HAMPTON — What happens when a Douglas County NASCAR driver teams up with a transportation company from Henry County? Success on the racetrack.
On Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the latest achievement in their success narrative unfolded as Hill piloted the No. 21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet to victory in the Focused Health 250 Xfinity Series race. This win marked a sweep for Hill at AMS this year, following his victory in the February Xfinity race, and it also represented his fourth career Xfinity win at his home track.
“Everything fell into place for us — it couldn’t have been a more ideal day,” stated Lynette Mathis, Vice President of Bennett Family of Companies.
Unlike his usual blue and white car, Hill drove a distinctive gold vehicle on Saturday to honor the McDonough-based company’s 50th anniversary.
“Bennett did an outstanding job with that paint scheme,” he remarked. “They thought, what better way to celebrate 50 years than with a full-blown gold car.”
Having partnered with Bennett for three years, Hill views this relationship as more than just a sponsorship.
“We’ve developed a bond that feels almost like family,” he expressed after Saturday’s victory. “When we see everyone at Bennett, the sponsorship aspect is there, but it really feels like a family atmosphere and that makes a significant difference.”
Hill fought hard for the win on Saturday, taking the lead in the closing laps and securing victory in front of his hometown fans and sponsors.
“As I led that final lap, I kept thinking about how important it was to deliver for Bennett,” he shared.
“The way it all unfolded truly means a lot to me and everyone at Bennett,” he added.
Saturday was especially significant for Bennett, who also celebrated Truck Driver Appreciation Week, with various activities held at AMS during race weekend. Hundreds of employees, family members, and partners were present for the race and festivities.
“This is a special win — celebrating 50 years for Bennett and having the gold car,” Hill noted. “This was my only time running the gold car this year for Bennett. Having over 500 employees, family members, friends, and truckers in attendance, and to achieve this for Bennett Transportation Logistics, it means the world to me.”
This year not only marks Bennett’s 50th anniversary but also the 20th year since Hill began racing in the Thursday Thunder summer series at AMS.
In 2004, Hill participated in two Bandolero Bandits division races, securing his first victory on the quarter-mile track at AMS the following year.
He climbed the ranks in Thursday Thunder and won the season championship in the Legends Pro Division in 2009—the premier division of Thursday Thunder.
“It’s been quite a journey; there have been numerous highs and lows, many disappointments, countless victories, and everything in between,” Hill reflected on his two-decade career.
Hill progressed to compete in the NASCAR K&N Series, ARCA, NASCAR Truck Series, and ultimately, the Xfinity Series. He has also had the opportunity to race in a few NASCAR Cup events along the way.
“During my early racing years, I completed thousands of laps on that small quarter-mile racetrack and the road course they used to run in the infield where fans gathered,” Hill reminisced about racing at AMS years ago. “Competing in Bandolero and Legends, it was a dream to race on the big track one day, and now to say I’ve won four times at my home racetrack — that’s something I would have thought was crazy if you’d told me that a few years back.”
In Saturday’s race, Hill battled against other former Thursday Thunder drivers and fellow Georgians—Corey Heim from Marietta and Chandler Smith from Talking Rock.
All three finished in the top five, with Smith placing fourth and Heim fifth.
“We were all fighting for position — we’re all from Georgia,” Hill remarked. “That’s pretty special — it’s not every day you have three drivers from the same hometown battling for the win.”
Brandon Hutchison, Executive Vice President of Atlanta Motor Speedway, expressed joy in seeing drivers who grew up at AMS compete for the win on Saturday.
Having known the drivers and their families for years, Hutchison admitted they didn’t always see eye to eye.
“I was the race director for the Legends and Bandolero program at AMS for many years, and while Austin’s dad and I are on good terms now, I can tell you there were many nights when they left this tunnel feeling very differently about me,” he joked.
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Local NASCAR Driver Austin Hill Triumphs at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Celebrating Bennett Transportation’s 50th Anniversary
Austin Hill’s Victorious Run in the Xfinity Series
Austin Hill, the talented NASCAR driver from Winston, Georgia, recently made headlines by winning the Focused Health 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This victory marks Hill’s fourth win in just six races during the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season, showcasing his remarkable skill and consistency on the track. His success at Atlanta not only solidifies his position as a leading driver in the series but also highlights the strong community ties that local racers like Hill maintain with their supporters.
A Celebration of Local Heritage: Bennett Transportation’s 50th Anniversary
The race at Atlanta was particularly special as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Bennett Transportation, a prominent logistics and transportation company based in Georgia. Bennett Transportation has long been a supporter of local motorsports, and their partnership with Austin Hill exemplifies the deep-rooted connections between the business community and NASCAR.
Bennett Transportation: A Legacy of Excellence
- Founded: 1974
- Headquarters: McDonough, Georgia
- Specialties: Freight transportation, logistics, and trucking services
- Community Involvement: Strong support for local sports and community initiatives
Race Highlights: Focused Health 250
The Focused Health 250 was filled with thrilling moments and fierce competition. Hill’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Here are some key highlights from the race:
| Position | Driver | Laps Led | Finishing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin Hill | 85 | 2:02:30 |
| 2 | John Hunter Nemechek | 60 | 2:02:45 |
| 3 | Justin Allgaier | 50 | 2:02:55 |
Impact of Austin Hill’s Win on the Community
Austin Hill’s recent victory is more than just a personal achievement; it has a broader impact on the local community. Here’s how Hill’s success resonates with fans and local businesses:
Boosting Local Pride
Hill’s win at a major event like Atlanta Motor Speedway instills a sense of pride among local fans. The community rallies behind their hometown hero, which fosters a spirit of camaraderie and support.
Economic Benefits
- Increased Tourism: Events like the Focused Health 250 draw visitors to the region, boosting local businesses.
- Job Creation: The growth of the racing industry contributes to job creation in sectors like hospitality and transport.
- Brand Visibility: Local businesses gain exposure through partnerships with successful athletes.
Behind-the-Scenes: The Team Effort
Success in NASCAR is never the result of one individual. Austin Hill’s achievements are supported by a dedicated team that includes mechanics, strategists, and sponsors. Here’s a look at the key players:
Team Dynamics
- Car Owner: Josh Williams
- Chief Engineer: Linda Johnson
- Pit Crew Chief: Mike Davis
Personal Insights: Austin Hill’s Journey
Growing up in Winston, Georgia, Austin Hill’s journey to NASCAR stardom has been inspirational. His early passion for racing was evident from a young age, and with hard work and determination, he has risen through the ranks. Here are some personal insights from Hill:
First-Hand Experience
“Winning at Atlanta was a dream come true. I’ve always felt a special connection to this track, and to be able to celebrate my win alongside Bennett Transportation’s 50th anniversary made it even more memorable,” says Hill. “The support from my team and the local community drives me to perform at my best every race.”
Practical Tips for Aspiring Racers
For young racers aspiring to follow in Austin Hill’s footsteps, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- Training: Regularly practice driving and work on building your skills.
- Networking: Build relationships within the racing community; mentors can provide invaluable guidance.
- Stay Fit: Physical fitness is crucial; drivers must be in top shape to handle the demands of the sport.
- Seek Sponsorship: Finding sponsors is essential for funding your racing career.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Austin Hill and the NASCAR community in Georgia. With each race, Hill continues to push the limits and inspire the next generation of racers, while Bennett Transportation remains a steadfast supporter of the sport and local talent. Together, they embody the spirit of hard work, dedication, and community pride.
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