Bristol Motor Speedway has always been known as the “Last Great Colosseum” of the NASCAR world. The half-mile concrete oval track has a notorious reputation for breaking drivers and building legends. It’s a place where emotions run high, and finishes get wild. But for one driver, one race at Bristol had a more profound impact than any other.
Austin Cindric, the 22-year-old driver from Ohio, has been a rising star in the NASCAR world. He comes from a racing family, where his father Tim Cindric is the president of Team Penske, one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history. With such a background, it was natural for Austin to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in racing.
In 2017, Austin was competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, a stepping stone for drivers looking to make it to the highest level of the sport, the NASCAR Cup Series. He had yet to secure his first victory, but his performance at the iconic Bristol track had caught the attention of many. He had dominated the race, leading 109 laps and was on his way to victory when disaster struck.
With just 13 laps to go, Austin’s car suffered a mechanical failure, forcing him to pit and lose his lead. He was devastated. This race was his chance to prove himself, to show that he had what it takes to win at one of the toughest tracks on the circuit. And just like that, it was taken away from him.
But what happened next is what truly left a mark on Austin. In an interview years later, he opened up about the emotional toll that race took on him. He admitted to breaking down in tears after the race, overwhelmed with disappointment and frustration. It was a moment that many drivers can relate to, the feeling of coming so close to victory only to have it slip away.
But for Austin, it was a defining moment in his career. It was a moment that made him realize the true value of perseverance and resilience. Despite the heartache, he picked himself back up and continued on, determined to prove himself as a top driver in NASCAR.
And prove himself, he did. Just two months after his heartbreaking loss at Bristol, Austin secured his first Xfinity Series victory at Road America, a road course in Wisconsin. It was a long-overdue win, and it was clear that the disappointment at Bristol had only fueled his determination.
Since then, Austin has gone on to win multiple races and establish himself as a top contender in the Xfinity Series. In 2020, he even captured the series championship, solidifying his place among the best in the sport. But despite all his success, the memory of that race at Bristol still lingers.
Now, years later, Austin reflects on that fateful night at Bristol with a new perspective. He understands that sometimes the real story happens off the track. In his case, it was the lesson he learned about never giving up, no matter how tough the situation may be. It’s a lesson that has propelled him to where he is today and will continue to guide him in his future endeavors.
In the world of NASCAR, drivers are often seen as fearless and tough, always pushing the limits on the track. But Austin’s candid admission about breaking down in tears after a loss shows that they are human too. They feel the same emotions that we all do, and sometimes, those emotions can be overwhelming. But it’s what they do with those emotions that defines them as true competitors.
Bristol may have broken Austin that night, but it also played a significant role in building the legend he has become. It’s a track that holds a special place in the hearts of many drivers, and for Austin, it will always be a reminder of the valuable lesson he learned. So, the next time you watch a race at the “Last Great Colosseum,” remember that the real story may be happening off the track, and it may be one of perseverance, determination, and resilience, just like Austin Cindric’s story.
