Richard Childress Racing Names Austin Hill for Select 2026 Cup Races

Hill to drive No. 33 Chevrolet with United Rentals sponsorship, aiming for full-time Cup opportunity.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Richard Childress Racing announced that NASCAR driver Austin Hill will compete in select NASCAR Cup Series races during the 2026 season, driving the No. 33 Chevrolet with sponsorship from United Rentals. Hill, who has found success in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, is scheduled to make his 2026 Cup debut at Phoenix Raceway on March 8.

Why it matters

This move represents an opportunity for Hill to gain valuable experience at NASCAR's top level as he works towards his goal of racing full-time in the Cup Series. The partnership with the established Richard Childress Racing team and continued support from sponsor United Rentals could help accelerate Hill's path to a full-time Cup ride.

The details

Hill, who has been associated with United Rentals for nearly a decade, is excited to continue representing the company in the Cup Series. He highlighted the team's first top-10 finish last season in Chicago and feeling competitive at the fall race in Talladega. Hill emphasized his ambition to race full-time on Sundays, viewing the expansion of his race schedule as a chance to gain valuable experience.

  • Hill is scheduled to make his 2026 Cup debut on Sunday, March 8, at Phoenix Raceway.
  • Hill started the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) season with a win at Daytona International Speedway, achieving his fourth victory in the last five season openers at superspeedways.

The players

Richard Childress Racing

A NASCAR team that has announced Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet in select 2026 Cup Series races.

Austin Hill

A 31-year-old NASCAR driver who is in his fifth full season competing full-time in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS), where he has found significant success, especially on superspeedway tracks.

United Rentals

A company that has sponsored Austin Hill for nearly a decade and will continue to do so as he competes in select 2026 Cup Series races.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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. The No. 33 team was able to get our first top-10 last season in Chicago, and I genuinely felt like we had a shot to win the fall race at Talladega.”

— Austin Hill, NASCAR driver (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Racing on Sundays full time is the end goal, so expanding the track lineup will be a good challenge to gain experience. Grateful to Richard, every man and woman at RCR, ECR, and CT Spring, and of course United Rentals for the opportunity.”

— Austin Hill, NASCAR driver (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

Hill's performance at Phoenix Raceway and other upcoming Cup Series events will be closely watched by fans and team officials as he aims to demonstrate his readiness for a full-time Cup schedule in the future.

The takeaway

This partnership between Austin Hill, Richard Childress Racing, and United Rentals represents a strategic effort to broaden Hill's experience at NASCAR's highest level, potentially paving the way for a full-time Cup Series ride in the years to come.