NASCAR star and 2022 Daytona 500 champion Austin Cindric is set to return to his sports car roots, stepping in for the injured Ben Barker in the No. 64 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3 for the 63rd annual Rolex 24 at Daytona. The move brings Cindric’s career full circle, as the Ford development driver first raced for Multimatic at Daytona a decade ago.
Cindric Steps Up Amid Injury Setback
Barker, slated as the Endurance Cup driver for the 2025 season, suffered a collarbone injury during a holiday skiing mishap, opening the door for Cindric’s return to the iconic 24-hour race. Cindric will share driving duties with full-season teammates Mike Rockenfeller and Sebastian Priaulx in Ford’s cutting-edge Mustang GT3.
“The 24 Hours of Daytona has become a very meaningful event for me and my career,” said Cindric. “This will be my sixth opportunity to run this race, and with the Ford Mustang GT3, it’s one of the best opportunities I’ll have had at taking one of those watches home. I’m keen to do my part in contributing to a great result, but also representing Multimatic and Ford properly as they start their season in IMSA.”
A Versatile Talent Returns
The 26-year-old Cindric has proven himself as one of NASCAR’s most adaptable talents, with two Cup Series victories and a 2020 Xfinity Series Championship to his name. Yet his history with sports car racing and Ford Performance runs deep. His first professional win came in a Multimatic Ford Mustang GT4 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in 2015, followed by a victory at Road Atlanta in 2019 with Priaulx.
This year’s Rolex 24 marks Cindric’s sixth different team entry in the prestigious event, with past performances that include a fifth-place class finish in 2019 with Vasser Sullivan Racing and again in 2022 with Proton Competition. His return to Daytona under the Ford banner is both nostalgic and a testament to his versatility.
“In 2025, it’ll be 10 years exactly since the first time I came down to Daytona to race for Multimatic and Ford in Michelin Pilot Challenge,” Cindric reflected. “That nervous 16-year-old would be happy to learn where things would be 10 years on. I’m grateful to get the nod, and I’m looking forward to getting to work soon.”
Ford Performance’s Confidence in Cindric
Ford Performance and Multimatic have expressed full confidence in Cindric’s ability to deliver for the team at Daytona. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, highlighted Cindric’s adaptability across racing disciplines.
“Austin is one of the most diverse drivers we have, a proven winner with Mustang in NASCAR and sports cars,” said Rushbrook. “He is a perfect fit to step in and team with Seb and Rocky at Daytona.”
Multimatic’s Pascal Zurlinden echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Cindric’s history with the team. “We’re delighted to welcome Austin back to the team, and we are sure he will do an excellent job, as he has always done for us.”
Looking Ahead
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and teamwork, and Cindric’s addition to the Multimatic squad adds another layer of experience and determination to an already formidable lineup. For Cindric, the opportunity to race the all-new Mustang GT3 and compete on one of motorsport’s grandest stages is more than a challenge—it’s a homecoming.
As the clock ticks down to the green flag, all eyes will be on the No. 64 Mustang GT3, where Cindric will look to prove once again why he’s one of Ford’s most versatile and reliable racers.
