NASCAR Announces Suspension for Austin Hill: Here's Why
NASCAR has announced a one-race suspension for Austin Hill after he rear-right hooked Aric Almirola during the Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis. Hill faced a five-lap penalty for reckless driving during the race, but now, NASCAR has announced its verdict.
As a result of the suspension, Hill will miss the race at Iowa Speedway on August 3. A big impact of the suspension will be on his playoff points, as he is set to lose them all.
The incident occurred when Hill took out Almirola as an act of retaliation for aggressive driving. Following the five-lap penalty, Hill's rant was heard on the radio. He said:
"Oh they can go f**k themselves. F**k NASCAR. That is f***ing bulls**t. I'm f***ing sideways, I go to correct it back to the left, it gets locked to the left, I f***ing run into the 19 [Almirola]."
Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.NASCAR released a penalty report announcing Hill's suspension on X.
A penalty has been issued following this past weekend's action at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. pic.twitter.com/9RLC8K9FeT — NASCAR Communications (@NASCAR_Comms) July 29, 2025
Hill's team, Richard Childress Racing, announced that it will not be appealing the penalty. It stated:
"Richard Childress Racing will not appeal the penalty NASCAR issued to the No. 21 team following the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We remain focused on winning a championship with Austin Hill in 2025. Austin Dillon will race the No. 21 Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway."
Richard Childress Racing will not appeal the penalty NASCAR issued to the No. 21 team following the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We remain focused on winning a championship with Austin Hill in 2025.
Austin Dillon will race the No. 21 Chevrolet at… pic.twitter.com/muTTd8SJrZ — RCR (@RCRracing) July 29, 2025
Almirola finished the race in P35, one place behind Hill. Opening up about the incident, he said:
"Oh, it was definitely intentional. He blocked me three times. He had damage on his nose, so he was really slow in the corners. So, it was time to go. I mean, we're coming to 10 laps to go or nine laps to go. Uh, the leaders are starting to put a gap on us. So, it's time to go, and I got him loose. Yeah, you just turn left and hook me in the right rears. Honestly, one of the biggest hits in my entire NASCAR career. Very reminiscent of the hit I took when I broke my back.
"So, glad I'm okay, thankful to everybody back at the shop at Joe Gibbs Racing for building amazing race cars and making them safe. Disappointed, felt like we had a shot to win. I have so much fun every time we run these races. We have great race cars, and I love doing it. It's just unfortunate that guys like that, especially that guy. He stood up in front of a meeting at Martinsville and said he was going to be a role model for all the young kids to look up to, and racing etiquette, and I think that's kind of laughable after that one."
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