Cindric looking for the silver lining after Penske's crew swap ahead of NASCAR Chase

Austin Cindric understands why Team Penske swapped its pit crews this week, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a bit of frustration.

The organization informed Cindric and Ryan Blaney earlier this week that they will be working with different crews as the NASCAR Cup Series goes into the Chase. All three of its drivers are championship-eligible. 

Blaney, who has three wins, is the highest-positioned Penske driver at second in the standings, and his team's struggles on pit road have been well documented. Cindric, meanwhile, is 15th in points and has one of the best crews on pit road. But he starts the Chase winless and in a 95-point hole.

“Obviously, very understandable on my end from a competition side, and what the team feels it needs to go win a championship,” Cindric said Wednesday at Chase Media Day. “That’s really all it comes down to, and I think for me, and for the (No.) 2 car, it’s all about being able to bring in a new group with our team. I think that’s the challenge at the moment: How do we get everyone up to speed and speaking the same language, and be ready to perform at a championship level with new personnel? 

“That’s all it comes down to for us and where the focus has been since the early part of this week.” 

Cindric's crew ranks 10th on pit road in the series as of last weekend at Daytona International Speedway, per NASCAR Insights. 

“I would say probably the main level of frustration is I don’t get to see through the season with the guys that I feel like are responsible for me getting there,” said Cindric. “But at the same point, it’s not completely unprecedented to make changes and give the team the best chance.”

The team that will now be pitting for Blaney will be Jourdan Osinskie (jackman), Andrew Lackey (fueler), Justin Armwood (front changer), Geoffrey Wall (rear changer), and Jesse Milles (tire carrier). 

On the flip side, the crew that had been working with Blaney ranks 32nd on pit road. Those now working with Cindric will be Graham Stoddard (jackman), Chris Conklin (fueler), Keiston France (front changer), Justin Fox (rear changer), and Trevor Apsey (tire carrier).

“I firstly want to thank the guys who were with me all year,” Blaney said Wednesday. “They were with us through thick and thin. We had great times together and were able to win a few races, and I appreciate the work that they did to get us where we’re at. This decision... Team Penske just looked at it and figured out how we can change things up to benefit the whole company. I’m thankful for what my guys did; looking forward to working with the new team. 

“I feel like they’ve been really solid on pit road all year, and some of those guys I’ve worked with in the past … I think it really speaks highly of Team Penske’s depth that they can shift guys around and be plugged into other teams pretty seamlessly. I’m looking forward to how it goes.”

Blaney acknowledged that he did not ask for the change, and was prepared to go into the Chase with his crew. A former series champion, Blaney felt great about his chances with his former crew, and still feels as good. Blaney was informed the same as Cindric after the decision was made.

“I wasn’t going into meetings wanting a change,” he said. “It’s something that Team Penske higher above me decided to do.”