Joe Gibbs Reveals Why Austin Cindric Could Not Be a Sneaky Tournament Play at Daytona
In a recent interview, legendary NASCAR head coach Joe Gibbs shed light on why Austin Cindric, a promising driver for Team Penske, couldn’t be considered a “sneaky” tournament play at the Daytona International Speedway. As one of the most anticipated races of the season, the Daytona 500 often brings surprises, but Gibbs believes Cindric’s performance was too predictable to catch opponents off guard.
Gibbs explained that while Cindric is undoubtedly a talented driver with a bright future ahead, his driving style and race strategy at superspeedways like Daytona have become well-known within the NASCAR community. “Austin is a great driver, no doubt about it,” Gibbs said. “But at a track like Daytona, where drafting and positioning are key, his tendencies are too familiar to the other teams. There’s no element of surprise.”
Cindric, who won the 2022 Daytona 500, has shown consistency in his performances, making him a solid pick for many, but Gibbs argued that this very consistency is what diminishes his value as a “sneaky” play. “He’s not going to come out of nowhere and shock the field because everyone knows what he’s capable of,” Gibbs added. “When you’re looking for a sneaky pick, you’re hoping for someone who’s flying under the radar. Austin’s on everyone’s radar.”
Gibbs also highlighted the intense competition at Daytona, where even the slightest mistake can cost a driver the race. “It’s not just about being good; it’s about being unpredictable in a way that others can’t anticipate. Unfortunately for Austin, his skill level has made him a marked man.”
As NASCAR fans and fantasy players continue to debate their picks for upcoming races, Gibbs’ insights into Cindric’s chances at Daytona offer a valuable perspective on the complexities of choosing the right driver for such a high-stakes event.
