Austin Hill, driver for Richard Childress Racing, addressed his team‘s position heading towards the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs, expressing confidence in their prospects while acknowledging the level of competition. As Richard Childress Racing targets the next playoff rounds, Hill emphasized the need for performance, citing the Richard Childress Racing Xfinity playoffs as a key focus for the team.
Hill concluded the regular season ranked third among Xfinity Series drivers, trailing the overall leader Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier, who holds second. His season performance has included three victories, 11 top-five, and 14 top-10 finishes through the Illinois event, marking him as a prominent contender for the championship.
On SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Hill candidly discussed his view of the team’s standing:
“If we had the playoffs points, we’d be seated third. So, I view us as the third best team in the playoffs right now and if the third best team can’t get out of the round of 12 right now, and get to the round of 8, then we shouldn’t even be winning the championship. And if we can’t get out of the round of 8, and make it to the championship 4, make it to the final four, then we shouldn’t be even in talks for winning the championship.”
—Austin Hill, Richard Childress Racing Driver
Reinforcing his outlook, Hill stated his team had consistently performed throughout the regular season:
“But you know, to your point, knowing that we should be third overall, that kind of gives me confidence knowing that we are a good enough race team, we’ve done everything right throughout the regular season, that we are good enough to be into that top four. So now we just gotta go out there and prove it and do it,” Hill further added.
—Austin Hill, Richard Childress Racing Driver
Teammate Jesse Love Bolsters Team’s Playoff Hopes
Jesse Love, another Richard Childress Racing driver, has also contributed to the team’s strong presence in the playoffs hunt. Following the Illinois race, Love occupied fourth place in the standings. His resume this season features one victory, three pole positions, eight finishes inside the top five, and 18 top-ten showings, giving the organization a reliable second entry in the championship battle.
Hill’s Thoughts Before the Food City 300 at Bristol
Ahead of the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Hill detailed his approach to the playoff stage, maintaining focus and minimizing unnecessary conflicts on the track:
“I’m just going to do the same thing. I’ve done each and every year. As far as I know I don’t have a lot of enemies on the race track. I probably have a few, but I think once the Playoffs start, I think it’ll be just like everyone else. Everybody’s going to be going for it and you only worry about your race team and your organization and go out and get the job done and try to get to the Championship Four.” (Via Speedsport.com)
—Austin Hill, Richard Childress Racing Driver
The Bristol race saw Aric Almirola take the checkered flag, with Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer rounding out the top three. Almirola’s win allowed him to secure a place in the next round of the playoffs. Hill finished 19th while teammate Jesse Love placed 25th, leaving both drivers with work to do as the playoff race intensifies.
What the Playoffs Mean for Richard Childress Racing Moving Forward
With both Austin Hill and Jesse Love representing Richard Childress Racing in the playoffs, the team continues to demonstrate its depth and competitiveness in the Xfinity Series. As the remaining rounds progress, their consistent performances and determined mindset will be critical to advancing toward the Championship Four and realizing their title ambitions, with the outcome at events like the Food City 300 shaping their path.
