Austin Hill Returns for Fifth Season in NASCAR

In the heart of NASCAR’s off-season buzz, Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has locked in one of its most consistent performers for another year. On January 9, 2026, the Welcome, North Carolina-based team announced that Austin Hill (pictured) will return to pilot the No. 21 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (Xfinity Series) for his fifth consecutive season.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The news came wrapped in a multi-year partnership extension with Bennett Family of Companies, the anchor primary sponsor that’s been with Hill since his rookie campaign with RCR in 2022. Bennett Transportation & Logistics will once again deck out the No. 21 car in its signature livery, continuing a collaboration that’s proven mutually beneficial both on the track and in the boardroom.

Hill, the Winston, Georgia native, has built an impressive resume during his time at RCR. He’s captured the 2023 regular season championship, qualified for the Playoffs in every one of his four seasons with the team, and racked up 14 wins since 2022—including a standout performance in 2025 that saw him secure four victories and lock the No. 21 into the Championship 4 via owner points after his Talladega triumph.

Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 2025 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images for NASCAR)

His dominance on drafting-style tracks has even eclipsed records once held by NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart.

“We’ve built something special both on and off the track with Bennett Transportation and Logistics,” Hill said in the announcement. “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.”

The partnership with Bennett isn’t just about paint schemes—it’s a strategic alliance. The Georgia-headquartered, woman-owned company (WBENC-certified) has leveraged its NASCAR involvement to boost customer relationships, promote safety culture, recruit drivers, and spark new business growth in trucking, specialized logistics, and more. With over 4,625 drivers/owner-operators and a nationwide network, Bennett sees the No. 21 program as a rolling showcase of teamwork and performance.

Lynette Mathis, vice president of Bennett Family of Companies, echoed the enthusiasm:

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Austin Hill in 2026. 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.”

RCR president Mike Verlander highlighted the shared values driving the long-term commitment:

“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.”

With Hill confirmed alongside defending series champion Jesse Love in the No. 2 Chevrolet, RCR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series lineup remains unchanged heading into 2026—no driver swaps needed after a strong showing last season. In the Cup Series, veterans Austin Dillon (No. 3) and Kyle Busch (No. 8) round out a stable team ready to chase more checkered flags.

The green flag for the 2026 season drops soon: The United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway kicks things off on Saturday, February 14, airing live on The CW Network at 5 p.m. ET. For Hill and the No. 21 squad, it’s another shot at turning strong momentum into that elusive series championship—backed by a sponsor and team that believe in the driver and the dream. Stay tuned; the road to Victory Lane looks promising.