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3 clusters · 12 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Austin Hill NASCAR contract status

Overview

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has officially announced that Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2027. This follows earlier uncertainty regarding Hill’s position and RCR’s evaluation of other candidates.

Hill, who has been with RCR since 2022, will transition to the Cup Series after completing his 2026 commitments in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. He has recently been driving the No. 33 in select Cup races, a role he assumed following the sudden passing of Kyle Busch on May 21. RCR renumbered the entry from No. 8 to No. 33 as a sign of respect for Busch and his family.

During his tenure with RCR, Hill has secured 16 race wins and the 2023 regular season championship in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. While Hill has yet to record a top-10 finish in his recent Cup appearances, RCR Chairman and CEO Richard Childress cited Hill’s talent, work ethic, and growth as the reasons for the promotion.

Following the announcement, retired NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed support for the decision on ‘The Dale Jr. Download.’ Addressing criticism that the team should have signed Josh Berry instead, Earnhardt Jr. noted that the decision reflects the deep relationship and trust Hill has built with the organization, suggesting that the equity invested in Hill outweighs the uncertainty of bringing in a new driver.

Entities

Richard Childress Racing · NASCAR · Austin Hill · Richard Childress · Josh Berry

Timeline

  1. 16 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Austin Hill to drive full-time for Richard Childress Racing in 2027

    Richard Childress Racing has signed Austin Hill to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series contract for 2027, driving the No. 33 car. Dale Earnhardt Jr. backed the decision, citing Hill's established relationship with R.

  2. 18 days ago

    [SPORTS] 10 sources
    Austin Hill to drive No. 33 Chevrolet full-time for RCR in 2027

    Austin Hill will move to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series role with Richard Childress Racing in 2027, driving the No. 33 Chevrolet after completing the 2026 season in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

  3. 24 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Austin Hill faces uncertain future at Richard Childress Racing

    Austin Hill’s future at Richard Childress Racing is uncertain as contract negotiations for the No. 33 Cup Series seat have reached an impasse, potentially opening the door for Josh Berry.

Sources

fanbuzz.com · freshnews.com · heavy.com · hindi.sportskeeda.com · newsday.com · racingnews.co · si.com · speedwaymedia.com · sportskeeda.com · sportsnaut.com · srnnews.com · wtop.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history