Austin Hill’s next step in professional racing was announced Monday by Richard Childress Racing (RCR). The team confirmed that Hill will pilot the No. 33 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series on a full‑time basis starting with the 2027 season.
Hill’s recent Cup experience
During the 2026 season Hill competed in 15 Cup races, though he did not finish in the top ten. The experience, however, gave him valuable exposure to the premier level of stock‑car competition and prepared him for a full‑season effort.
Proven record in the Xfinity Series
Hill’s résumé is highlighted by 16 victories over the past five seasons in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he drove RCR’s No. 21 Chevrolet. He qualified for the championship Chase each of those five years, demonstrating consistent performance and the ability to contend for titles.
RCR’s confidence in Hill
Chairman and CEO Richard Childress praised Hill’s work ethic and growth, stating, “Austin Hill is a talented race car driver and his continued growth, work ethic and success across multiple levels of NASCAR competition have positioned him for his next step with RCR.” Childress added that Hill has “put a tremendous amount of effort into his career, especially this year with everything he’s taken on.”
Hill’s gratitude and outlook
Hill expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity, saying, “I’m extremely thankful to Richard and everyone at RCR for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Every race car driver dreams of competing full time in the NASCAR Cup Series, and to have that opportunity with RCR is something I don’t take for granted.”
RCR’s legacy of developing champions
Richard Childress Racing has a long history of nurturing top talent, having helped launch the careers of drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick. Hill’s promotion continues that tradition of developing future stars within the organization.
What’s next for Hill
With a full‑time Cup seat secured, Hill will focus on building chemistry with his crew, fine‑tuning the Chevrolet’s performance, and aiming for competitive finishes throughout the 2027 schedule. Fans can expect to see him compete at iconic tracks ranging from Daytona International Speedway to the historic Bristol Motor Speedway.
The announcement adds another compelling storyline to the upcoming NASCAR season, highlighting the pathway from the Xfinity Series to the sport’s premier division and underscoring RCR’s commitment to investing in emerging talent.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
