Austin Hill‘s Phoenix disaster ends in chaos after a shocking crash that left Sheldon Creed caught in the wreckage. A bold move on Lap 61 turned disastrous, sending Hill into the inside wall and altering the race’s outcome. His aggressive style once again sparked controversy, raising questions about his tactics. With Richard Childress Racing’s strong start to 2025, this mistake delivered a major setback. What does this mean for Hill and Creed’s seasons?
Key Highlights
- Austin Hill collided with the inside wall at Phoenix during Lap 61, impacting Sheldon Creed’s race.
- The incident was a significant miscalculation, described by Hill as a foolish mistake.
- Hill’s collision involved Dean Thompson and caused Creed to be caught up in the chaos.
- The crash at Phoenix resulted in Hill’s second DNF in the 2025 season.
- Hill’s aggressive style and past controversies highlight the contentious nature of his racing tactics.
Austin Hill’s History of Controversial Moves
Although Austin Hill has shown undeniable talent on the race track, his career in the NASCAR Xfinity Series has not been without its share of controversy. Hill’s aggressive maneuvers have often left him embroiled in race-day drama, particularly highlighted during the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
As Hill and Cole Custer vied fiercely for a top-5 finish, their relentless battling culminated in a wreck that saw both competitors exit the race prematurely. Hill’s decision to retaliate, driving into Custer’s bumper, added fuel to the already intense rivalry between the two.
This pattern of contentious behavior resurfaced at Phoenix, where Hill’s reckless driving led to another unfortunate incident involving the #00 car, this time driven by Sheldon Creed.
Hill’s miscalculated move into the inside wall, devoid of external contact, inadvertently triggered a multi-car wreck, undermining his team’s aspirations for a triumphant season. Such incidents underscore the contentious nature of Hill’s racing style.
Richard Childress Racing’s Strong Start to 2025
As the 2025 Xfinity Series season unfolds, Richard Childress Racing has emerged as a formidable force, capturing attention with an impressive start. The team initiated their campaign with two successive victories, showcasing their skill and tactical insight.
Jesse Love’s triumph at Daytona set the tone, illustrating the team’s capability to dominate under pressure. Following this success, Austin Hill secured a win at Atlanta, reinforcing the team’s championship aspirations and drawing comparisons to Tyler Reddick’s celebrated 2019 run.
Despite a setback at the Circuit of the Americas, the team’s performance has fueled discussions about their potential to secure the championship title. With Austin Hill leading the driver standings ahead of Phoenix, expectations were soaring.
However, the historical challenge posed by Phoenix Raceway to Hill loomed large, with his past performances yielding limited success. Nevertheless, Richard Childress Racing’s early achievements have positioned them as key contenders in the 2025 championship race.
The Costly Mistake at Phoenix Raceway
Richard Childress Racing’s impressive momentum came to a sudden halt at Phoenix Raceway, where a costly mistake by Austin Hill reshaped the team’s path in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series.
During Lap 61, Hill collided with the inside wall, an error that not only disrupted his race but also involved Sheldon Creed in the No. 00 and Dean Thompson in the No. 26.
Hill later described the incident as one of the most foolish moments of his career, acknowledging the obvious presence of the wall and his misjudgment of its proximity.
“I think that might be one of the dumbest things that has ever happened in my career. I know the wall’s there, right? Everyone knows that the wall is there. But I really didn’t think that the #8 was that close to it.” – Austin Hill
Hill candidly accepted full responsibility, stating, “That one was just 100% on me.”
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The consequences of this lapse were immediate and meaningful, affecting not only his standing but also the broader aspirations of Richard Childress Racing in the competitive 2025 season.
A Frustrating Day with Multiple Incidents
Despite the initial optimism surrounding Austin Hill’s participation at Phoenix Raceway, the day quickly turned into one of frustration marked by multiple incidents. Early in Stage 2, Hill misjudged his entry into Turn 3, prompting the primary caution of the race.
The race resumed shortly, only for Hill to miscalculate again, attempting a low maneuver near the inside line. In an ill-fated attempt to gain air off Sammy Smith’s No. 8, Hill failed to notice Smith’s position against the wall.
This oversight led to a collision, sending Hill spinning across the track and inadvertently involving Sheldon Creed’s No. 00 Ford Mustang. Hill’s mixed start to the 2025 Xfinity Series season, highlighted by his triumph at Atlanta Motor Speedway, contrasts sharply with his two DNFs in just four races.
Sheldon Creed’s Ongoing Search for a Win
Following Austin Hill’s tumultuous race day in Phoenix, attention shifts to Sheldon Creed and his relentless pursuit of a long-awaited victory. The Haas Factory Team driver, having finished as runner-up 13 times over three full Xfinity Series seasons, is enthusiastic to secure his initial win.
Creed’s optimism soared after clinching pole position for the 2025 GOVX 200, and his fifth-place finish at the end of Stage 1 kept him in contention. However, an unfortunate incident with Hill dashed his hopes, relegating him to a 36th-place finish.
“It’s definitely blind when you’re in behind somebody. I’ve never been close to hitting it but I definitely had to jump back. It’s a simple mistake, you know. We’re not perfect, but we’re gonna make up. Unfortunately, I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Caught me off-guard. Happy to walk away. Let’s keep going forward.” – Sheldon Creed
Despite the setback, Creed remains undeterred. His strong early-season performances, including a second-place finish at Daytona, enhance his confidence.
The upcoming races at Las Vegas, Homestead-Miami, and Martinsville present further chances to break his winless streak. Creed’s resilience and determination shine through as he looks ahead, confident that his breakthrough moment is within reach.
News in Brief: Austin Hill’s Phoenix Disaster Ends in Chaos
Austin Hill’s crash at Phoenix Raceway marked a disappointing end to what could have been a promising race, impacting both his and Sheldon Creed’s standings. Despite Richard Childress Racing’s strong start to the 2025 season, this incident highlighted the ongoing challenges within the team.
Hill’s history of aggressive moves continues to stir debate, while Creed’s search for a win remains elusive. As both drivers regroup, the team must address these costly mistakes to improve future performances.
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