NASCAR has suspended Austin Hill of Richard Childress Racing for the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Iowa Speedway due to his intentional wrecking of Aric Almirola during the Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26. This disciplinary action was confirmed by NASCAR in its penalty report released on Tuesday.
During the final laps of the race, Hill was defending his position within the top five and lost control exiting turn 3. Though he recovered his vehicle, Hill deliberately caused contact by hooking Almirola’s No. 19 Toyota into the non-safer barrier area of turn 4, triggering a significant crash.
Consequences for Hill’s Suspension and Impact on Championship Standings
Despite winning three races so far during the 2025 Xfinity Series season, Hill’s suspension will cancel all playoff points he accumulated during the regular season. This enforcement aligns with NASCAR’s updated rules for 2025, which strictly penalize behavioral infractions affecting other competitors’ safety and race outcomes.
Austin Dillon to Take Over Driving Duties at Iowa Speedway
Richard Childress Racing will not appeal Hill’s suspension and plans to have NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon fill in behind the wheel of the No. 21 Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway. Dillon is set to make his second start in the Xfinity Series this year, having previously competed in the No. 3 car at Charlotte Motor 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…” — RCR, Twitter statement
Additional Penalties Issued in Related Indianapolis Race Incidents
Alongside Hill’s suspension, Legacy Motor Club also received penalties linked to a loose wheel that prematurely ended Erik Jones’ participation in the Brickyard 400. Crew members Kellen Mills and John Rosselli were suspended for the next two scheduled races due to the safety violation.
Significance and Outlook for the Xfinity Series Season
Austin Dillon filling in for Austin Hill underscores the critical role driver conduct plays in championship dynamics under NASCAR’s 2025 regulations. With Hill sidelined, the No. 21 team faces hurdles in retaining playoff momentum, while Dillon’s entry offers an opportunity to maintain competitive performance at Iowa Speedway. These developments highlight NASCAR’s firm stance on race safety and fair competition as the season progresses.
