Every athlete has their quirks, but NASCAR driver Austin Hill might take the cake. While some drivers have lucky socks or special routines, Hill’s superstition centers on a crispy, savory delight that he believes has a significant impact on his race-day performance. Considering his success, the superstition might be true!

Hill first made headlines in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Hattori Racing where he achieved notable victories, including the 2019 season opener at Daytona. That win at Daytona not only jump-started his career but also solidified his place as a rising star. He then racked up wins at iconic tracks like Las Vegas and Homestead-Miami, proving that he’s got the skills to succeed on a variety of circuits. Whether it’s a genuine belief or just a quirky pre-race tradition, it has become an essential part of Hill’s race-day routine and has him in the 2024 Xfinity playoffs.

Austin Hill, Bacon, and Wins: The Connection?

During a Question and Answer game for NASCAR, Austin Hill revealed the key to his mindset on race days: “I have to have bacon on race day. If I miss it and something happens on the race track, I always blame the bacon. I don’t blame anything else.” Hill has already established himself as a fierce competitor in NASCAR, but one can’t help but wonder how much of that success is tied to his unusual superstition.

Following his truck success in the 2010s, the Georgia native moved up to the Xfinity series to test his mettle. In 2021, Richard Childress Racing announced him as a full-time driver. And he wasted no time making waves. His first big Xfinity Series win came at the 2022 Daytona season opener, where he passed A. J. Allmendinger on the last lap in a thrilling finish.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Austin Hill continued to impress at his home track of Atlanta, where he led the most laps and clinched his second career Xfinity Series victory. Throughout 2022, he showcased his consistency and versatility, leading to multiple playoff appearances and capping off the year by earning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year title. The following year, Hill kicked off the 2023 season in style by securing his second straight season-opening win at Daytona. He followed up with wins at Las Vegas, Atlanta (again!), and Pocono, which carried him to a fifth-place finish in the final standings.

In 2024, Hill has stacked up his achievements to build an already impressive resume, but the Xfinity series title still eludes him. He made history by winning his third consecutive season opener at Daytona, followed by another strategic victory at Atlanta, thanks to smart fuel management. Bacon might not have been the only thing powering him through, but it’s fun to imagine it playing a part.

However, Austin Hill’s 2024 season hasn’t been without its challenges. After a dramatic clash with fellow driver Cole Custer at Charlotte, he found himself in hot water, facing a $25,000 fine and a crucial 25-point deduction. He definitely blamed the bacon on that day. Still, with three wins and 18 top-10 finishes in the Xfinity Series this season, Hill remains a serious contender.

Looking Ahead: Bacon on the Menu at Homestead?

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As the NASCAR Xfinity Series nears its climax, Hill sits fifth in the standings, just eight points below the cut for the championship four. His next big challenge? Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he’ll need a stellar performance to stay in the hunt for the title. He will look for a strong showing to keep his hopes alive after a P10 finish at Las Vegas. As he gears up for the last races of the season, it’s safe to say that skipping bacon on race day is not an option.

While oddsmakers have Austin Hill as a +1800 underdog to win at Homestead, his past performances suggest he’s more than capable of pulling off a surprise. In 2022, he finished in the top 10 at the track, and in 2023, he improved to a top-5 finish. Whether you believe in superstitions or not, his love for bacon has become part of his racing identity and is critical to his quest for his first Xfinity series title. Do you think Austin Hill will finally get over the hump this season?