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Austin Cindric unveils incredible 1980 Dale Earnhardt throwback paint scheme

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•03/04/25•

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austin cindric
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Austin Cindric and Team Penske revealed a special throwback paint scheme for this year’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Cindric’s No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang will sport a blue and yellow design inspired by the 1979 and 1980 No. 2 car driven by Dale Earnhardt.

Cindric revealed the paint scheme at the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday. He was joined by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris.

“There are few names in our sport more recognizable than Earnhardt. The opportunity to pay tribute to a legend, while also recognizing the incredible history of the No. 2 in NASCAR, was the goal behind this scheme,” Cindric said in a press release. “Freightliner has always been an incredible partner for us at Team Penske and played a key role in bringing this vision to life. We’ve had a lot of fun working through the details, and I hope our car stands out for fans at the track and those tuning in during Darlington Throwback Weekend.”

Austin Cindric is looking to have the same success as Dale Earnhardt

“Darlington is the perfect place to celebrate NASCAR’s heritage, and this scheme is a fantastic tribute to Dale Earnhardt and the legacy of the No. 2,” Harris said. “Throwback Weekend is all about honoring the icons who shaped the sport, and we’re thrilled to see Austin and Team Penske bring this classic look back to life for the fans.”

When Earnhardt drove the No. 2 car with the blue and yellow paint scheme in 1979 and 1980, he had a lot of success. Driving for Rod Osterlund, Earnhardt earned Rookie of the Year honors in 1979 and captured his first of seven Cup Series championships in 1980.

Austin Cindric is hoping to have the same success as Dale Earnhardt. The 26-year-old was named NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year in 2022 after winning the Daytona 500 that season. In 115 starts in the Cup Series, Cindric has won two races, earned 22 top-10 finishes and reached the playoffs twice.

The Goodyear 400 will take place at Darlington Raceway on April 6 at 3 p.m. ET. It will be a big celebration for Darlington, with it being the track’s 75th anniversary.