Winning the Daytona 500 is widely regarded as a pinnacle achievement in American motorsports, a feat pursued by every driver but accomplished by only a select few.
Among these elite winners are those who have triumphed multiple times in The Great American Race. Hence, when Austin Cindric found himself taken out of contention for victory on the final lap by Corey LaJoie, frustration was palpable for the Team Penske standout.
Addressing the media from the infield care center, the driver of the #2 car voiced his discontent with the actions of the Spire Motorsports competitor. Cindric, who clinched victory in The Great American Race in 2022 against considerable odds, had his sights set on a repeat performance this year.
However, what initially appeared to be a promising weekend for Ford ultimately soured as two Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolets claimed the top spots, delivering a stellar finish for the team.
In the moments preceding the white flag, anticipation mounted for a potential last-lap showdown between William Byron and Cindric. Spectators hoped for a thrilling photo finish featuring a Ford and a Chevy.
However, a miscalculated push by LaJoie resulted in the race concluding under caution, with Byron’s #24 securing the victory. LaJoie settled for fourth place, while Cindric finished in 22nd position, prompting the latter to candidly express his thoughts on his Chevy counterpart’s actions.
“Corey finished fourth, so congratulations to him. He attempted to place his car where there was no room and persisted in pushing into my left rear until I spun out.
I understand the urge to make a move or create an opportunity, as I probably wasn’t in the best position approaching the white flag, but I’m here in the care center and don’t even know my finishing position. It’s incredibly disappointing, but that’s racing,” remarked Cindric in an interview with Frontstretch.
The 25-year-old Penske driver was within grasp of victory with only a couple of laps remaining. As he saw the white flag signaling the final lap, LaJoie’s push led to a spin that dashed both Cindric’s and Ross Chastain’s hopes of success.
Reflecting on the chaotic climax of the race, Cindric suggested that other drivers might have handled the situation differently.
“In those final laps, it’s essentially gridlock, and you’re simply doing your best to push forward. My role throughout the race was to support the #24 as effectively as possible until I could break free, and we reached that point once the outside lane fragmented. We had a great opportunity… frankly, there are probably 39 other cars that would have handled the situation more prudently,” he added.
For LaJoie, securing a top-five finish in the Daytona 500 marked a remarkable start to the Cup Series season for a driver yet to clinch a victory in NASCAR’s premier division.
Reflecting on his performance at The Great American Race, LaJoie noted the invaluable experience gained from running near the front and leading lanes. This exposure, relatively rare for the 32-year-old, promises to be beneficial as the season unfolds.
“I gained valuable experience leading and controlling lanes. Kyle Busch executed a shrewd maneuver out of Turn 2, exploiting my positioning to advance to the top. It was a learning moment for me, a gradual process of improvement. With every race, I grow more comfortable and proficient. A top-five finish is a significant achievement,” remarked the Spire Motorsports driver to Kickin’ The Tires.
A budding rivalry between Cindric and LaJoie could potentially escalate throughout the season, adding an intriguing narrative to watch, especially considering Cindric’s lingering disappointment following his Daytona exit.
