After completing his suspension, Austin Hill has returned to the garage, insisting that his actions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway were not deliberate. The Austin Hill NASCAR suspension response comes as the Richard Childress Racing driver addresses fans, officials, and media, hoping to clarify what happened during a heated clash with Aric Almirola.
Austin Hill Describes the Incident With Almirola
Speaking yesterday at Watkins Glen, Austin Hill offered the media his account of events for the first time since the controversial incident. The physical altercation with Aric Almirola two weeks prior, which involved several key figures including Eric Peterson and Elton Sawyer from NASCAR’s competition division, continues to provoke discussion within the racing world.
The trouble began with eight laps remaining in Indianapolis. Aric Almirola’s No. 19 Toyota made contact with Hill’s No. 21 Chevrolet, shoving Hill up the track. Regaining control, Hill veered left as both drivers approached Turn 4. Simultaneously, Sheldon Creed nudged Hill from behind. That slight push caused Hill’s car to clip Almirola’s right rear, sending Almirola spinning through the corner.
The situation led NASCAR to hand down a one-race suspension to Hill, ruling his move on Almirola intentional. Officials held Hill in his pit for five laps, but Hill attempted to make his case directly to Xfinity Series director Eric Peterson and senior vice president of competition Elton Sawyer. He argued that the circumstances were not as clear-cut as they seemed.
“I know that when I go to my grave way down the road, that it wasn’t done on purpose,”
—Austin Hill, Driver
“So, I can at least take that with me.”
—Austin Hill, Driver
According to Hill, the sequence was the result of on-track dynamics and not an act of revenge. He worked to provide evidence to NASCAR, drawing on SMT data and recounting his interaction with Sheldon Creed just before the collision with Almirola.
“From my standpoint, it was a full racing incident, full racing deal,”
—Austin Hill, Driver
“I pleaded my case to NASCAR and everyone. I told Peterson everything that went down, showed him the SMT data, showed him that Creed and I were together before making contact with Almirola. From my standpoint, it was fully unintentional.”
—Austin Hill, Driver
This penalty—Hill’s first career suspension—prompted comparisons to a past incident at Charlotte with Cole Custer. Then, he took responsibility without protest. This time, Hill insisted on defending his actions and seeking understanding from everyone involved, including officials and fans.
Hill Reflects on Fallout and Looks Ahead
In the two weeks since the Indy crash, Hill has not communicated with Aric Almirola, and the tension between both drivers appears unresolved. When asked about Almirola, Hill gave a pointed response.
“I’m not sure what kind of issue he possibly has with me, but in his shoes, he plays both sides, and I just don’t do that. You get what you get with me, and you either like it or you don’t.”
—Austin Hill, Driver
Hill did confess to one regret stemming from the Indianapolis race—how he spoke over the radio out of frustration. While he defended his on-track choices, he acknowledged that certain language used with officials in the heat of competition was unprofessional.
“I told NASCAR I can’t go back and change it, all I can do is try to be a better person moving forward,”
—Austin Hill, Driver
“All of those conversations have been great. Conversations that I’ve had with my sponsors and partners have been good, but there are some things that they would like to see differently from me moving forward.”
—Austin Hill, Driver
The aftermath of Hill’s suspension goes beyond missed races. Losing 21 hard-earned playoff points will make his postseason campaign more difficult. However, NASCAR’s decision to grant Hill a playoff waiver means he remains eligible to pursue a championship, though he starts without any bonus points from previous wins or stages. Hill stated that the No. 21 team and his Richard Childress Racing organization have offered steadfast support as the championship rounds approach.
For now, Hill’s attention is fixed on the present. The Georgia native is ready to return to action at Watkins Glen International Raceway. As the playoff picture develops, Hill’s ability to move past controversy and regain form will be closely watched by NASCAR officials, his sponsors, and fans alike.
