shoved into him and Denny Hamlin on the final lap. This win was retribution. Not only for Team Penske, but for Cindric after what happened at Atlanta.

When asked about the final pit cycle and taking the lead, Austin Cindric added, “Yeah, no, it sure wasn’t easy… Kyle did a lot to look out for me, getting on my case at the right times in the tri-oval. As mad as I was at him after Atlanta, I feel like we’re good now.” At Atlanta, Larson nudged Cindric into the wall, ending his race and William Byron’s race as well. And, while Larson is now known for his superspeedway prowess, he delivered a top ride today, finishing third at ‘Dega.

Austin Cindric wins Talladega

The race ended straight up

No shenanigans

Really cool actually

— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) April 27, 2025

The victory marked his third career Cup win and guaranteed his spot in the 2025 playoffs, a milestone for the driver who’s faced scrutiny for inconsistent results. As the checkered flag waved high, Cindric’s radio crackled in celebration. Spotter Doug, the entire Penske team, and he were celebrating, knowing that they had overpowered one of NASCAR’s trickiest tracks. The bright yellow machine, celebrating John Menard’s long-term support, was shining in the Alabama sun as a testament to perseverance paying dividends.

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