Austin Hill has officially signed a deal to drive the No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet full-time in the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series. This move comes after he stepped in following the tragic passing of Kyle Busch. The team confirmed the driver will run for points next year. Hill brings a strong history of wins in the lower series to this top-level seat.
While some headlines suggested the deal hit a snag, the official team announcement confirms the contract is real. The No. 33 car will see Hill finish the 2026 season, preceding the entire 2027 campaign. He has one top ten in his Cup career so far. His path to this seat shows the value of hard work and loyalty to a team.
A Steady Hand Takes the Wheel
The news of Hill’s full-time ride clears up confusion about the future of the No. 33 car. Motorsport.com NASCAR Cup reports that Hill took over the car after the loss of Kyle Busch. He has been driving the renumbered vehicle, which was previously the No. 8. Now, the team knows who will be behind the wheel for the long haul. This stability matters for sponsors and fans who want to see a driver stay put.
Hill is 32 years old and ready for this next step. He signed a deal with Richard Childress Racing to continue driving the No. 33 Chevrolet. The team sees him as the right fit for the job. He has spent five full seasons in the secondary level of NASCAR. During that time, he won 16 races with RCR. That record proves he can get the job done when it counts.
Hill expressed his gratitude for the chance to compete at the highest level. “I’m extremely thankful to Richard and everyone at RCR for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” said Hill. This kind of loyalty is rare in modern sports. Drivers often jump from team to team for a bigger paycheck. Hill stayed with the organization that gave him his start. That choice shows his character and his respect for the people who built him.
From Lower Levels to the Big Stage
Hill’s journey to the Cup Series is a story of patience and persistence. He originally joined RCR in 2022 and won in his very first start with the organization. That quick success showed his raw talent. Eight victories in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series have also been secured by him. These numbers are not just stats. They are proof that he can handle pressure and win races on different tracks.
His performance in the Cup Series has been building steadily. Hill has one top ten so far in his Cup career. He finished ninth in the 2025 Chicago Street Course race. That result gave him a taste of what is possible at this level. Now he has the chance to run for points every week. He will complete the 2026 season in the No. 33 before the full 2027 campaign begins. This gradual ramp-up helps him adjust to the speed and intensity of Cup racing.
The team leadership sees his growth as a key factor in this decision. Richard Childress Racing stated, “Austin Hill is a talented race car driver and his continued growth, work ethic and success across multiple levels of NASCAR competition have positioned him for his next step with RCR.” This quote highlights that the team values his work ethic just as much as his speed. It takes a special kind of driver to win 16 races in one series and then step up to the next. Hill has done exactly that.
Childress will have a new driver for both of his main cars in 2027. This reshuffle changes the dynamic of the team. Hill is not the only driver moving up. His NASCAR O’Reilly Series teammate Jesse Love is also moving up to Cup next year with the Wood Brothers. The rise of these young drivers signals a shift in the sport. It shows that teams are willing to trust drivers who have paid their dues in the lower ranks.
Hill knows what is at stake with this new role. He wants to do everything he can to help the organization succeed. “I want to do everything I can to help this organization continue moving forward,” said Hill. He also noted that he is excited for the work ahead. “I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to get to work,” said Hill. These words show a mindset focused on the team, not just personal glory. Fans appreciate drivers who put the team first.
The move also comes with some challenges. The car number changed during his tenure, which can be confusing for casual fans. Hill has been driving the renumbered car as it was the No. 8 before becoming the No. 33. Yet, the team has kept his seat. This shows a strong bond between driver and owner. In a sport where teams often cut ties quickly, this loyalty is a breath of fresh air.
Hill’s path offers a lesson for young drivers everywhere. It takes time to build a career. You cannot rush success. Hill spent five seasons in the secondary level before getting his full-time Cup ride. He did not give up when the road got tough. He kept winning and kept improving. Now he is rewarded with a chance to race in the biggest series in the world. That is the American way.
- Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet full-time in 2027.
- Hill has won 16 races with RCR in the secondary level.
- Hill has eight wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
- Hill finished ninth in the 2025 Chicago Street Course race.
- Hill joined RCR in 2022 and won in his first start.