Cindric wins by a whisker in wild Talladega finish

©X/LoganRiely

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©X/LoganRiely

In a heart-stopping photo finish at Talladega Superspeedway, Austin Cindric clinched Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race, edging out Ryan Preece by a razor-thin 0.022 seconds.

The No. 2 Team Penske Ford surged across the line in a dramatic last-lap battle, capturing Cindric’s first win of the 2025 season.

The packed field, roaring through the final turn, showcased NASCAR’s signature intensity in a breathtaking display of skill and nerve, with Cindric just pipping Preece’s No. 60 RFK Racing Ford at the line, with the Hendrick Motorsports pair of Kyle Larson and Williams Byron just inches behind.

However, post-race drama led to Preece being stripped of his runner-up spot in the event after a rear spoiler issue was identified on the No. 60 Ford, an exclusion that handed P2 to Larson.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.