Austin Hill will return to Richard Childress Racing for a part-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign in 2026, beginning with a race at Phoenix Raceway. The 15-time winner in the O’Reilly Series is scheduled to compete in five races throughout the season, sharing the No. 33 car with fellow driver Jesse Love, who is making his Cup Series debut at the upcoming race in Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
Hill’s History and Support from United Rentals
Hill has competed in 15 NASCAR Cup Series races during his career, with ten of those starts taking place at Richard Childress Racing. He made his series debut at Michigan International Speedway in 2022. United Rentals, a longtime sponsor of Hill’s, will continue backing his Cup efforts in 2026. The company has supported Hill for nine seasons in the lower-tier series and is entering its fifth consecutive year sponsoring him at the Cup level.
“United Rentals has been instrumental in Austin Hill’s continued rise and success, and together we’re looking forward to watching him in the NASCAR Cup Series for select races in 2026.”
said Mike Verlander, president of RCR.
“United Rentals continues to be a special part of my career and carrying their colors once again in the Cup Series means a lot. I’ve represented their company for almost a decade now and it never gets old winning races and having success together.”
Hill remarked.
Recent Performances and Future Aspirations
Hill recently showcased his skills with a strong win at the United Rentals 300 at Daytona, reinforcing his prowess on superspeedways. In 2025, he recorded his best NASCAR Cup finish to date, placing ninth while overcoming challenges on the Chicago Street Course. Heading into the 2026 season, Hill aims to build on this milestone and achieve even better results in the Cup Series.
Shared Opportunities and Upcoming Debuts
Alongside Hill’s part-time run, his teammate Jesse Love will take the reins at COTA, marking his first experience in the NASCAR Cup Series. Both drivers will represent Richard Childress Racing and United Rentals, strengthening the team’s presence in key events next year.
Outlook for Hill and Richard Childress Racing in 2026
The continuation of Hill’s partnership with United Rentals and RCR signals a hopeful path forward in his Cup career, offering opportunities to compete against top-tier drivers at demanding venues such as Phoenix Raceway and Michigan International Speedway. This arrangement allows the team to strategically target select races, aiming to maximize performance and progress over the coming seasons.
NEWS: United Rentals to sponsor select NASCAR Cup series races with Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill in 2026
For more information, please visit https://t.co/MagVYvAJQv pic.twitter.com/bk6N8lCyxv
— RCR (@RCRracing) February 25, 2026
