Austin Hill will make his return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026, driving the No. 33 Chevrolet Camaro for Richard Childress Racing and taking on a schedule of five races with United Rentals as his main sponsor. This Austin Hill Cup Series return continues his partnership with RCR and United Rentals, building on previous years of collaboration and competition.
Richard Childress Racing Reveals 2026 Cup Series Plans
Richard Childress Racing officially confirmed on Wednesday that Austin Hill will once again compete in the NASCAR Cup Series, representing the No. 33 team. Hill’s first appearance of this select schedule will be at Phoenix Raceway, bringing renewed excitement to fans and sponsors. The exact details regarding the full race lineup were not disclosed, but the announcement established that United Rentals will be the primary sponsor throughout Hill’s five planned starts.
The team did not clarify whether Hill may appear in more than five races, focusing instead on the initial confirmed events for the 2026 season. Hill’s Cup schedule remains limited, yet each chosen venue adds significance to his ongoing journey in NASCAR’s premier series.
Hill, United Rentals, and Team Strengthen Ties
Hill expressed gratitude and pride for the sustained relationship with United Rentals, reflecting on nearly a decade of shared history and achievement. He highlighted the impact the sponsor has had on his racing career, underscoring the value of their continued collaboration as he moves forward in the Cup Series. In his own words:
“United Rentals continues to be a special part of my career and carrying their colors once again in the Cup Series means a lot,”
– Austin Hill, Driver.
Hill and United Rentals have secured victories and success together in various series, making each new opportunity a meaningful experience for both parties. He referenced recent achievements, such as capturing his first top-10 finish for the No. 33 team at the Chicago street course and competing strongly at Talladega in the fall race.
Looking ahead, Hill sees expanding his Cup Series experience as crucial for his ambitions, affirming his goals for the future:
“Racing on Sundays full time is the end goal, so expanding the track lineup will be a good challenge to gain experience. Grateful to Richard, every man and woman at RCR, ECR, and CT Spring, and of course United Rentals for the opportunity.”
– Austin Hill, Driver.
Highlights From Hill’s Cup Series Track Record
Austin Hill made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2022 at Michigan International Speedway, finishing 18th. Since then, the Georgia native has participated in 15 Cup races across a dynamic mix of circuits, including superspeedways, road courses, and ovals. His best performance to date remains ninth place on the Chicago street course, reflecting continual progress and adaptability. The upcoming start at Phoenix Raceway represents a new milestone in his return to the Cup Series, furthering his growth behind the wheel.
Leadership and Long-standing Partnerships at RCR
The importance of partnership stood out in comments from the RCR leadership. Mike Verlander, president of Richard Childress Racing, highlighted how the collaborative efforts between RCR and United Rentals have driven branding and fan engagement to new heights over the past five years:
“Everyone at RCR is proud of our long-standing partnership with United Rentals and looking forward to building on the strong branding, at-track activation and hosting programs we have developed together over the last five years,”
– Mike Verlander, President of RCR.
RCR’s appreciation extends not only to the business relationship but also to United Rentals’ role in Hill’s continued evolution as a NASCAR competitor. Their collective anticipation is clear as Hill prepares to run select races in the 2026 season:
“United Rentals has been instrumental in Austin Hill’s continued rise and success, and together we’re looking forward to watching him in the NASCAR Cup Series for select races in 2026.”
– Mike Verlander, President of RCR.
Looking Forward: Impact on the 2026 NASCAR Season
The announcement of Austin Hill’s five-race schedule for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series with United Rentals and Richard Childress Racing sparks interest among fans and the NASCAR community. This selective campaign gives Hill a platform to further demonstrate his skills on larger stages while maintaining ties to the organization and sponsor that have played pivotal roles in his career. As he returns to competition at Phoenix Raceway, all eyes will be on his performance and prospects for future accomplishments in the Cup Series.
Austin Hill will have five Cup Series starts with United Rentals as his sponsor, starting with Phoenix Raceway. pic.twitter.com/PYE5xKqepw
— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) February 25, 2026
