NASCAR’s intense racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway led to an unexpected off-track moment between Austin Cindric and Kyle Larson, as the two drivers had a conversation following their late-race collision. In an unusual move, Cindric had to hand over his business card to Hendrick Motorsports President Jeff Andrews just to get in touch with Larson.
With emotions running high and unfinished business on the track, the incident has become a talking point in the NASCAR world. Here’s how it all unfolded.
The Incident: A Costly Crash at Atlanta
During the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Cindric and Larson were battling for position in the final laps when their cars made contact. The crash ended Cindric’s race early, leaving him frustrated with how the situation played out.
Unlike typical racing disputes where drivers argue face-to-face after a race, Cindric took a more professional approach. Instead of immediately confronting Larson in the garage or on pit road, he decided to reach out directly to discuss what had happened. However, there was one problem—he didn’t have Larson’s phone number.
Cindric's Unconventional Way of Contacting Larson
Without Larson’s direct contact, Cindric handed his business card to Jeff Andrews, the president of Hendrick Motorsports, hoping it would get passed along. The move worked, and Larson called Cindric later to discuss the incident.
During the phone call, Larson took responsibility for the crash, acknowledging that his move had cost Cindric a potential strong finish. Cindric appreciated the call, though he admitted that no amount of conversation could undo the race-ending wreck. “I wanted to make sure we talked because when something like this happens, you don’t want misunderstandings lingering. It doesn’t change the result, but at least we both know where we stand.” – Austin Cindric
While some NASCAR feuds escalate into ongoing rivalries, Cindric seemed more focused on moving forward rather than seeking retaliation.Cindric’s decision to handle the situation professionally aligns with his growing reputation as a calculated and composed driver. He may have been frustrated, but rather than letting the incident fuel unnecessary drama, he focused on open communication.
The conversation with Larson could also help prevent future on-track clashes between the two, ensuring mutual respect moving forward.
However, in NASCAR, emotions often flare up again once drivers find themselves battling for position in another race. Whether Cindric and Larson race each other differently in upcoming events remains to be seen.