A New Chapter for Hill
Austin Hill will take the wheel of the No. 33 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2027, after the team announced his promotion to a full‑time seat at Richard Childress Racing.
The move follows his Cup Series debut in August 2022, when he first drove the same car for RCR, and his subsequent ascent that has seen him capture 16 victories in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, secure a 2023 regular‑season championship and earn 11 wins on drafting‑heavy tracks, a tally that eclipses the eight‑win benchmark set by Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart.
Stats That Speak Volumes
Through the opening 23 races of the 2026 season, Hill already posted two wins, added six top‑five finishes, logged ten top‑ten results and claimed a pole position, underscoring his readiness for a full‑time role.
Team principal Richard Childress highlighted Hill’s work ethic, his familiarity with the Next Gen platform and the organization’s processes, noting that the driver’s progression mirrors the successful pathways of former RCR alumni such as Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick.
A Lifetime Goal Realized
For Hill, the promotion fulfills a lifelong ambition to compete at the highest level of NASCAR, positioning him to stake a claim among the sport’s elite.