Indianapolis, July 26, 2025 — NASCAR officials are taking a closer look at a late-race collision between Austin Hill and Aric Almirola during the Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with the possibility of additional sanctions against Hill still on the table.
🚧 The Incident
With about ten laps remaining, Almirola made contact with Hill entering Turn 3, causing Hill’s No. 21 Chevrolet to slide sideways. After regaining control, Hill veered back into Almirola’s right rear, sending Almirola’s car crashing hard into the outside wall — in an area notably lacking SAFER barrier protection . Almirola described the impact as “one of the hardest hits in my entire NASCAR career,” comparing it to the crash where he once suffered a broken back .
Immediate Penalty
NASCAR issued a five‑lap penalty to Hill for reckless driving, placing him 34th in the final standings — one lap ahead of Almirola, who finished 35th . NASCAR has confirmed it will continue reviewing the incident and may impose further discipline, with decisions expected in the midweek penalty report .
Radio Tirade & Reactions
After the penalty was announced, Hill voiced his frustration over team radio:
“Oh they can go f*** themselves. F*** NASCAR… I’m f***ing sideways… I run into the #19 [Almirola].”
Meanwhile, Almirola was vocal in claiming the move was intentional:
“He blocked me three times… he got me loose and he just turned left and hooked me.”
Defender in the Ranks: Richard Childress Speaks Out
Richard Childress, owner of Hill’s Richard Childress Racing, strongly defended his driver and criticized NASCAR’s perceived inconsistency. He pointed to a previous incident at Circuit of the Americas involving Austin Cindric, who was fined and docked points for spinning Ty Dillon:
“Hell no! They didn’t do a damn thing to the 2 car… It’s who you are. We’re a blue‑collar team, they give us trouble all the time.”
What’s Next
NASCAR rules allow officials to escalate penalties if deemed intentional. Further action—such as suspension or points deductions—is possible based on the ongoing incident review . These decisions typically come midweek as part of the weekly penalty report.
A key consequence: any suspension would strip Hill and the No. 21 team of all playoff bonus points for the season, severely impacting their championship chances .
📊 Quick Summary
Issue
Details
Crash
Hill’s car drifted and struck Almirola’s right rear, launching him into wall
Penalty
5‑lap hold for reckless driving; finishing 34th vs. Almirola’s 35th
Hill’s reaction
Profanity-laced outburst over team radio
Almirola’s stance
Maintains it was intentional
Childress’s view
Criticizes NASCAR inconsistency; defends Hill and accuses bias
Potential for escalation
NASCAR reviewing—suspension or point loss possible; verdict expected midweek
✅ Bottom Line
While Hill’s five-lap penalty was imposed during the race, NASCAR is still evaluating whether his actions constituted intentional wrecking—which could lead to more serious consequences, including a suspension. That decision is expected in NASCAR’s penalty report midweek.
