- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,151,408
- Reaction score
- 59
The future of Richard Childress Racing’s No. 33 Chevrolet is no longer uncertain.
The same day after revealing that Kyle Busch had been set to return to RCR in 2027, team owner Richard Childress announced that Austin Hill will remain behind the wheel of the No. 33 Cup Series car for the rest of the 2026 season.
The decision provides stability for the organization during one of the most difficult periods in its history. Since Busch’s death on May 21 at age 41, RCR has been forced to balance the emotional impact of losing one of NASCAR’s biggest stars while continuing to field competitive race teams.
Speaking Saturday at Michigan International Speedway, Childress confirmed Hill will continue in the role through the season’s final race.
“For right now, Austin is going to drive,” Childress said. “As far as we’re concerned, the rest of the year.”
The announcement removes any lingering uncertainty about who will pilot the No. 33 Chevrolet in the months ahead.
Austin Hill greets fans before the Sports Illustrated Resorts 250 at Nashville Superspeedway on May 30, 2026. Richard Childress Racing announced Hill will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet for the remainder of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Hill entered the season as Richard Childress Racing’s full-time Xfinity Series driver while making occasional Cup Series starts.
Following Busch’s death, he was called upon to fill the vacancy in the No. 33 Chevrolet and has already made two starts with the team entering Michigan weekend.
The 32-year-old Alabama native has become one of the most successful drivers in the Xfinity Series over the past several seasons, collecting multiple victories and establishing himself as one of Chevrolet’s top development drivers.
By committing to Hill for the remainder of the year, Childress gives the veteran driver a chance to gain valuable Cup Series experience while allowing the organization to focus on racing rather than searching for a replacement each week.
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Childress revealed that RCR had planned to announce a contract extension for Busch during Michigan weekend.
“We were going to announce today that Kyle Busch was going to return to RCR in 2027,” Childress said Friday.
That revelation added even more significance to Saturday’s decision.
The No. 33 entry had developed a special connection to Busch and his family. Earlier this season, RCR changed the car number from No. 62 to No. 33 after working with Busch to create a number inspired by his son, Brexton.
Childress also made it clear that Busch’s legacy inside the organization will never be forgotten.
“Kyle will go down in history as one of the greatest race drivers that’s ever been,” Childress said during Friday’s emotional media session.
The Hall of Fame team owner then offered perhaps the strongest endorsement possible of Busch’s place in NASCAR history.
“He’ll be in the Hall of Fame, and I’d love to see them put him in it right away.”
For now, Austin Hill becomes the driver entrusted with carrying the No. 33 Chevrolet forward. While the circumstances surrounding the opportunity remain heartbreaking, Childress believes the organization has found a path forward for the remainder of the season while continuing to honor one of the sport’s most influential competitors.
Continue reading...
The same day after revealing that Kyle Busch had been set to return to RCR in 2027, team owner Richard Childress announced that Austin Hill will remain behind the wheel of the No. 33 Cup Series car for the rest of the 2026 season.
The decision provides stability for the organization during one of the most difficult periods in its history. Since Busch’s death on May 21 at age 41, RCR has been forced to balance the emotional impact of losing one of NASCAR’s biggest stars while continuing to field competitive race teams.
Speaking Saturday at Michigan International Speedway, Childress confirmed Hill will continue in the role through the season’s final race.
“For right now, Austin is going to drive,” Childress said. “As far as we’re concerned, the rest of the year.”
The announcement removes any lingering uncertainty about who will pilot the No. 33 Chevrolet in the months ahead.
Austin Hill Gets a Full-Time Cup Opportunity
You must be registered for see images attach
Austin Hill greets fans before the Sports Illustrated Resorts 250 at Nashville Superspeedway on May 30, 2026. Richard Childress Racing announced Hill will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet for the remainder of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Hill entered the season as Richard Childress Racing’s full-time Xfinity Series driver while making occasional Cup Series starts.
Following Busch’s death, he was called upon to fill the vacancy in the No. 33 Chevrolet and has already made two starts with the team entering Michigan weekend.
The 32-year-old Alabama native has become one of the most successful drivers in the Xfinity Series over the past several seasons, collecting multiple victories and establishing himself as one of Chevrolet’s top development drivers.
By committing to Hill for the remainder of the year, Childress gives the veteran driver a chance to gain valuable Cup Series experience while allowing the organization to focus on racing rather than searching for a replacement each week.
The No. 33 Carries Special Meaning for the Busch Family
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Childress revealed that RCR had planned to announce a contract extension for Busch during Michigan weekend.
“We were going to announce today that Kyle Busch was going to return to RCR in 2027,” Childress said Friday.
That revelation added even more significance to Saturday’s decision.
The No. 33 entry had developed a special connection to Busch and his family. Earlier this season, RCR changed the car number from No. 62 to No. 33 after working with Busch to create a number inspired by his son, Brexton.
Childress also made it clear that Busch’s legacy inside the organization will never be forgotten.
“Kyle will go down in history as one of the greatest race drivers that’s ever been,” Childress said during Friday’s emotional media session.
The Hall of Fame team owner then offered perhaps the strongest endorsement possible of Busch’s place in NASCAR history.
“He’ll be in the Hall of Fame, and I’d love to see them put him in it right away.”
For now, Austin Hill becomes the driver entrusted with carrying the No. 33 Chevrolet forward. While the circumstances surrounding the opportunity remain heartbreaking, Childress believes the organization has found a path forward for the remainder of the season while continuing to honor one of the sport’s most influential competitors.
Continue reading...
