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Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has announced that promising young driver Austin Hill will embark on a partial schedule in the NASCAR Cup Series during the 2026 season. This move signifies a significant step in Hill’s progression within the RCR organization, where he has established a strong track record in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Hill, 31, has become a familiar face in the winner’s circle of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, accumulating nearly 150 starts and 15 victories. His 2026 campaign has already seen him secure a pivotal win in the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. He narrowly missed out on a consecutive victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway, encountering last-lap contact while attempting to defend his position against Ross Chastain.
All of Hill’s considerable success at the secondary NASCAR level has been achieved under the RCR banner. This partnership has fostered a deep understanding and synergy between the driver and the team, which RCR is now leveraging for his Cup Series endeavors. Prior to this announcement, Hill had made 15 Cup Series starts, with his most notable performance being a ninth-place finish at the inaugural Chicago Street Course event in the previous season.
The official confirmation from RCR on Wednesday detailed that Hill will be adding a significant number of Cup Series races to his 2026 calendar, commencing with an appearance at Phoenix Raceway next month. He will be driving the No. 33 RCR Chevrolet, a car that has served as a development platform for RCR’s emerging talent. Crucially, United Rentals, a long-standing partner of Hill, will provide sponsorship for five Cup Series races throughout the 2026 season, underscoring their commitment to his career progression.
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Hill expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the expanded opportunity, stating, "United Rentals continues to be a special part of my career and carrying their colors once again in the Cup Series means a lot. 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.”
This expanded Cup Series presence is a strategic move by RCR to provide Hill with invaluable experience on the sport’s premier stage. The No. 33 Chevrolet will also be entered in the upcoming Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) this weekend. However, the driver behind the wheel for that particular event will be Jesse Love, the reigning NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, further highlighting RCR’s commitment to nurturing talent across its various racing programs.
The decision to field the No. 33 car in select Cup Series events with Hill is rooted in RCR’s long-standing tradition of driver development. Founded by Richard Childress, the organization has a rich history of identifying and cultivating talent, with notable alumni including Dale Earnhardt Sr., Kevin Harvick, and Austin Dillon. The Cup Series serves as the ultimate proving ground, and Hill’s partial schedule is designed to expose him to the intense competition, demanding tracks, and strategic nuances of the top-tier NASCAR series.
United Rentals’ continued support is a testament to Hill’s consistent performance and marketability. Their involvement signifies a belief in Hill’s potential to not only compete but also to achieve success at the Cup Series level. The sponsorship package, covering five races, will provide Hill with crucial resources and exposure, enabling him to build momentum and gain confidence throughout the 2026 season.
Hill’s background in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series provides a solid foundation for his Cup Series aspirations. The series, known for its competitive nature and its role as a feeder for the Cup Series, demands a high level of skill, race craft, and adaptability. Hill’s 15 wins and nearly 150 starts demonstrate his ability to consistently perform at a high level against a talented field of competitors. His success at Daytona, a track that often separates the contenders from the rest, further solidifies his prowess on superspeedways, a critical aspect of the Cup Series schedule.
The mention of his near-victory at Atlanta and the incident with Ross Chastain provides context to the competitive environment of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the aggressive racing that often defines it. Such experiences, while sometimes frustrating, are invaluable for developing a driver’s ability to handle pressure and navigate challenging race scenarios.
Hill’s previous Cup Series starts, though limited, have offered glimpses of his potential. A ninth-place finish at the Chicago Street Course, a unique and challenging venue, showcased his adaptability and ability to learn quickly on unfamiliar circuits. This experience will undoubtedly benefit him as he tackles a wider array of tracks in his partial 2026 schedule.
The No. 33 car has historically served as a platform for RCR to test new drivers and evaluate their potential for future Cup Series opportunities. By fielding this car for Hill, RCR is signaling their serious consideration of him as a long-term prospect for their Cup Series program. The inclusion of Jesse Love in the No. 33 at COTA further underscores RCR’s comprehensive approach to driver development, ensuring that their pipeline of talent is continuously being assessed and prepared for advancement.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Austin Hill and Richard Childress Racing. This partial schedule represents a significant investment by the team in Hill’s future and a strategic effort to build a strong foundation for his Cup Series career. The support of United Rentals will be instrumental in this endeavor, providing the necessary resources for Hill to compete effectively and gain the experience he needs to reach his full potential on the sport’s grandest stage. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the No. 33 Chevrolet as Hill navigates the challenges and opportunities of the NASCAR Cup Series, aiming to prove that he is ready for full-time competition in the years to come.
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