Austin Cindric set for 2027 return to Team Penske amid recent run of success

CONCORD, N.C. -- Austin Cindric confirmed Saturday morning that he will return to Team Penske as the driver of the No. 2 Ford for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. Cindric has driven the iconic car number for the historic team since 2022, winning the Daytona 500 that February. His new contract ensures a continued stay in Penske’s winningest car number for the near future. MORE: NASCAR Cup Series Chase standings | Updated Charlotte schedule Cindric sits ninth in The Chase standings after a strong recent run of results, earning two top fives and three top 10s in his last four races, including a notable and season-best second-place finish on Sept. 27 at Kansas Speedway. Cindric responded simply but emphatically, "that's correct," when asked if he would be staying put for the 2027 season -- secured by an additional "yes" when asked to confirm he's remaining in the No. 2 Ford. "It's obviously come up in question, and I'm not entirely certain why it's come into question, but there you go," Cindric said during Saturday's media availabilities at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 28-year-old North Carolina native is producing a career-best 15.7 average finish through 31 of 36 races this season, bolstered by an impressive stretch of races that began this summer. Over the last eight races, Cindric has finished 13th or better, supercharging his run into The Chase and performing once the postseason began. Cindric stormed to the 2020 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship and was one corner short of a second straight title in 2021. In all, Cindric has 13 O’Reilly wins to his name, as well as a Craftsman Truck Series victory at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in 2017. The Team Penske roster is now set for the 2027 campaign after a multiyear contract extension for Blaney was announced in May, and Logano is signed through at least next season. Defending O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Jesse Love will take over the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in 2027, an affiliate car to Team Penske, replacing Josh Berry after the season ends. This story will be updated.