Austin Hill is set to take the wheel of the iconic No. 33 Chevrolet in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series, inheriting the seat left vacant by the late Kyle Busch. The move comes after Busch’s tragic death in May 2024, a loss that shocked the racing community and opened a pivotal vacancy for Richard Childress Racing.
The End of an Era
Kyle Busch, a two‑time Cup champion and one of NASCAR’s most prolific drivers, died from complications related to sepsis after a bout of bacterial pneumonia. His passing marked the end of a career that spanned more than two decades and included 60 Cup victories, numerous playoff appearances, and a reputation for relentless competitiveness.
Hill, who had been filling Busch’s seat on a part‑time basis since the spring of 2024, first drove the renumbered No. 33 at the Coca‑Cola 600. In that debut, he showed the drafting skill and aggressive style that have become his trademark, finishing among the top contenders and earning praise from team owner Richard Childress.
A New Chapter for Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing, a team with a 50‑year heritage that includes Dale Earnhardt’s six championships, sees Hill’s promotion as a continuation of its tradition of developing talent. Childress highlighted Hill’s work ethic, dedication, and growth from the Legends and Bandolero series through the K&N Pro Series to the Truck and O’Reilly Auto Parts circuits.
Hill’s résumé includes a Craftsman Truck Series regular‑season title in 2020, multiple Truck wins, and a 2023 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series regular‑season championship. He has amassed 16 victories in the O’Reilly Series, eight in the Truck Series, and 11 wins on drafting‑heavy tracks, surpassing the previous record of eight. His best Cup finish to date is a ninth‑place result at the Chicago Street Course.
Series Implications and Upcoming Line‑ups
With Hill committing to a full‑time Cup schedule in 2027, he will step back from the O’Reilly Series, where he currently sits seventh in the standings with two wins, including a victory at Naval Base Coronado. The series will now feature two open rides: Hill’s No. 21 and Jesse Love’s No. 2. Love, another rising star, is set to transition to the Cup Series next year, driving the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing.
The move also reshapes the competitive landscape on road courses, where Hill’s reputation for making it difficult to pass has already sparked notable battles with drivers such as Shane van Gisbergen and Austin Dillon. Dillon described Hill as a “grizzly bear” who does not tolerate poor behavior on track, underscoring the intense rivalries that will accompany his full‑time debut.