Austin Hill to Make Full‑Time Cup Debut in 2027
Austin Hill is set to step into the NASCAR Cup Series on a full‑time basis in 2027, taking the wheel of the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. The announcement marks the culmination of a five‑year ascent that has seen the Georgia native become one of the most consistent performers in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Over the past five years, Hill has dominated the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, securing a championship in 2023, reaching the Championship 4 in 2024, and accumulating 16 victories, 11 of which have come on superspeedways, eclipsing the eight‑win benchmark set by Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart.
His 2026 campaign saw him split his time across multiple NASCAR divisions, gaining valuable Cup‑level mileage while continuing to excel in the lower series, a strategy that RCR believes has prepared him for the next step.
A Legacy of Development
Richard Childress, a veteran team owner with a storied history of nurturing talent, highlighted the organization’s confidence in Hill’s ability, work ethic, and personal growth, citing the example of drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick who have all risen through the RCR pipeline.
Hill, a 32‑year‑old Georgia native, has built a reputation for relentless preparation and a willingness to embrace new challenges, traits that have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.