Austin Hill seizes Atlanta Xfinity race with total control, proving his superspeedway skills. He led an incredible 146 of 163 laps, leaving competitors behind. This victory marked his 11th NASCAR Xfinity Series win and his third straight triumph at Atlanta Motor Speedway. But the race wasn’t just about him—there was drama, strategy, and a major milestone for a new crew chief. Now, with the NASCAR Xfinity Series heading to a new challenge, what’s next for Hill?
Key Highlights
- Austin Hill led 146 out of 163 laps, showing his dominance at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
- Hill’s victory marks his third consecutive win at Atlanta, highlighting his superspeedway mastery.
- Tactical skill and precision driving were crucial to Hill’s success in the race.
- This win is Hill’s 11th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, elevating his standing in the sport.
- Hill’s performance placed him at the top of the NASCAR Xfinity Series standings, leading by one point.
Austin Hill Dominates Again at Atlanta
Austin Hill showcased his racing skill once again at Atlanta Motor Speedway, delivering a commanding performance in the Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250. His remarkable mastery over the track was evident as he led a race-high 146 out of 163 laps, leaving competitors in awe.
This victory marks his 11th win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, underscoring his dominance in the series. Hill’s track record at the 1.54-mile superspeedway is impressive, with this latest triumph being his third consecutive victory at the venue and fifth in seven starts under the current configuration.
His success is not just attributed to luck; the tactical skill and precision driving exhibited solidify his status as a formidable contender. Hill’s consistent performance at Atlanta reinforces his affinity for superspeedways, and his post-race comments reflect a belief in his team’s partnership with sponsors, hinting at the potential for continued success in future races.
“To be able to do this is something special.”
“We were able to do it last year with the gold car for their 50th Anniversary, and they sponsored the qualifying. It looks like to me they need to sponsor some more NASCAR Xfinity races because this has been a good omen for us.” – Austin Hill
Chad Haney Earns His First Win as a Crew Chief
Chad Haney achieved a notable milestone by securing his primary win as a crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Joining the team this season, Haney’s tactical expertise was instrumental in guiding the team to victory.
This accomplishment is particularly remarkable given the pressure he faced, as he expressed his determination to win despite the potential for jinxing the outcome. Haney’s triumph aligns with Richard Childress Racing‘s recent success, following Jesse Love’s victory at Daytona.
“I saw the trophy, but I didn’t want to touch it cause I didn’t want to jinx anything up in the suite at Bennett, but they were giving me some pressure, they were like ‘Hey, you got to win this race’ and I’m like, ‘I’m going to give it all I’ve got’, and we did that.” – Chad Haney
Key points highlighting Haney’s achievement include:
- Initial Win: This marks Chad Haney’s initial victory as a crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
- Tactical Leadership: Haney’s ability to manage race strategy effectively contributed considerably to the win.
- Team Success: The win is part of Richard Childress Racing’s back-to-back victories.
- Pressure Handling: Haney faced pressure but remained focused and determined.
- Historical Context: The team last achieved back-to-back wins with different drivers in 2016.
Top Finishers and Late-Race Drama
As the checkered flag waved at the 1.54-mile superspeedway, defending NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier narrowly missed securing the win, finishing in runner-up place.
Despite holding the lead late, Allgaier could not surpass the No. 21 car. Aric Almirola, in his initial of nine NASCAR Xfinity Series races for Joe Gibbs Racing, claimed third after an exciting battle to the finish with Allgaier.
Sammy Smith was also in contention for victory but ended up fourth in the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet.
Nick Sanchez managed a fifth-place finish even with a damaged No. 48 Chevrolet.
An incident on the last lap involving Parker Retzlaff, Ryan Sieg, and Christian Eckes disrupted the closing stages. This allowed Jeb Burton to secure sixth.
Daniel Dye finished seventh, while Leland Honeyman, participating in just the subsequent race for Cope Family Racing, took eighth. William Sawalich and Harrison Burton completed the top-10.
Austin Hill Takes Points Lead as Xfinity Heads to COTA
Victory at Atlanta propelled Austin Hill to the top of the NASCAR Xfinity Series standings, showing his strong start to the season. This win gave Hill a one-point edge over Sheldon Creed, marking a notable achievement early in the series.
As the racing action shifts from superspeedways to the road course at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, Hill aims to maintain his lead and continue his impressive performance.
News in Brief: Austin Hill Seizes Atlanta Xfinity Race
Austin Hill’s commanding performance at the Atlanta Xfinity race showcased his skill on superspeedways, solidifying his reputation as a top competitor. With Chad Haney celebrating his initial victory as a crew chief, the team exhibited exceptional teamwork and strategy.
The race concluded with notable finishes and exhilarating late-race drama, adding excitement to the event. As Hill takes the lead in points, the Xfinity series now shifts focus to the Circuit of the Americas, promising more competitive racing ahead.
