Austin Hill will pilot the No. 33 Chevrolet sponsored by United Rentals for five NASCAR Cup Series races throughout 2026. Beginning Sunday, March 8, Hill will race at Phoenix Raceway in the Straight Talk Wireless 500, marking the start of his part-time Cup racing schedule as part of his ongoing Austin Hill NASCAR sponsorship. This collaboration between Hill, United Rentals, and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) aims to build on their shared success and further Hill’s experience in NASCAR’s premier series.
United Rentals and Richard Childress Racing Extend Successful Partnership
United Rentals, known as the world’s largest equipment rental company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, has maintained a strong affiliation with Hill and RCR across multiple years. Their network spans over 1,600 rental locations across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, serving a broad clientele including construction firms, utilities, and homeowners.
This 2026 agreement marks United Rentals’ fifth consecutive year partnering with Richard Childress Racing and its ninth with Austin Hill. The alliance has produced notable achievements on track, including Hill’s victory in the United Rentals 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Daytona International Speedway earlier in the season.
Austin Hill Reflects on Long-Term Partnership and Upcoming Challenges
Hill expressed strong enthusiasm for continuing his relationship with United Rentals and competing selectively in the Cup Series next year.
“United Rentals continues to be a special part of my career and carrying their colors once again in the Cup Series means a lot,”
said Hill.
“I’ve represented their company for almost a decade now and it never gets old winning races and having success together. The No. 33 team was able to get our first top-10 last season in Chicago, and I genuinely felt like we had a shot to win the fall race at Talladega. Racing on Sundays full time is the end goal, so expanding the track lineup will be a good challenge to gain experience. Grateful to Richard, every man and woman at RCR, ECR, and CT Spring, and of course United Rentals for the opportunity.”
Industry Leaders Highlight Strategic Focus and Teamwork
Craig Schmidt, senior vice president of sales – national accounts at United Rentals, underscored the importance of their sustained partnership with Austin Hill and Richard Childress Racing, aiming for competitive results in the 2026 Cup Series season.
“We value the strong partnership we’ve built with Austin Hill and Richard Childress Racing and are excited to continue that momentum into the 2026 Cup Series season,”
Schmidt said.
“Together, we’re focused on delivering results and showcasing the skill and teamwork that drives NASCAR success. It’s shaping up to be a great year, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Mike Verlander, president of RCR, reiterated the significance of United Rentals in enhancing Austin Hill’s trajectory within NASCAR.
“Everyone at RCR is proud of our long-standing partnership with United Rentals and looking forward to building on the strong branding, at-track activation and hosting programs we have developed together over the last five years,”
Verlander said.
“United Rentals has been instrumental in Austin Hill’s continued rise and success, and together we’re looking forward to watching him in the NASCAR Cup Series for select races in 2026.”
Austin Hill’s NASCAR Career Progress and Cup Series Experience
Austin Hill, the 2023 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Regular Season Champion, is in his fifth full season driving the No. 21 Chevrolet in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He first entered the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022, racing for Richard Childress Racing at Michigan International Speedway. Over his 15 Cup Series starts, Hill’s top performance includes a ninth-place finish at the 2025 Chicago Street Race, signaling his growing competitiveness in NASCAR’s highest division.
Richard Childress Racing’s 2026 NASCAR Lineup and Legacy
Richard Childress Racing brings decades of competitive excellence to the 2026 season. Founded in 1969, RCR has secured more than 200 wins and 17 championships, including six Cup Series titles with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. Alongside Austin Hill’s part-time Cup Series schedule, the organization fields full-time teams including two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch in the No. 8 Chevrolet and Austin Dillon, 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion, in the No. 3 Chevrolet.
The team also supports a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program with defending series champion Jesse Love and season champion Austin Hill, demonstrating RCR’s commitment to cultivating talent across NASCAR’s top series.
The Significance of United Rentals’ Commitment in NASCAR
United Rentals’ ongoing sponsorship illustrates the company’s deep investment in NASCAR’s competitive landscape and in developing Austin Hill’s racing career. Their broad footprint and industry leadership enhance their visibility through motorsport, aligning their brand presence with Hill’s pursuit of full-time Cup Series success.
This partnership not only boosts Hill’s experience at premier tracks but also highlights synergy between business and sport. The exposure United Rentals gains through NASCAR events reflects its stature as a global equipment rental leader, while Hill and RCR benefit from financial and strategic support crucial for competing at the highest levels.
With select races scheduled in 2026, Austin Hill’s participation in the NASCAR Cup Series is expected to provide intense action for fans and further establish his place among the sport’s emerging contenders.
