Austin Cindric’s Silent Fury Will He Strike Back at Kyle Larson?

Austin Cindric doesn’t keep many of his fellow NASCAR Cup Series competitors’ phone numbers, but after the Atlanta Motor Speedway crash, he needed just one—Kyle Larson’s. The wreck that ended his race also sparked a heated post-race discussion, setting the stage for one of the season’s first major rivalries.

As he stood next to his battered No. 2 Ford, frustration burning inside him, Cindric knew he had to confront Larson—not with emotions running high on the track but in a controlled, meaningful conversation. Lacking Larson’s number, he found Hendrick Motorsports executives Jeff Andrews and Chad Knaus, handed over his business card, and left a simple message: “Call me.”

A Crucial Phone Call: Clearing the Air with Larson

By Monday afternoon, the two drivers had connected. Larson took responsibility, admitting that he had squeezed Cindric into the wall during the intense battle for the lead.

“Kyle took responsibility, which obviously doesn’t un-wreck my car, but it was important to have that conversation,” Cindric revealed.

For a driver like Cindric, who thrives on calculated aggression, moving forward meant setting expectations on how they’d race each other for the rest of the season. He emphasized that while he respects Larson, if he intends to win in NASCAR, he has to face him again and again—and this wreck wouldn’t be their last battle.

The Lone Wolf Mentality: Cinder’s Unorthodox Approach

Unlike many drivers who maintain an active text chain with competitors, Cindric prefers to keep his social circle tight. The 2022 Daytona 500 winner admitted he isn’t the kind of person who builds friendships with rivals.

“I’m not a social person. I don’t see getting to know competitors off-track as beneficial—it’s a distraction. I keep things simple: we’re rivals, and that’s that.”

This cold-blooded mindset separates him from others in the Cup Series. While some drivers engage in friendly banter before races, Cindric often sits quietly at the front of the stage, laser-focused on the task ahead.

A Frustrating Start: The What-Ifs of Cindric’s Season

Had it not been for back-to-back late-race wrecks, Cindric could have opened 2025 with two consecutive wins. Instead, he finds himself fourth in points—a respectable position but a bitter pill to swallow.

“People say, ‘Oh, you’re still fourth in points.’ That’s like a punch in the gut. It’s not about points; it’s about wins. And I had two chances slip away.”

In a sport where victories are rare and hard-fought, Cindric knows that missed opportunities are often the difference between making the playoffs comfortably or fighting for a spot late in the season.

Shaking Off Disappointment: The Mindset of a Champion

Rather than dwelling on the heartbreak of Atlanta, Cindric quickly moved on. His secret? Diving into preparation for the next race.

“By the time our plane landed from Atlanta, I had already finished reviewing my notes and debriefs. By Tuesday, I was fully focused on the next race.”

This relentless work ethic is what separates good drivers from great ones. The ability to process setbacks, extract lessons, and move forward is key to survival in NASCAR’s grueling 36-race schedule.

The NASCAR Fanbase Reacts: A Debate Raging Online

Following the crash, NASCAR fans erupted in debate over who was at fault. Some blamed Cindric for not lifting off the gas, while others criticized Larson for his aggressive moves.

One fan commented,

“These guys wouldn’t last a single race with Dale Earnhardt Sr.! If you’re getting squeezed, find another lane. Quit crying about it.”

Another took direct aim at Larson’s driving style, saying:

“Larson wrecks people, apologizes, then wrecks someone else the next week. He’s on repeat!”

Meanwhile, Cindric had his own critics. One particularly brutal comment read:

“The only reason you’re in Cup is because of your father. After this week, you’ll be irrelevant for six months.”

The divided fan response shows just how much this incident shook up the NASCAR world. With emotions running high, both drivers will be under intense scrutiny when they meet again on the track.

What happened in the Atlanta wreck? A Breakdown

Cindric started the Ambetter Health 400 strong, qualifying on the front row and keeping himself at the front when only 10 laps remained. He was locked in a fierce battle with Christopher Bell, determined to fight for the win.

However, as the race reached its climax, Larson, running ahead of Cindric, made a critical move, forcing Cindric into the outside wall. The impact triggered a chain reaction—Cindric collided with William Byron, and his No. 2 Ford suffered severe front-end damage, sending him slamming into the inside wall.

The result? A disastrous 28th-place finish for a driver who was on the brink of winning.

Bottled-Up Rage: How Will Austin Cindric Respond to Kyle Larson?

Austin Cindric is not the kind of driver who easily lets go of an incident like the one at Atlanta Motor Speedway. While his conversation with Kyle Larson may have helped clear the air, deep down, Cindric doesn’t see it as just an accident—it’s a lesson.

“I don’t forget. I can forgive, but I never forget.”

That’s what Cindric said when asked if he was still upset with Larson. The Team Penske driver knows that if he wants to establish himself in the NASCAR Cup Series, he can’t let his rivals push him around on the track.

The Next Meeting: Will Cindric Get His Payback?

One thing is certain—the clash between Cindric and Larson is far from over. The NASCAR season is long, and sooner or later, they will find themselves battling in crucial races again.

If the opportunity arises, will Cindric seize the chance to settle the score?

“I race to win. If someone gets in my way, I’ll find a way past them—one way or another.”

Cindric’s response shows his warrior mentality. He isn’t outright saying he’ll retaliate or race dirty, but he makes it clear that no one will get away with wronging him twice.

The Upcoming Showdown: Who Will Have the Last Laugh?

Cindric may have been the one who suffered in Atlanta, but the season is far from over. With his fierce personality and hunger for victory, there’s no way this story ends quietly.

The real question is: when Austin Cindric and Kyle Larson meet again, how will Cindric respond?

Moving Forward: A New Chapter in the Cindric-Larson Rivalry?

Despite the disappointment, Cindric refuses to dwell on the past. With a long season ahead, he knows there will be more battles to come.

“I expect us to race at this level all year long. And next time, I plan to be better than I was on Sunday.”

With Cindric’s aggression and Larson’s bold driving style, one thing is certain—this rivalry is far from over.