With the untimely passing of Kyle Busch, RCR had a tough decision to make. Who would be placed in the 8, now 33, for the rest of the season? So far, Austin Hill has been that man for two weeks, and he deserves it. 

You will see in the comment sections that he is unpopular with fans, but that doesn’t matter. This article is taking the emotion out of it.

He is a multi-time winner in every series as he’s climbed the NASCAR ladder: 5 wins in ARCA, 8 in Truck Series, 15 in O’Reilly’s Series. He’s a proven winning driver.

He’s been in the RCR camp for the past 5 seasons in the O’Reilly Series. RCR has to see what they have in him. He’s 32 years old, so this might be his only chance. 

Putting him in the car serves two purposes for RCR. First, RCR gets to evaluate an older driver who’s been loyal to them for a jump to the Cup in 2027. Secondly, it gives RCR a chance to reward a driver who has stuck with them for multiple seasons.

People can say what they want, but Hill has worked his way up and deserves this 2027 audition. 

Image Credit: Julian Wayne/ SFM