The 2027 NASCAR season is already sparking debate over who will take the wheel of the iconic No. 33 car for Richard Childress Racing.
Sponsorship‑driven age criteria
The sudden loss of Kyle Busch, who died at 41 in May, sent shockwaves through the organization and left a void that the team is still trying to fill.
Austin Hill stepped into the renumbered seat after the 2026 Coca‑Cola 600, and his solid performances have kept the car competitive despite the circumstances.
According to FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, sponsors that back the ride — including alcohol producers, THC brands and nicotine pouch companies — are looking for drivers who appear at least 25 years old, a threshold that seems to favor a more mature image.
Hill, at 32, comfortably meets that benchmark, and his recent results suggest he could be the natural choice if the current sponsorship package stays in place.
Should Hill not continue, Richard Childress Racing will need to hunt for another driver who can satisfy the age expectations of those commercial partners.