Austin Cindric and Team Penske revealed a throwback paint scheme for Darlington’s ‘Throwback Weekend’ next month. Cindric’s car will carry a blue and yellow paint scheme, honoring Dale Earnhardt’s No. 2 from 1979 and 1980.
Austin Cindric to Race in Dale Earnhardt Tribute Car
In a tribute to Dale Earnhardt, Austin Cindric will race the Goodyear 400 in a specially designed No. 2 Ford Mustang. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion unveiled the paint scheme on Tuesday at the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion. He was accompanied by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris.
Rich in racing history.
The No. 2 @freightliner Ford Mustang will go back in time for a familiar look. Read more: https://t.co/6pFDAzFaJh pic.twitter.com/u0dFfoVTdM
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) March 4, 2025
“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,” said Cindric.
“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.”
Dale Earnhardt’s journey in the blue and yellow No. 2, under Rod Osterlund’s banner, began in 1979 and 1980. He claimed Rookie of the Year honours in 1979 after a victory at Bristol, and then dominated the 1980 season to claim his first Cup Series championship. He would go on to win six more in his career.
The No. 2 car has a legendary Cup Series history, with 102 wins. It’s the fourth most successful car of all time in the competition. 108 drivers have raced it, including Earnhardt, who has won six times with blue and yellow colorways.
Four Team Penske drivers—Rusty Wallace, Kurt Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Austin Cindric—have all piloted the No. 2 car in the NASCAR Cup Series. Collectively, they have secured 81 of the 102 victories achieved by No.2 drivers throughout NASCAR Cup Series history.
Darlington is celebrating a double milestone this year, its 75th NASCAR anniversary, and the 11th annual Throwback Weekend. The organizers are set to embrace the beloved tradition that consistently pays tribute to NASCAR’s storied past.
“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,” said Harris. “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.”
