Austin Cindric reportedly nearing Team Penske contract extension

Austin Cindric is reportedly nearing a contract extension with Team Penske despite a period of inconsistent performance. While Cindric entered the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season in a contract year, reports indicate he and the organization have reached an agreement to continue their partnership. Some reports suggest the extension could be for two years, ensuring he remains in the No. 2 Ford alongside teammates Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano.

This potential deal comes amid scrutiny regarding Cindric’s recent results. Entering the 2026 postseason as the 15th seed, Cindric has struggled to match the championship-winning consistency of his teammates, recording zero wins and an average finish of 17.2 across the 25-race regular season. Additionally, Team Penske recently swapped the pit crews of the No. 2 and No. 12 teams to bolster Ryan Blaney’s performance, a move that highlighted the competitive hierarchy within the organization.