Austin Hill will participate in selected NASCAR Cup Series races for Richard Childress Racing in 2026, piloting the No. 33 Chevrolet with primary sponsorship from United Rentals. His first race on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule 2026 is set for March 8 at Phoenix Raceway, marking his 16th Cup start.
Hill Announces Part-Time Cup Return with United Rentals
Richard Childress Racing confirmed Hill‘s upcoming schedule, as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series standout takes on additional Cup events next season. United Rentals, a longstanding sponsor, will again support Hill in his return, strengthening a partnership nearly ten years in the making. The team has seen recent Cup success, highlighted by a top-10 finish at Chicago last year and a near win at Talladega in the fall.
“United Rentals continues to be a special part of my career and carrying their colors once again in the Cup Series means a lot,”
Hill said.
“I’ve represented their company for almost a decade now and it never gets old winning races and having success together. The No. 33 team was able to get our first top-10 last season in Chicago, and I genuinely felt like we had a shot to win the fall race at Talladega.”
– Austin Hill, Driver
Hill’s goals include gaining valuable experience and preparing for a future with more extensive Cup participation, as he acknowledges the benefit of an expanded track lineup.
“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
A Consistent Force in NOAPS Superspeedway Racing
Now 31, Hill continues to shine in his fifth full-time season in the NOAPS, starting 2026 with a victory at Daytona International Speedway — his fourth win in the last five season openers at that track. Hill’s superspeedway resume is notable: since 2022, he has collected 15 total wins in NOAPS competition, 11 of which have come at drafting tracks. His dominance shows further with leading 887 laps, earning 18 stage wins, and ranking second with 328 stage points at superspeedways during the stage racing era, according to Daniel Cespedes.
Hill’s Cup Series experience extends over four years with select appearances; his top finish remains 14th at Daytona in 2022. As he tackles more races in 2026, Hill and Richard Childress Racing aim to build on recent gains and position themselves for possible breakthrough runs during the part-time campaign.
What Lies Ahead for Hill and Richard Childress Racing
Hill’s commitment to the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series schedule 2026 adds depth to Richard Childress Racing’s efforts. With support from United Rentals and steady improvement in both NOAPS and prior Cup starts, Hill is well-positioned to further his career ambitions. The motorsport community will watch closely as Hill seeks to increase his competitiveness at the highest level, aiming for more top-ten finishes and long-term success in future full-time opportunities.
NEWS: United Rentals to sponsor select NASCAR Cup series races with Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill in 2026
For more information, please visit https://t.co/MagVYvAJQv pic.twitter.com/bk6N8lCyxv
— RCR (@RCRracing) February 25, 2026
Austin Hill at drafting tracks vs. all drivers in the Stage Racing era:
Wins: 11 (1st)
Laps Led: 887 (1st)
Stage Wins: 18 (1st)
Stage Points: 328 (2nd)All-time, 73.3% of his wins have been on drafting tracks, the highest rate of any driver with 5+ career wins. pic.twitter.com/yVJ8V5sFdk
— Daniel Céspedes (@_DanielCespedes) February 15, 2026
