Austin Cindric’s Daytona 500 Picture Evokes Funny NASCAR Reactions and Memes

Right before the Daytona 500 began, Jeff Gordon pointed out inside the FOX Sports booth how this is a race which isn’t won by a team or a car, but the driver. Of course, the former two elements also come into play, but winning at Daytona is the test of a driver more than it is the test of a team. A test that rookie Austin Cindric passed with flying colors.

And as a result of his consistently top-level focus, his presence of mind, and his natural talent, the Penske driver won the Daytona 500.

This is one of those wins that a driver has to ‘earn.’ Because this track, this race makes you work harder than any other track on the calendar, something Austin Cindric was relishing, was realizing in a picture that emerged after the race.

Journalist Jeff Gluck posted a picture in which the Daytona 500 winner is lying on the grass, a champagne bottle in his hands,  the empty stands behind him, relaxing after a day he’ll never forget in his life.

However, this picture led to many fan reactions that included funny, sarcastic comments and a few memes along with some congratulatory messages to the rookie.

Austin Cindric was pumped after his Daytona 500 victory

“Oh My God – do you know what makes this even better? A packed house. A packed house at the Daytona 500,” an ecstatic Austin Cindric said right after he took the checkered flag.

“Oh my God, I’ve got so many people to thank. First and foremost Roger Penske – Happy Birthday! I appreciate Ryan (Blaney) being a great teammate. Obviously, he wanted to win this one.”

Cindric described that he’s surrounded by great people. He admitted that being a rookie, “there’s going to be highs and lows.” 

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Austin Cindric remained optimistic about climbing “the mountain” as he acknowledged ticking off the playoff box.

But still, the rookie was really taken back by the moment, the stage, and of course his achievement – “My gosh, what an awesome group of fans; what an awesome race car. I’m just really thankful.”

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