Austin Hill rammed his No. 21 Chevy into Aric Almirola’s No. 19 in the closing laps of Saturday’s race.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Austin Hill was suspended for one race after an intentional crash during a race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Hill, who drives the No. 21 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, hit Aric Almirola’s No. 19 during Saturday’s Pennzoil 250, causing both cars to crash. Hill was held for five laps during the race as a penalty for his actions.Β
The retaliatory contact came after Almirola tapped Hill from behind in an effort to get by him.Β
After the crash, Almirola claimed Hill’s actions were “definitely intentional.” He argued that he was trying to get to the front in the closing laps and was being held up by Hill for several laps.Β
Hill declined to comment after the race and has not publicly commented since the incident. Richard Childress Racing said it will not appeal NASCAR’s decision. Austin Dillon will race in place of Hill at Iowa Speedway this week.
The 31-year-old is fifth in the Xfinity Series points standings with three wins this season. Hill will require a waiver to retain eligibility for the Xfinity Series Playoffs. The suspension forces Hill to forfeit his 21 playoff points and makes him ineligible to collect any more.
Hill has 13 wins in the Xfinity Series and finished a career-best fourth in the final standings in 2024. He has 12 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, including two in 2025. His best finish in the Cup Series is ninth, which he earned at the Chicago Street Course earlier this month.
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