NASCAR team announces return of 'exceptional' driver for 2026

Controversial NASCAR driver Austin Hill will return to Richard Childress Racing for a fifth consecutive season in 2026.

That is according to an official team statement, which also confirmed that Bennett Family of Companies will continue its multi-year partnership with RCR, acting as the anchor primary sponsor for Hill and the No. 21 Chevrolet in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series this season.

"Hill returns to RCR and will continue his successful tenure as driver of the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet," the statement read.

"Hill has found notable success in NASCAR’s second-tier division while competing under the RCR banner. He captured the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series regular season championship in 2023 and qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs each of the four seasons he has driven for RCR."

The statement later added: "Hill has been particularly exceptional on drafting-style tracks, surpassing records set by NASCAR Hall of Fame drivers Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart for number of wins on speedways."

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Hill re-signs for RCR

At 31 years old, Hill will once again be one of the most experienced and talented drivers in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series field, with 146 races in NASCAR's second series under his belt, and a record that stands at 14 wins, 52 top fives, and 87 top 10s.

However, the Georgia native does not come without controversy. Last season, he received a race ban and lost his playoff points for intentionally wrecking Aric Almirola at Indianapolis, for example, and was also involved in a separate incident at Watkins Glen upon his return, although no action was taken on that occasion.

Speaking in RCR's official statement, Hill said: “We’ve built something special both on and off the track with Bennett Transportation and Logistics.

“Thank you to Marcia, Lynette and everyone at Bennett Family of Companies for their partnership and friendship over the years.

"It means a lot to have their support, as well as the support of Richard Childress, Danny Lawrence and everyone at Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines as I continue to grow in my career.”