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Believe it or not, there was a time when Austin Hill was the one being bullied rather than the bully on the racetrack.
As it stands, many fans and some of his fellow competitors tend to classify Hill, the 30-year-old from Georgia known as Big Country, as a bully. He has earned a reputation as a tenacious, traditional racer who is unapologetic and doesn’t shy away from causing a stir.
This is precisely what Richard Childress, his team owner and a legendary figure in racing, appreciates most about him.
“He races solely for victory,” Childress commented. “His focus is on winning. That’s why he is remaining in Xfinity for a few more years. He wants to ensure he spends quality time with his family and sees his kids grow up on Sundays. I think that’s a wise decision.
“He has the skills to compete in Cup, yet he prefers to wait until he is certain he can contend for wins. My favorite aspect is his ‘don’t mess with me’ attitude, and I admire that.”
Over the past nearly three years, there have been numerous occasions where his fellow racers have found his demeanor challenging. Hill frequently positions himself at the front and displays relentless determination while overtaking others.
During NASCAR Xfinity Series Media Day on Tuesday, every driver who commented on racing alongside him expressed a level of respect, despite past conflicts that may have arisen on the track.
Justin Allgaier, a veteran racer who has made a name for himself in the Xfinity Series, recognizes a lot of his own style in Hill’s approach.
“Austin is definitely a divisive figure,” said Allgaier. “We share similarities; it doesn’t take much to get us riled up on the racetrack. He’s quite vocal about his feelings. I have considerable respect for him since we haven’t had too many altercations.”
“What’s fascinating is that the current crop of drivers differs greatly from two years ago, reflecting various styles and backgrounds, and I believe Austin plays a part in that transformation.”
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NASCAR-Xfinity-Andys-Frozen-Custard-300-23068375.jpg?w=428&h=241& just with the process and the way we grew up racing,” Smith said. “And last year, being with Kaulig Racing and being on the RCR campus, we were essentially teammates, and grew a tighter knit relationship then, then we did in Trucks and we had a good relationship in Trucks as well
“That plays into how we race each other compared to a person I may not have as much respect for just because we’ve raced the crap out of each other every time we race. Austin is not going to be the guy that will try to wreck me halfway through stage two at Kansas. That’s just not him.”
That runs counter to his reputation, at least from fans, who feel like he isn’t fair but Hill says he has both a code and also a deep-seeded reason behind it.
“It’s the way I was raised from a young age, when I was coming up in Bandoleros and Legend cars,” Hill said. “I used to get pushed around a lot. I was the kid that would get pushed on and not pushed back and I didn’t want to end up on anyone’s bad side. I never used the bumper and I would move out of the way if someone got into the back of me.
“My dad pulled me aside at an early age and said ‘if you are going to make it as a race car driver, you can’t take this much crap’ and it changed my philosophy.”
To Smith’s point, Hill says he aims to be fair.
“I try to be as respectful as I can on the race track but when it’s time to get elbows up, I will go to the limits of what is required. I’m not going to right rear hook you in the wall or anything like that, but I will test the limits to do what it takes to win a race and it comes back to how I was raised.”
Hill even elicited a compliment from Cole Custer, who just five months ago was furious over a crash between them at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Hill stayed in the gas long after they crashed.
With that said, he has moved on and he thinks more about the times they’ve raced professionally than that one moment.
“Obviously, we got together at Charlotte earlier this year, but at the end of the day I don’t have a problem with Austin,” Custer said. “We’ve moved on from that and I feel like we’ve always raced each other really well, for the most part, so I don’t have a problem with Austin. He’s somebody who definitely gets the most out of his cars as the driver and he’s good competition, for sure.”
The most infamous rival Hill has had over the past year was someone who had generally been a good friend and teammate in Sheldon Creed. They forged a relationship while they were in the Truck Series and then became teammates at RCR.
That dynamic devolved first with a run-in at Bristol last year and then at Martinsville when both teammates used each other up on a green-white-checkered costing both cars a spot in the championship race
Creed said preferential treatment from Childress to Hill and always being made a scapegoat was why he left for Joe Gibbs Racing before this season in the first place.
“I mean, it was rough there after Martinsville, obviously,” Creed sad. I don’t know, Austin and I didn’t talk for about four-to-five months. And then, yeah, we’ve hung out a couple times away from the track and we’ve not talked about it at all.
“Yeah, I think that we’re in a much better place now. I was good friends with a lot of people who are at RCR, all the engine and shop guys, the road crew and all those relationships stayed the same. I don’t think the No. 21 team was a fan of mine for awhile but we’ve been good all year now.”
Like a lot of racers said on Tuesday, Parker Kligerman says you get back what you put in with Hill.
“My mom always said kill them with kindness so I try to be his best friend,” Kligerman said. “I don’t know if has worked or not but he has worked with me on superspeedways a lot so I think it has worked. I’ve tried to be a good teammate since our cars come from the RCR campus.”
Big picture as a race fan and television analyst, Kligerman also thinks the way Hill races is good for business.
“He is an aggressive race car driver and I love it,” Kligerman said. “There are times I watch him and I say ‘I want to be that aggressive, I want to be that badass,’ and it’s just not in my nature. I have huge respect for his ability, aggression, and his No Fs given attitude. The sport needs characters like that. He brings an aggression level like no one else in this sport right now.”
AJ Allmendinger says Hill is a quintessential modern NASCAR racer.
“I have no problem with Austin,” Allmendinger said. “We have raced each other hard and we have gotten into each other at times, but at the end of the day, we’re NASCAR racing. We all race each other like, well, there’s word I could say, but I’ll put it this way.
“We all race each other the way we get raced. When you get raced overly hard, you race them hard back. But in these days, the days of being under someone at Darlington and lifting to let them go are over anyways, and Austin races like it’s modern NASCAR racing.
“And at the end of the day, I’ve never had a problem with it.”
And ultimately, as Allgaier puts it, there is something to be said about his style actually working.
“I have known Austin for a long time and I’ve raced him for a long time,” Allgaier said. “Austin is a racer you always have to think about because they may fire off and struggle and you might think their day is over, but somehow they are in the top-3 battling for the win, and you could have sworn they were done.
“I expect them to be there all the way to the end, and there might be times that you think they are done, but that team just keeps coming back and Austin will be in the mix no matter what.”
Could this show ever come to the Cup Series with Richard Childress Racing?
“He is good enough to race on Sundays,” Childress said. “I want us to do it together but we need to sort out our charter business first.”
Matt Weaver is a Motorsports Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter.
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Austin Hill: The Polarizing Force of Modern NASCAR Racing
Who is Austin Hill?
Austin Hill is a name that has recently surfaced prominently within the NASCAR community, known for his aggressive racing style and outspoken personality. As a rising star in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Hill’s career trajectory has made him a focal point of both admiration and controversy among fans and fellow racers alike.
The Rise of Austin Hill in NASCAR
Born on May 21, 1994, in Winston, Georgia, Austin Hill began his racing career at a young age, competing in various karting circuits. His passion for speed and competition led him to stock car racing, where he quickly made a name for himself. Here are some key milestones in Hill’s racing career:
- 2018: Debuted in the NASCAR Truck Series.
- 2019: Garnered attention by winning the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
- 2021: Achieved multiple top-five finishes, solidifying his place among NASCAR’s elite.
- 2022: Transitioned to the Xfinity Series, further broadening his racing horizons.
The Polarizing Persona
Austin Hill is no stranger to controversy. His brash style and aggressive maneuvers on the track have earned him a mix of admiration and criticism. Here are some factors that contribute to his polarizing reputation:
1. Aggressive Racing Style
Hill’s driving approach is characterized by bold moves and a willingness to take risks. While this has led to thrilling finishes, it has also sparked debates about safety and sportsmanship within the NASCAR community.
2. Outspoken Nature
Often candid in interviews and on social media, Hill doesn’t shy away from sharing his opinions, whether it’s about race strategies or the state of NASCAR as a whole. This forthrightness has earned him both supporters and detractors.
3. Rivalries on the Track
His competitive spirit has led to notable rivalries with other drivers, which are often highlighted in the media. These rivalries, while entertaining for fans, also fuel the divide among those who view them as part of the sport’s drama versus those who see them as detrimental to racing integrity.
Case Studies: Memorable Races Featuring Austin Hill
To better understand Austin Hill’s impact on modern NASCAR racing, let’s examine some of his most memorable races. Each one showcases his talent and the controversies that often follow him.
| Race | Date | Outcome | Controversy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead-Miami Truck Series | 2019 | 1st Place | Post-race comments on rivals |
| Bristol Motor Speedway | 2021 | 2nd Place | Collision with another driver |
| Daytona International Speedway | 2022 | DNF | Involved in early race wreck |
Benefits of Following Austin Hill’s Career
Despite his polarizing status, there are several benefits to following Austin Hill’s journey in NASCAR:
- Entertainment Value: Hill’s aggressive style keeps fans on the edge of their seats, making each race an exciting spectacle.
- Inspiration: His rise through the ranks serves as motivation for aspiring racers and fans alike, showing that determination can lead to success.
- Community Engagement: Hill actively engages with fans on social media, offering a glimpse into his life beyond the track, which helps foster a strong fan base.
Practical Tips for Fans
If you’re a fan of Austin Hill or NASCAR in general, consider the following tips to enhance your experience:
- Stay Updated: Follow Hill’s social media accounts and NASCAR news sources to remain informed about his race schedules and performances.
- Engage in Fan Communities: Join forums or social media groups dedicated to NASCAR where you can discuss races and share your thoughts about Hill’s racing style.
- Attend Races: If possible, attend live races to experience the excitement firsthand and cheer for your favorite driver.
First-Hand Experience: Race Day with Austin Hill
For those who have had the opportunity to attend a NASCAR race featuring Austin Hill, the experience can be exhilarating. Here’s what you can expect:
- Electric Atmosphere: The energy in the stands is palpable, especially when Hill is on the track.
- Fan Interaction: Many fans share stories of Hill’s engaging personality during meet-and-greet events.
- Thrilling Action: Expect to witness dramatic racing, especially as Hill often finds himself in competitive situations.
The Future of Austin Hill in NASCAR
As Austin Hill continues to carve his niche in NASCAR, his polarizing presence is sure to remain a topic of conversation. With ongoing support from fans and the potential for more wins, Hill’s future looks promising. His ability to adapt and grow as a driver will ultimately determine his place in the sport.
Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as he navigates the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead in his racing career. Whether loved or loathed, Austin Hill is undeniably a force to be reckoned with in modern NASCAR racing.
