Austin Hill will compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs but it’s still not without a major penalty
Two weeks ago, Austin Hill hooked Aric Almirola in the right rear at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. NASCAR viewed this action as a retaliation.
In the race, Hill was held on the pit lane to serve an in-race penalty. The RCR driver proceeded to cuss out NASCAR over the team radio as he was told that he would be parked on the pit lane.
However, that wasn’t the end of it.
In the weekly penalty report, Hill was issued a one-race suspension. He was found in violation of rules 4.3.A; 4.4.B & D.
Austin Hill suspended by NASCAR after retaliation on Aric Almirola
With 3 race wins, Hill has already qualified for the playoffs. However, NASCAR also has a rule that playoff drivers are required to run every event.
Even when he’s forced to sit due to a suspension, that counts as missing a race. NASCAR isn’t required to offer a waiver, allowing him to compete in the playoffs.
On Tuesday, NASCAR confirmed that Austin Hill will be granted a playoff waiver. This puts him back into the playoffs. However, it’s not without penalty.
Hill has still lost all playoff points. Instead, he’ll start the playoffs in last place with just 2,000 points, even with 3 race wins.
The 31-year-old will return to the the No. 21 car this weekend at Watkins Glen International.
Watch the video of the Austin Hill incident (Video)
