NASCAR Suspends Austin Hill For Wrecking Aric Almirola At Indy

Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Hill has been suspended for making a dangerous retaliatory move on Aric Almirola in the closing laps of the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The two were fighting for fourth place with 10 laps to go when Almirola got Hill loose in turn four and drove by him.

Hill saved it, but then came across the track and left hooked Almirola, spinning him head-first into the wall.

Almirola said he thought it was “definitely intentional” while Hill was heard on his radio saying he was just trying to regain control. Almirola was out of the race while Hill served a five-lap penalty and finished in 34th place as the last car still running.

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NASCAR reviewed the incident and cited Hill for violating the “code of conduct” rule, issuing a one-race penalty. He also has to forfeit all of his playoffs points and get a waiver to compete in the playoffs. He is currently fifth in the season points standings with three race wins.

“Richard Childress Racing will not appeal the penalty NASCAR issued to the No. 21 team following the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We remain focused on winning a championship with Austin Hill in 2025,” the team said in an official statement. Austin Dillon will drive the No. 21 car at the next race at Iowa Speedway.