Team Penske found a 1 year solution for Matt DiBenedetto while developing a long-lasting strategy to move Austin Cindric to the Cup Series.
DiBenedetto’s contract was extended Thursday to drive for Wood Brothers Racing in2021 Cindric, presently completing in the Xfinity Series for Penske, will take control of the seat in2022
Cindric will complete in both Xfinity Series next season in addition to select Cup races. The 22- year-old kid of Group Penske president Tim Cindric revealed this season he is all set for a promo to NASCAR’s top series, a move that might have cost DiBenedetto his seat with the Penske-affiliated team.
” As we continue to position our group for future success, it is essential to make certain Austin continues his development in the Xfinity Series with Group Penske,” said Roger Penske. “Austin has made great strides over the last few years and he has ended up being a constant winner and a true champion competitor this season.”
Penske said Cindric will drive one last season in Xfinity then take over the No. 21 Ford from DiBenedetto in 2022 when NASCAR’s brand-new automobile debuts.
Penske and the Wood Brothers formed a technical alliance in 2015 designed for talent advancement. Ryan Blaney started his Cup profession in the No. 21 prior to Penske pulled him in-house.
DiBenedetto desperately wished to keep his seat and has openly lobbied for it the last few weeks. He made the playoffs in his very first year with the team but was gotten rid of after the preliminary.
DiBenedetto completed second the last 2 weeks, but his runner-up finish at Talladega on Sunday was disqualified after NASCAR ruled he ‘d driven listed below the out-of-bounds line.
” It’s such an honor to be able to continue to drive for Wood Brothers Racing and have another year to grow with this organization,” said DiBenedetto. “These types of decisions take a great deal of time, as all of us know there are a lot of factors in play. All 3 groups wish to make the best decisions for everyone included and I’m appreciative to have the chance to continue to compete for such a legendary race team.”
Wood Brothers Racing is the earliest active NASCAR group.
Cindric, meanwhile, was the Xfinity Series routine season champion and is currently racing for the championship. He has five wins this season and is currently ranked second in the standings.
” Every race vehicle driver wishes to advance in his career, and I can’t think about a much better way to do that than on a clear path with Group Penske that will eventually lead to a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR Cup Series,” Cindric stated. “Another season of experience in the Xfinity Series will be beneficial and I’m eagerly anticipating completing in some Cup Series races in 2021 to get ready for a complete season in 2022.”
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