Austin Hill Suspended Following Incident at Indianapolis
Austin Hill has been suspended for one race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series following an incident involving Aric Almirola during the Indianapolis event. Hill will miss the upcoming race at Iowa Speedway on August 2, with Austin Dillon stepping in to drive the No. 21 Chevrolet.
The penalty arises from a collision on lap 91 in Turn 4, where Hill hooked Almirola’s car after Almirola made contact with him in Turn 3. The resulting crash caused Almirola to hit the outside wall. Hill was subsequently parked for five laps during the race. Richard Childress Racing confirmed that they will not appeal the suspension.
As a consequence of the penalty, Hill will need a waiver to maintain postseason eligibility. However, if granted, he will lose his 21 existing playoff points under the new rule established at the season’s start, which stipulates that drivers granted non-medical waivers forfeit their playoff points. Hill will also be ineligible to earn additional playoff points prior to the postseason.
In a separate penalty report, NASCAR announced the suspension of two team members from Erik Jones’ No. 43 Legacy Motor Club for losing a right front wheel during the Brickyard 400. Jackman Kellen Mills and front tire changer Josh Rosselli will miss the next two Cup Series races at Iowa Speedway and Watkins Glen.
