Former Daytona 500 champion Austin Cindric has stepped into the spotlight once again, but this time in the endurance racing arena. Called in as a late replacement for the injured Ben Barker, Cindric is back in the GT3 saddle for the first time since 2022, joining the pole-sitting #64 Ford Multimatic Mustang GT3 team for the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Cindric will team up with seasoned IMSA SportsCar Championship drivers Mike Rockenfeller and Seb Priaulx, adding his own wealth of experience to the high-profile squad. Despite his hiatus from GT3 racing, Cindric has hit the ground running, seamlessly adjusting to the Mustang GT3.
“Like riding a bike”: Cindric’s effortless return to GT3
Cindric’s familiarity with the Ford Mustang platform and his proximity to Multimatic’s Mooresville, North Carolina facility have proven invaluable for his return. Speaking about his experience, the 2022 Daytona 24 Hours participant expressed confidence in the car and the team.
“I live only 10 minutes from Multimatic’s facility,” Cindric explained. “Between that and working with the team quite recently, it’s been a pretty seamless transition. For a guy that hasn’t driven the car in two years, I felt like by lap three I was on the pace.”
The Mustang GT3’s performance in qualifying underscores its potential, and Cindric believes its strengths are well-suited for the race’s demands.
“They’ve done a great job with the car. A heavy, front-engine V8 is not unfamiliar territory for me, so some of my habits are fairly instinctual.”
Cindric’s endurance racing pedigree
This year’s Daytona marks Cindric’s sixth appearance at the iconic event. His last outing in 2023 was with Rick Ware Racing in the LMP2 category, following a 2022 campaign with Proton Racing’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO. Over his past four starts at Daytona, Cindric consistently finished within the top six in class, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level of endurance racing.
“For me, it’s about finding consistency and maximizing the car’s potential,” Cindric said. “The Mustang GT3 has already proven its capabilities in qualifying, so we’re optimistic heading into the race.”
The battle for GTD Pro supremacy
The #64 Ford Mustang GT3, starting from pole, will face fierce competition in the GTD Pro class. Rivals include powerhouse teams like Paul Miller Racing, Corvette Racing, and Pfaff Motorsports, all vying for victory in one of endurance racing’s most prestigious events. The 14-strong GTD Pro field promises an intense battle, with the Ford team eyeing a standout performance.
Looking ahead to race day
The 63rd running of the 24 Hours of Daytona kicks off on January 25 at 1:40 PM local time. With Cindric’s proven skill, Rockenfeller and Priaulx’s endurance racing expertise, and the Mustang GT3’s impressive speed, the #64 Ford team stands poised to contend for class victory. As the green flag waves, all eyes will be on whether this combination of talent and technology can deliver a triumphant result.