Austin Hill will rejoin Richard Childress Racing for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, remaining with the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet. This decision, announced Friday, ensures continuity for Hill and his anchor sponsor as they aim for another championship season under team owner Richard Childress.
Hill Commits to Fifth Season with Richard Childress Racing
Hill’s return marks his fifth consecutive year racing for Richard Childress, the organization based in North Carolina renowned for producing champions like Dale Earnhardt. Since joining in 2022 as a rookie, Hill has cemented his standing as a 14-time race winner in the series. In 2026, the Winston, Georgia native will work to uphold the championship standard established by teammate Jesse Love, who is also set to compete for the team next year.
Bennett Transportation & Logistics Renews Major Sponsorship
Bennett Transportation & Logistics confirmed they will once again serve as the primary sponsor for the No. 21 Chevrolet throughout the 2026 season. Based in McDonough, Georgia, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers advanced transportation and logistics solutions across the United States, offering services including specialized trucking, manufactured housing transport, RV delivery, customs brokerage, and warehousing.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Austin Hill in 2026,”
said Lynette Mathis, vice president of the Bennett Family of Companies.
“Bennett customers, drivers, agents, and employees continue to find value in the relationship. We love watching the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet on the track and seeing the sense of community it creates within our company. Our partnership with RCR and Austin Hill continues to reflect the teamwork, performance, and professionalism that define success in both racing and transportation and complex logistics.”
– Lynette Mathis, Vice President, Bennett Family of Companies
Since launching their partnership during Hill’s initial season with RCR, Bennett has leveraged racing to grow its brand, recruit drivers, and foster stronger relationships with customers and employees. The partnership also resonates culturally, emphasizing shared values and a commitment to safety.
Enduring Partnership Built on Performance and Shared Values
Mike Verlander, president of RCR, highlighted the impact of the Bennett partnership, stating,
“The Bennett Family of Companies’ long-standing partnership with Richard Childress Racing is a testament to our shared core values, and we are thrilled to welcome them back to the No. 21 team for their fifth consecutive year of partnership. Bennett has done an exceptional job integrating our racing program into their broader business strategy. We look forward to continuing the momentum we have built over the last four years.”
– Mike Verlander, President, Richard Childress Racing
This shared approach has delivered results on the track as well. Hill has excelled at drafting-style tracks, surpassing superspeedway victory records previously set by NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Hill Reflects on Team Support and Aspirations for 2026
Expressing gratitude for the ongoing support from his sponsor and team, Hill shared,
“We’ve built something special both on and off the track with Bennett Transportation and Logistics. Thank you to Marcia, Lynette, and everyone at Bennett Family of Companies for their partnership and friendship over the years. It means a lot to have their support, as well as the support of Richard Childress, Danny Lawrence, and everyone at Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines as I continue to grow in my career.”
– Austin Hill, Driver, No. 21 Chevrolet
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will kick off with the United Rentals 300 at the Daytona International Speedway. Fans can tune in to watch the event on Saturday, February 14 at 5:00 PM ET on The CW, MRN, or SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. As Hill and Richard Childress Racing prepare for another competitive season, the focus remains on defending the team’s legacy and maintaining strong partnerships that benefit everyone involved.
Austin Hill’s confirmed return underscores the stability at Richard Childress Racing and the strength of its relationships with key sponsors and partners, positioning the team for continued success in the upcoming season.
