Austin Cindric posted the fastest five‑lap average on July 3, 2026, during Chicagoland Speedway Cup Series practice, while finishing seventh fastest in a single lap. The 23XI Racing driver clocked a 177.643 mph lap, just behind teammate Corey Heim, and his consistent pace over five laps topped the session, hinting at a competitive weekend.
How did Austin Cindric perform in the practice?
Cindric’s single‑lap speed placed him seventh overall, matching Corey Heim’s 177.643 mph. More notable was his five‑lap average, which outpaced the field, including Riley Herbst’s 178.065 mph pole‑setting lap. The consistency across multiple laps suggests Cindric’s setup is clicking on the newly returned Chicagoland track.
Who were the other top performers?
Riley Herbst led the session with a 30.326‑second lap at 178.065 mph, edging out teammate Bubba Wallace (177.930 mph). Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin were tied for third at 177.877 mph, while Ty Gibbs rounded out the top five. Tyler Reddick, despite finishing eighth in single‑lap speed, dominated the longer‑run averages, topping the 10‑, 15‑, and 20‑lap metrics.
Why does this matter for Cindric’s race weekend?
A strong five‑lap average indicates the car handles well over a stint, crucial for race strategy at Chicagoland’s 1.5‑mile oval. Cindric’s performance shows 23XI Racing may have found a tire‑pressure sweet spot, especially after Reddick noted the surface felt “flat” with minimal tire fall‑off. If Cindric can translate that consistency into race pace, he could challenge the front‑runners.
What are the next steps before the green flag?
Qualifying is slated for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, where drivers will fight for starting positions. Cindric will aim to improve his single‑lap speed while preserving the setup that gave him the top five‑lap average. The team will likely fine‑tune the Jordan Brand Camry’s handling, building on the practice data.
How does this fit into the broader Cup Series picture?
The practice session featured 38 entries, including open teams like JJ Yeley (NY Racing) and Heim’s second car for 23XI. While Reddick isn’t the points leader this year, his comments on tire behavior underscore the unique challenges of Chicagoland’s resurfaced track. Cindric’s showing adds another variable for teams to consider as they prep for Sunday’s race.
What can fans expect on race day?
Fans should watch for Cindric’s line through the corners, especially if his five‑lap rhythm holds up under race conditions. With Herbst’s pole‑position speed and Reddick’s long‑run dominance, the showdown promises close battles. Keep an eye on the pit strategy, as tire wear appears less aggressive than typical intermediate tracks.
Austin Cindric’s practice performance positions him as a contender to watch as the Cup Series returns to Chicagoland this weekend.