Austin Hill has stepped into the No. 33 NASCAR Cup car for the remainder of the 2026 season, taking over the ride that Kyle Busch vacated and establishing himself as a regular in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.
A Rising Contender
The driver has already posted a best finish of 18th and, despite a mid‑race crash at the San Diego Street Course while battling for the lead, he continues to demonstrate resilience and a knack for turning setbacks into opportunities.
Teammate Austin Dillon frequently highlights Hill’s ability to convert bad days into good ones and praises his consistency on both road‑course and speedway events.
Road‑Course Mastery and Consistency
Hill’s record includes 16 victories in the O'Reilly Series, all earned with Richard Childress Racing, and eight wins in the Craftsman Truck Series, underscoring his versatility across different formats.
He currently sits fifth in the O'Reilly Series championship, a position that reflects both his skill and the strategic confidence placed in him by the team.
Future Moves in the Cup Series
With teammate Jesse Love slated to move to the Wood Brothers Cup team in 2027, Hill is viewed as the clear favorite to secure the full‑time No. 33 seat, though Dillon has deferred any confirmation to RCR’s decision.