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Young Cindric Wins First Career Xfinity Series Race

Austin Cindric climbs through the esses in the early going of the Zippo 200. [Joe Jennings Photo]

Austin Cindric climbs through the esses in the early going of the Zippo 200. [Joe Jennings Photo]

By Joe Jennings

WATKINS GLEN – In a thriller at Watkins Glen International, young Austin Cindric battled his way to victory in the 25th Annual Zippo 200 on the legendary road course.

Driving the MoneyLion Racing Ford, the 20-year old driver took the lead with 2 laps to go but had to survive a slam-bag dual with A. J. Allmendinger in the final circuits to score the c

Cindric’s victory came in his 54th Xfinity Series race.

“With 15 laps to go, my crew chief Brian Wilson and I decided it was tome to go on offense and it all worked out at the end. I am so happy that A. J. (Allmendinger) and I could put on such a good battle for the fans and be able to hug it out at the end.

“My car was just awesome and I couldn’t be happier with the win.”

Allmendinger finished second with Christopher Bell third.

NOTE – In the post-race inspection, Allmendinger’s car failed the inspection due to rear ride-height measurements, which resulted in disqualification.)

Justin Allgaier took fourth and Ryan Blaney got fifth.

Kyle Busch started from the pole and led 21 laps before exiting with a mechanical issue. Until that time, Busch seemed to have the upper hand and he looked like he was headed to victory lane.

Thereafter, the action became very intense and numerous incidents took place as did a multitude of race strategies.

Seven caution flags slowed the 82-lap race for 16 laps. With 8 to go, six cars came together in Turn 1 bringing out the final slowdown period.

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