Since scoring the victory in the 2022 Daytona 500 - the first points-paying event with NASCAR's Next Gen car - Austin Cindric and Team Penske haven't seen much of the vehicle.
After spending the entire year in the Daytona International Speedway museum - as is traditionally the case with all Daytona 500-winning vehicles, the car is now bouncing to another museum exhibit, this time at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
On Tuesday, Team Penske and The NASCAR Hall of Fame announced that the No. 2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang that captured the victory in last season's 'Great American Race', would be featured in the 'Glory Road: 75 Years' exhibit.
The No. 2 Ford Mustang is the 19th and final vehicle to be added to the exhibit, and has been positioned at the front of one of the most popular displays inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Expanded to 19 cars for the first-time in its history for 2023, the exhibit features 33 degrees of banking and features some of the most significant cars in NASCAR's 75-year history.
Austin Cindric, driver of the No. 2 Ford Mustang, joined both Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Michael Nelson, President of NASCAR Operations for Team Penske, and Tom Williams, and Tom Williams, Executive Vice President, and Chief Experience Officer for Discount Tire, to reveal the newest addition to the exhibit.
"It’s surreal to see a car with my name on it in the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” said Cindric. “Winning the DAYTONA 500 is an amazing achievement for me, our team, and our partners. So, to say this car is important to us is an understatement. I know it will be in great hands. There's a lot of history in that place. I'm proud to have it on display as part of the experience.”
Displayed in the NASCAR Hall of Fame exhibit are some of the most diverse vehicles, all of which have played a role in shaping NASCAR from its formative years to its current era, paying tribute to the people, moments, and vehicles.
“As the league celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, our team is proud to play a part in that history,” said Michael Nelson, President of NASCAR Operations for Team Penske. “When I look at all the cars on ‘Glory Road’ and I see the No. 2 Discount Tire Ford Mustang, it’s a reminder of our team’s hard work and the success that comes from their effort and dedication.”
Cindric's history-making performance in the Daytona 500 now serves as a key highlight of the successes between Team Penske and Discount Tire, which enters its 14th season of sponsorship with the race-winning organization.
“It’s exciting to be here with Austin (Cindric) and the No. 2 Team Penske crew as we’re reunited with the DAYTONA 500-winning Discount Tire Ford Mustang to see it become a true part of NASCAR history,” said Tom Williams, Executive Vice President, and Chief Experience Officer at Discount Tire. “We’ve enjoyed 36 wins and five Championships with Team Penske, and we look forward to achieving more milestones together in the seasons to come.”
Fans will be able to view the Discount Tire Ford Mustang and the other 18 vehicles on display in the ‘Glory Road: 75 Years’ exhibit during regular business hours at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
