Richard Childress has been a NASCAR fixture since 1969, first as a driver, then as a team owner known for mentoring rising talent at Richard Childress Racing. Over the decades, he’s guided many to success. But recently, one of his part-time Cup Series drivers, Austin Hill, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The 31-year-old’s string of wrecks has cast a spotlight on Childress’ apparent favoritism.

Hill, who races full-time in the Xfinity Series with RCR’s No. 21 Chevrolet, has drawn criticism for his aggressive style and repeated involvement in high-stakes wrecks. From a one-week suspension for hooking Aric Almirola at Indy to a pileup at Watkins Glen involving Michael McDowell, Austin Hill’s aggressive moves have frustrated competitors.

Fans are now openly questioning Richard Childress‘ integrity, pointing to his staunch support for Austin Hill amid a string of reckless incidents that culminated in the Daytona chaos, where he was caught in a Lap 27 wreck and finished 25th after a strong start.

The incident saw Austin Hill fall from the front row due to poor drafting help from JR Motorsports, leading to a crash that took out playoff hopefuls. A win would’ve boosted RCR’s momentum, especially with Hill’s part-time Cup efforts in the No. 33.

Earlier, after Hill wrecked Aric Almirola at Indianapolis, Richard Childress dismissed suspension calls, saying, “Hell no. They didn’t do a damn thing to the No. 2 car when he wrecked Ty and admitted to it… We’re a blue-collar team; they give us trouble all the time”. Fans saw this as loyalty overriding accountability.

Almirola later criticized Hill’s conduct, pointing to a contradiction, saying, “He stood up in Martinsville claiming to be a role model… I think that’s kinda laughable after that one.”

Together, these remarks fueled criticism that Childress’ unwavering support may be enabling reckless behavior, putting his blue-collar ethos under scrutiny as fans call for fairness over favoritism.

Over on Reddit, the conversation heats up with a post claiming “Austin Hill has wrecked 29 cars since return from suspension,” sparking debates that echo broader frustrations in the NASCAR community.

Fan reactions pour in for Austin Hill’s action

One fan quipped sarcastically, “Austin’s just trying to be a good example to younger drivers,” twisting Hill’s own words from a Martinsville drivers’ meeting where he pledged to be a role model on racing etiquette. This jab stems from Hill’s post-suspension spree, including the Indy hook that earned a one-race ban and cost him playoff points.

Fans see a pattern, especially after Almirola pointed out the irony, Hill’s actions clash with the mentoring image expected in a sport where young drivers look up to veterans. Aggression can inspire, but only when it’s clean and respectful.

Another reaction hit hard: “Why was he even in a Cup car?” This stems from Hill’s primary role in Xfinity with RCR‘s No. 21, where he’s notched wins like three in 2025, but his part-time Cup stints in the No. 33 have fueled criticism amid wrecks.

Hill has started 12 Cup Series races since 2022 with no wins, drawing scrutiny, especially when incidents like Daytona impact higher-profile contenders. It’s a fair point for fans who argue Cup spots should go to full-timers, highlighting how partial schedules can amplify mistakes in high-pressure packs.

“I won’t hold Daytona against him because it is, after all, Daytona, but IMO, his move at Watkins Glen should have at least gotten him parked for the rest of the race.” Daytona’s superspeedway nature often breeds unavoidable chaos, as seen in the Lap 27 tri-oval tangle, but Watkins Glen‘s road course demands precision.

Hill’s collision sent McDowell airborne, blocking the track for over a dozen cars and requiring 45-minute repairs. No penalty followed, unlike his prior ban, leaving fans feeling NASCAR missed a chance to curb escalating risks on varied tracks.

Sarcasm struck again with “Austin Hill to RCR’s GM Goodwrench Service #29 Cup car confirmed!/s,” mocking a potential full-time promotion to the historic No. 29 once tied to Kevin Harvick and Goodwrench sponsorships from 1995 to 2010.

Hill’s Xfinity success, like breaking Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s drafting win record, contrasts his wreck tally, making the joke land as fans doubt his readiness for Cup amid ongoing incidents. It nods to RCR’s past glory while questioning if Hill fits that mold without cleaner racing.

Finally, a practical gripe: “He almost caused a major wreck last night when the pack came up on him to lap him. I know the rule has always been for slower/lapped cars to pick a line and hold it, but for Daytona and Talladega, that line should be the high one.”

As a lapped car in Daytona’s draft-heavy field, Hill’s positioning nearly triggered more damage, clashing with unwritten superspeedway norms favoring the outside line for safety. This builds on his 25th-place finish, underscoring how even passive moments can escalate in pack racing, prompting calls for rule tweaks to prevent avoidable risks.