WATKINS GLEN, NY – August 5, 2019 – Austin Cindric won his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series race this season, winning the Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International, in the No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang. Cindric, became the youngest driver in series history to win at a road course at age 20.

“Congratulations Austin, Tim, Roger and Brian Wilson,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Austin drove an incredible race and displayed his driving experience in those last nine laps. Brian and Austin were well prepared with their race strategy and they executed flawlessly for the win. It’s great to see all three Ford Performance drivers with wins this year as we approach the 2019 Xfinity Series playoffs.”

Cindric in the No. 22 Ford Mustang was in the lead on lap 69, when his crew chief called him to pit road during the sixth caution of the race for fresh tires. After restarting in ninth, on lap 73, Cindric began working his way through the field. After another quick caution on lap 76, Cindric restarted sixth and quickly moved into second place behind the race leader. On lap 81, during an intense battle, Cindric was able to nudge the leader and took the lead.

“AJ is a hell of a race car driver, so I knew it wasn’t going to be easy even if we got there with way newer tires,” Cindric said. “I’m just so blessed and appreciative of this kind of an opportunity at this stage, racing these types of race cars, and I hope this is first of many.”

All four Ford Performance drivers finished in the top 10 at Watkins Glen International, Team Penske teammates Austin Cindric in P1 and Ryan Blaney in P4 while Stewart-Haas Racing teammates Chase Briscoe finished P6 and Cole Custer P7.

* Photos courtesy of NASCAR Media