Get ready to rev your engines, because the world of racing is about to witness a thrilling wildcard entry in Adelaide’s NASCAR scene—and it’s not your average driver. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a newcomer truly compete on one of the most unforgiving street circuits in the world? Let’s dive into the story of Austin Cindric, who’s been pulling out all the stops to prepare for this high-stakes challenge.
After a grueling ride day following the Sandown 500 and a two-day test at South Australia’s The Bend Motorsport Park, Cindric didn’t hit the brakes. Instead, he jetted off to Queensland for an intensive driving tune-up. His destination? The legendary Norwell Motorplex on the Gold Coast, a driver training facility where many Supercars stars have sharpened their skills. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about driving fast—it’s about learning from the best and adapting to new perspectives.
Cindric’s connection with Paul Morris, the mastermind behind Norwell Motorplex, runs deep. “I’ve had a relationship with Paul for a while, and I’ve always admired what he does there,” Cindric told Speedcafe. “No matter how experienced you are, there’s always something new to learn. I had a free weekend, so I thought, why not?”
During his time at Norwell, Cindric didn’t just sit back and observe. He got behind the wheel of the school cars, joined ride-alongs with Morris, and even spent time with young drivers. “Paul’s facility is top-notch, and it was a blast to experience it firsthand,” he added. But that’s not all—Cindric also picked the brain of 2014 Bathurst 1000 winner Morris and Dick Johnson Racing’s Brodie Kostecki, who dropped by for a few hours. “Brodie shared some incredible insights on car handling, and it was another reminder of how welcoming everyone has been,” Cindric said.
Here’s the bold truth: Despite being a Ford import, Cindric feels right at home in the Tickford Mustang after extensive testing at The Bend. But the Adelaide street circuit? That’s a whole different beast. “Learning the track is going to be my biggest challenge,” he admitted. “It’s about mastering the layout, managing tire wear, and extracting every ounce of performance—all while qualifying on green tires. Balancing all that while still learning? That’s the real test.”
Cindric’s first encounter with his race crew and the Adelaide circuit, including the notorious Turn 8, happened on Thursday. His goal for the weekend is simple: “Run all the laps.” He’s made it clear he’s not here to disrupt the championship fight—just to gain experience and have a good time.
But let’s not forget the lighter side of his journey. After meeting Broc Feeney at an Italian restaurant on the Gold Coast, Cindric made a bold prediction: “That guy’s going to win it all. He was eating spaghetti in a full white outfit—shirt, pants, socks, sandals. If that’s not confidence, I don’t know what is.”
Now, here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Can Cindric’s blend of humility, hard work, and willingness to learn translate into a surprising performance at Adelaide? Or will the challenges of the street circuit prove too much for the wildcard entry? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
