Austin Hill’s journey to NASCAR dominance began long before he was a household name. At just six years old, he was already gripping the wheel of a Quarter Midget, racing towards the future, a few could predict. By 2002, he had already claimed a championship in the series, foreshadowing the success to arrive on his plate. His relentless drive carried him through the ranks, leading him to a Truck Series regular-season championship in 2020. Now that’s a talented driver. Everyone could see it and Dale Earnhardt Jr. was one.

But Hill wasn’t one to settle. By 2022, he had dived into the NASCAR Xfinity Series, proving he belonged among the best. Now, with a reputation as one of the most formidable superspeedway racers, Hill has carved out a place in history. But his latest achievement at Atlanta Motor Speedway has sparked a new conversation. It brings him face-to-face with the Earnhardt legacy.

Austin Hill’s superspeedway mastery gets noticed by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Austin Hill’s dominance at Atlanta Motor Speedway continues to redefine what it means to excel on superspeedways in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The Richard Childress Racing driver delivered another statement victory in the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250. He led 146 of 163 laps and secured his third consecutive Atlanta win.

But perhaps the biggest milestone of the night was Hill surpassing Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the most laps led on superspeedways in Xfinity history. 734 to Earnhardt’s 691. Hill has reached this mark in significantly fewer races, proving his sheer talent in the draft-heavy racing style. It probably skyrockets him into NASCAR’s elites.

Even Dale Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged Hill’s exceptional ability on his Dirty Air podcast, saying, “This kid Austin Hill has done it in a shorter amount of races, right? I’ve ran 30 some races, I guess. And he’s done it in 20-something.” Hill’s rapid rise in superspeedway racing is no coincidence. His aggressive yet calculated approach has made him nearly untouchable at tracks like Atlanta, Daytona, and Talladega.

Earnhardt further praised Hill’s natural instincts behind the wheel, adding, “He has the right mentality that makes a great racer in that style of racing. He just does! He doesn’t think about it… just keeps his foot on the damn gas and he just does.” Hill’s five career Xfinity wins at Atlanta now tie a record held formerly by Kevin Harvick. Undoubtedly, this is a testament to his ability to control the draft and outmaneuver the competition.

Hill’s success isn’t just about speed. It’s about his strategic dominance in the draft, an area where Earnhardt Jr. believes he is unmatched. “He’s very smart, controls the lanes, has enough race cars that not many people get runs on him,” Earnhardt explained.

It’s that ability to dictate the race that has Earnhardt Jr. cautioning his own drivers about helping Hill. “If you push that 21 (Hill) into the lead, you’re signing up to run second…my gut would tell me not to push the 21 into the lead because he’s hard to pass once he gets it.” 

This was evident from his recent outing at Atlanta.

With eight total superspeedway wins in the Xfinity Series (a record he now shares with Dale Jr and Tony Stewart), Hill has not only established himself as a leading force in the series but reinforced Richard Childress Racing’s supremacy on drafting tracks. As the season progresses, the question is no longer whether Hill can dominate on superspeedways – It’s whether anyone can stop him.

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Can Austin Hill redeem himself at Circuit of the Americas next?

Significantly, the NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Circuit of The Americas (COTA) this weekend for the Focused Health 250. Without a doubt, Austin Hill looks for redemption. He wants more success!

Last year’s race ended in heartbreak for him. Shane van Gisbergen nudged Hill on the final lap, sending both drivers up the track in Turn 16. Hill, who had been in prime position for the win, ultimately settled for a frustrating second-place finish. Rather an unlucky drive, one could say.

Hill has proven his ability beyond superspeedways, showing strong road course performances in recent years. His adaptability and aggressive yet controlled driving style make him a threat at COTA. This is where track position and late-race aggression often determine the outcome. If last year’s dramatic finish was any indication, fans can expect another intense battle.

Hill’s confidence will be key in preparing for this year’s Focused Health 250. Will Hill be able to secure his much-deserved and missed win from last year at COTA? Or will another late-race twist shake things up again?