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Austin Hill, a formidable presence in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with a record of nearly 150 starts and 15 victories, is set to expand his involvement in the premier NASCAR Cup Series for the 2026 season. Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced Wednesday that Hill will compete in a partial Cup Series schedule, leveraging his proven track record and growing experience at the sport’s highest echelon.
Hill’s most recent campaign in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has been marked by significant success. He kicked off the 2026 season with a triumphant victory at Daytona International Speedway, a track that often serves as a dramatic equalizer. His momentum carried into the subsequent race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he was in contention for a second consecutive win. However, a late-race incident involving contact with Ross Chastain while attempting to block saw his hopes for back-to-back wins dashed on the final lap.
All of Hill’s achievements in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series have been under the RCR banner, highlighting a strong and consistent partnership. This established relationship is now translating into an expanded opportunity in the Cup Series. Hill has already made 15 Cup Series starts, gaining valuable experience and demonstrating his potential. His career-best Cup Series finish to date was a ninth-place result at the inaugural Chicago Street Course race in the previous season, a testament to his adaptability on diverse circuits.
The confirmed partial schedule for 2026 will commence at Phoenix Raceway in the upcoming month. Hill will be behind the wheel of the #33 RCR Chevrolet, a car that has become a platform for developing talent within the organization. The program will receive significant backing from United Rentals, a long-standing partner of Hill’s. United Rentals is slated to sponsor Hill in five Cup Series races throughout the 2026 season, underscoring their commitment to his racing career.
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Reflecting on the expanded opportunity, Austin Hill expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm. "United Rentals continues to be a special part of my career and carrying their colors once again in the Cup Series means a lot," Hill stated. "I’ve represented their company for almost a decade now and it never gets old winning races and having success together. The #33 team was able to get our first top-10 last season in Chicago, and I genuinely felt like we had a shot to win the fall race at Talladega. Racing on Sundays full time is the end goal, so expanding the track lineup will be a good challenge to gain experience. Grateful to Richard, every man and woman at RCR, ECR, and CT Spring, and of course United Rentals for the opportunity."
The #33 RCR Chevrolet will also feature in this weekend’s Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). However, the driver for that event will be Jesse Love, the reigning NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion. This approach by RCR allows for different drivers to gain experience and showcase the #33 car’s potential across various disciplines and tracks within the Cup Series.
Richard Childress Racing, a storied organization in NASCAR, has a rich history of success and a strong commitment to driver development. The team has fielded competitive entries across all major NASCAR national series for decades, accumulating numerous championships and race wins. The continued investment in the #33 car and the provision of opportunities for drivers like Austin Hill and Jesse Love signal RCR’s ongoing strategy to foster new talent and maintain a competitive presence in the Cup Series.
Hill’s background in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series provides a solid foundation for his Cup Series endeavors. The series, often considered the proving ground for future Cup Series stars, demands a high level of skill, strategic thinking, and consistency. Hill’s consistent performance and victory count in this competitive environment indicate his readiness for the increased challenges of the Cup Series. His experience at tracks like Daytona and Atlanta, known for their high speeds and often chaotic finishes, has prepared him for the unpredictable nature of Cup Series racing.
The inclusion of the Chicago Street Course in his past Cup starts is also noteworthy. This unique venue tests drivers’ precision and ability to navigate tight confines, offering a different skillset compared to traditional oval tracks. His ninth-place finish there suggests an aptitude for adapting to unconventional racing environments, a valuable asset in a sport that increasingly features diverse track types.
The partial schedule for 2026 is strategically designed to maximize Hill’s learning curve. By selecting specific tracks for his Cup Series appearances, RCR and Hill can focus their efforts on preparation and execution, allowing him to accumulate valuable data and race craft without the pressure of a full-time commitment in the initial stages. This measured approach is common for drivers transitioning or expanding their Cup Series presence, aiming for sustainable growth and long-term success.
The partnership with United Rentals is a significant factor in enabling these Cup Series starts. Their continued support not only provides financial backing but also signifies a belief in Hill’s potential and his ability to represent their brand effectively on a national stage. The longevity of their relationship, spanning nearly a decade, speaks to a mutual trust and shared vision for success.
As Hill aims for a full-time Cup Series future, these partial seasons serve as critical building blocks. Gaining experience on Sundays, competing against the sport’s elite drivers week in and week out, is the ultimate objective. The expanded track lineup in 2026 represents a deliberate step towards achieving that goal, providing him with more opportunities to hone his skills, learn from his competitors, and contribute to the RCR team’s performance. The involvement of ECR (Earnhardt Childress Racing Engines) and CT Spring further illustrates the comprehensive support structure within RCR, ensuring that Hill has access to top-tier equipment and technical expertise. The #33 car, often utilized as a developmental entry, has historically served as a launchpad for drivers within the RCR ecosystem, and Hill’s progression through this program is a continuation of that organizational philosophy.
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