With only one more race in the Cup Series regular season, there are still a few open spots in the NASCAR Silly Season.
After an outstanding display of driving and staying out of trouble, Josh Berry is still looking for a ride next season.
But on Monday, Richard Childress Racing announced that after filling in for the remainder of the season driving the number eight car – rebranded the 33 car – Austin Hill will continue driving the 33 in the 2027 season.
Driving the number 21 car for RCR in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Childress tapped Hill to take over the driving duties in the 33 (8) car after the death of Kyle Busch on May 21.
Hill spoke on the decision via press release saying, “I’m extremely thankful to Richard and everyone at RCR for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Every race car driver dreams of competing full time in the NASCAR Cup Series, and to have that opportunity with RCR is something I don’t take for granted. I’ve learned so much this year about what it takes to compete at this level, and I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned during my time at RCR and apply it to this next chapter. I want to do everything I can to help this organization continue moving forward. I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to get to work.”
Since being named to drive the 33 car, Hill has been doing double duty in the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series but will vacate the 21 car for the 2027 season. Austin Hill currently sits in seventh place in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series standings which takes the top 12 drivers to the playoffs.
Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, Richard Childress spoke on Austin Hill via press release saying, “Austin Hill is a talented race car driver, and his continued growth, work ethic and success across multiple levels of NASCAR competition have positioned him for his next step with RCR. He’s put a tremendous amount of effort into his career, especially this year with everything he’s taken on. We’ve watched Austin grow as a driver and as a person, and we’re proud to have him continue that growth with RCR in the NASCAR Cup Series.”
Prior to coming to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Hill drove in the Craftsman Truck Series where he won eight races.