Richard Childress Racing announces Austin Hill as full-time NASCAR Cup driver for 2027

Austin Hill has been announced as the official driver of the No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in 2027. Hill stepped into the role following the tragic death of Kyle Busch, and has been driving the renumbered car (as it was the No. 8) while also competing for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship.

Hill, 32, will run for NASCAR Cup points next year after signing a deal with RCR to continue driving the No. 33 Chevrolet next year.

With NASCAR O’Reilly Series teammate Jesse Love also moving up to Cup next year with the Wood Brothers, Childress will have a new driver for both NOAPS cars in 2027.

“I’m extremely thankful to Richard and everyone at RCR for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” said Hill. “Every race car driver dreams of competing full time in the NASCAR Cup Series, and to have that opportunity with RCR is something I don’t take for granted. I’ve learned so much this year about what it takes to compete at this level, and I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned during my time at RCR and apply it to this next chapter. I want to do everything I can to help this organization continue moving forward. I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to get to work.”

Austin Hill, No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Hill, who will complete the 2026 season in the No. 33 as well, has one top ten so far in his Cup career, finishing ninth in the 2025 Chicago Street Course race. He originally joined RCR in 2022, winning in his very first NOAPS start with the organization.

Hill has been full-time in the secondary level of NASCAR for the past five seasons, winning a total of 16 races with RCR. He also has eight wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, all with Hattori Racing Enterprises.

“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,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “He’s put a tremendous amount of effort into his career, especially this year with everything he’s taken on. We’ve watched Austin grow as a driver and as a person, and we’re proud to have him continue that growth with RCR in the NASCAR Cup Series.”