Cindric to Sub for Injured Barker in Factory Mustang at Daytona

Photo: Ford

NASCAR Cup Series star Austin Cindric will sub for the injured Ben Barker at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, driving the No. 64 Multimatic Motorsports Ford Mustang GT3.

Cindric will join the new-for-2025 full season pairing of Mike Rockenfeller and Seb Priaulx in the GTD Pro entry after previously announced third pilot Barker suffered a broken collarbone while skiing during the holidays.

“The 24 Hours of Daytona has become a very meaningful event for me and my career,” said Cindric. “This will be my sixth opportunity to run this race, and with the Ford Mustang GT3, it’s one of the best opportunities I’ll have had at taking one of those watches home.

“It’s important that I wish Ben all the best in his recovery as I get to keep his seat warm. I’m keen to do my part in contributing to a great result, but also representing Multimatic and Ford properly as they start their season in IMSA.”

Prior to a career in stock car racing, Cindric competed in major sports car racing series across North America, including outings as a Ford development driver in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

“In 2025, it’ll be ten years exactly since the first time I came down to Daytona to race for Multimatic and Ford in Michelin Pilot Challenge,” Cindric said.

“That nervous 16-year-old would be happy to learn where things would be ten years on. Needless to say, there are a lot of familiar faces. I’m grateful to get the nod, and I’m looking forward to getting to work soon.”

The lineup in Ford Multimatic’s sister No. 65 Mustang GT3 of Christopher Mies, Frederic Vervisch and Dennis Olsen remains unchanged for Daytona.

“We have great momentum moving into the season opening round at Daytona,” said Ford Performance global motorsports director Mark Rushbrook.

“It is a difficult situation with Ben’s injury coming when it did, but we are excited to have Austin step into the Ford Mustang GT3.

“Austin is one of the most diverse drivers we have, a proven winner with Mustang in NASCAR and sports cars. He is a perfect fit to step in and team with Seb and Rocky at Daytona.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John