Austin Hill has been appointed the full‑time driver of the NASCAR Cup Series No. 33 for the 2027 season, taking over the seat that became available after the untimely death of Kyle Busch.
A New Era for the No. 33
The 27‑year‑old driver spent five years in the RCR development program, amassing fifteen victories and a memorable Xfinity triumph at Daytona, a track where the organization has historically excelled on superspeedways.
Initially hesitant to step into the Cup lineup, Hill found guidance from veteran Kevin Harvick, who urged him to cultivate mental toughness and emotional control in the face of grief.
Team owner Richard Childress had originally intended to retain Busch’s contract, which would have kept Hill in the O’Reilly Series, but the circumstances forced a swift promotion.
Hill now sets his sights on capturing a Daytona 500 victory and balancing a demanding schedule that includes both Cup and O’Reilly Series dates, aspiring to add a Cup win and an O’Reilly Series championship to his résumé.