Denny Hamlin Declares Austin Cindric Was “Willing to Die” at Bristol

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin was impressed with the dedication shown by Austin Cindric during car fire at Bristol.

Denny Hamlin Declares Austin Cindric Was “Willing to Die” at Bristol

Denny Hamlin and Austin Cindric (Via IMAGO and @Team_Penske/X)

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The NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway last Saturday night was wild with racers going hard for playoffs promotion, with the Goodyear tire with extra fall off changing the race dynamic. One of the roughest moments of the race involved Austin Cindric, and according to Denny Hamlin, the Ford racers’ reaction showed his dedication for the team.

On lap 454 of the race, Austin Cindric saw his No:2 Ford Mustang caught on fire owing to the excessive tire rubber buildup. He got his car back to the pit-road and stayed inside of it till his crew got the issue fixed, as he would have been DNF-ed if he exited the car. The dedication from the racer impressed JGR veteran Denny Hamlin.

In the latest episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin declared that Austin Cindric was willing to die, by remaining inside the car without popping the window out. The car was engulfed in smoke and it was obvious that the racer is finding it hard to breath. Hamlin admitted that he wanted the Ford driver to Pop the window and make himself comfortable.

Cindric was willing to die in there. It was interesting, I couldn’t believe they didn’t pop the window out. I don’t know if there’s a rule against that or not. … There was so much smoke in Cindric’s car while he was on pit lane, I was thinking just pop the window out.

Denny Hamlin said via Actions Detrimental.

Further talking about the point, the three times Daytona 500 champion asserted that the team was lucky to put out the fire as quick as they did. The smoke was a really un comfortable part of the situation for everyone involved. The veteran also used the opportunity take a dig at Next-Gen cars, as multiple car fires were seen on Saturday.

They were lucky to get that fire out, for sure… I don’t know whether he had fire on the inside, I mean, there was tons of smoke. But the smoke is the most uncomfortable part, for sure. … Did I read there was like four or five fires? Next Gen, man. That thing catches on fire all the time.

Denny Hamlin added.

Austin Cindric was ready to take big risks as Denny Hamlin highlighted  

On his post-race interview, Austin Cindric shared his thoughts on the dangerous incident and how he survived the chaos to secure his spot in the R-12. He pointed out that he was willing to wait inside the car as long as the smoke turns gray.

Austin Cindric
Austin Cindric (Via @Team_Penske/X)

He asserted that he wasn’t as stressed at that moment, like many think he would have as he knew his team and the safety crew was prepared if things had gone south. Cindric declared that finishing the with the rubber everywhere on the track was hectic and crazy.

I was going to wait till I saw a color other than smokey gray. I don’t think the stress was there. I think everyone was pretty well prepared … I got a handle on the car and got all the fire-extinguisher stuff burned off the tires and dripping everywhere, and was able to finish the race. Hectic, and I’m sure it was crazy for a little while on paper.

Austin Cindric said.

The comments from Team Penske driver shows he courage in that situation came from the trust he had in himself as well as his team. This solid team dynamic is a huge asset for everyone at Team Penske Racing and this can be credited as the reason for his success in the 2025 Cup Series season, just like the last three years of the Next-Gen era.

Also Read: (Video) Ryan Blaney Gets the Ultimate Pep Talk from His Nephew During Bristol Night Race