NASCAR Suspends Austin Hill for Intentional Crash
NASCAR has suspended Austin Hill for one race in the Xfinity Series due to an incident at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The penalty is due to an intentional crash with Aric Almirola.
Richard Childress Racing has confirmed that Cup Series driver Austin Dillon will replace Hill in the Xfinity Series race in Iowa this weekend.
In addition to the suspension, Hill has lost 21 accumulated playoff points in 2025. He is also prohibited from scoring points before the playoffs, according to a new rule implemented before the 2025 season. To maintain his playoff eligibility, Hill will need to request a waiver.
Before the suspension, Hill was positioned as one of the top contenders in playoff points.
Hill currently holds seventh place in the Xfinity Series standings, with three wins. He is likely to lose positions in the standings due to the suspension, and only drivers in the top 12 advance to the playoffs.
Hill argued that the contact with Almirola on Saturday was not intentional, but NASCAR imposed a five-lap penalty on him. After being informed about the penalty, Hill reacted with a strong expression.
The incident occurred when both drivers were in the top five at Indy. Almirola touched Hill, who then turned left, hitting Almirola. Almirola ended up hitting the outside wall. Hill finished in 34th position, while Almirola in 35th.
