Remember the clash between Austin Hill and Aric Almirola at Indy in July 2025? During the Pennzoil 250, Hill’s contact sent Almirola crashing hard, earning Hill a one-race suspension. The wreck stirred up plenty of debate, some defended Hill, others didn’t. Now, with tension rising amid playoffs pressure, Dale Earnhardt Jr. hints Almirola’s revenge could be near.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver nudged Austin Hill’s car. This contact set off a crash when Hill hooked Almirola’s right rear into the Turn 4 wall. Almirola called it “one of the hardest hits I’ve taken in my NASCAR career,” likening it to the wreck that broke his back in 2017. Hill later said the wreck was “fully unintentional”.

Hill drew a one-race suspension, five penalty laps, and the loss of 21 playoff bonus points. Austin Dillon filled his seat at Iowa. However, after returning from the ban, one more controversy erupted at Watkins Glen.

This week’s return of Hill and the part-time Almirola to the same track has now set the scene for fireworks. The Richard Childress driver could be in trouble, as the veteran driver warns of fallout ahead.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes retaliation could be on the cards

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast recently teased a dramatic showdown brewing behind the scenes. He hinted that Almirola isn’t backing down quietly. “He might come back, finish the story. WWE style,” he said, invoking the classic WWE revenge narrative. He added with fierce confidence that “he ain’t scared of nobody.”

This reflects on Almirola as a driver whose quiet demeanor masks a potent capacity for payback. The podcast frames the incident as unfinished business, suggesting the Indy contact has ignited a personal vendetta rather than just a racing incident.

This reimagined persona of a “fearless Almirola” gains credibility considering his history. After retiring from full-time Cup racing, Almirola embraced a mentorship role with JGR while running a part-time Xfinity schedule. This brought both experience and edge to the cockpit.

Dale Jr.’s podcast referenced “stories behind closed doors,” implying Almirola has been involved in confrontations and team-room heat previously. Incidents perhaps overshadowed by his calmer public image. Coupled with his comment that the Indy crash “felt very similar to when I broke my back,” the emphasis becomes not just on the physical blow but on the emotional breach of racing etiquette. NASCAR’s penalty, while formal, may not settle the personal score this time.

Looking ahead, Hill and Almirola’s trajectories diverge sharply. Hill remains locked into the playoffs. With depleted points, Almirola could become a wild card. Especially with his part-time Xfinity role.

He is now free to race with reckless intent. If they meet on the track again before the season ends, expect fireworks that go far beyond the points. Whether this will fuel a career-defining moment for Hill or a revenge arc straight out of a WWE storyline, the drama is far from over.

However, this isn’t Austin Hill’s first wreck-related controversy, his recent collision has once again put him under the scanner.

From Almirola to McDowell: The crash course of Austin Hill

Austin Hill didn’t slow down, not on the track, and not in controversy. He’s now under serious scrutiny after causing a massive crash at Watkins Glen that took out sixteen cars and brought the NASCAR Xfinity Series to a halt.

Hill made contact with Michael McDowell while battling for position, and the wreck was so intense that CW’s live broadcast cut away from the race to air interviews with both drivers. Fans were shocked, and many are now questioning whether Hill’s aggressive style is becoming a liability.

After Aric Almirola’s incident, and collision with Michael McDowell at Watkins Glen, Hill’s driving has raised eyebrows.

NASCAR said it looked intentional, and Hill’s angry radio rant didn’t help: “F–k NASCAR. That is f—ing bulls–t.” He later apologized to officials, but the damage was done. Add that to last year’s clash with Cole Custer, who accused Hill of “trying to kill me”, and it’s clear this isn’t just a one-time thing.

At Watkins Glen, Hill defended his move, saying it was just “two guys going for it.” He didn’t apologize, but said he’d take the blame if people saw it that way. With the playoffs approaching and tensions rising, fans and drivers alike are asking: is Austin Hill just racing hard, or is he crossing the line too often?