United Rentals, a global leader in equipment rentals, is expanding its partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) by sponsoring Austin Hill in a limited schedule of NASCAR Cup Series events in 2026. Hill will drive the No. 33 United Rentals Chevrolet, starting with the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, March 8, broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
Longstanding Partnership Marks Ninth Year Supporting Austin Hill
The 2026 season represents a key milestone, highlighting the fifth consecutive year of collaboration between United Rentals and RCR as well as nearly a decade of backing Hill. This partnership already yielded success earlier in the year when Hill, hailing from Winston, Georgia, secured victory in the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
“United Rentals continues to be a special part of my career,” said Hill. “I’ve represented their company for almost a decade now. Racing on Sundays full-time is the end goal, so expanding the track lineup will be a good challenge to gain experience.”
Austin Hill’s Progression in the NASCAR Cup Series
Though Hill remains a dominant force in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS)—where he has been a Regular Season Champion—his presence in the higher-tier Cup Series is steadily increasing. Last season, the No. 33 team demonstrated its competitive potential with a top-10 finish at Chicago and narrowly missed winning at Talladega, signaling they can contend at the front of the field.
Significance of the United Rentals and RCR Partnership
United Rentals, with over 1,600 rental locations throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, brings considerable resources to its alliance with RCR. This collaboration extends beyond logo placement to include comprehensive on-track activation strategies designed to elevate the team’s performance and engagement with NASCAR audiences.
“United Rentals has been instrumental in Austin Hill’s continued rise and success,”
said Mike Verlander, president of RCR.
Together we’re looking forward to watching him in the NASCAR Cup Series for select races in 2026.
Craig Schmidt, Senior Vice President of Sales at United Rentals, emphasized that the partnership aims to
showcasing the skill and teamwork that drives NASCAR success.
2026 as a Pivotal Year Toward a Full-Time Cup Series Driving Role
Currently in his fifth full-time NOAPS season driving the No. 21 Chevrolet, Hill views these selective Cup Series starts in the No. 33 as a crucial step toward his ultimate ambition of competing full-time in NASCAR’s premier series. The expanded race schedule will provide valuable experience and exposure needed for that progression.
