Richard Childress Racing’s (RCR) standout driver, Austin Hill, is gearing up for the upcoming race at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a distinctive strategy aimed at outpacing NASCAR ace Kyle Larson and dominating the competition. While many drivers, including Larson, are known for their high-line racing style—hugging the outer wall to maximize speed—Hill plans to exploit the less-traveled bottom lane to gain a competitive edge.
Hill’s affinity for the bottom lane isn’t a recent development. Throughout his career, he’s consistently favored this approach, attributing his success to a preference for a looser race car setup. This configuration allows him to navigate the lower part of the track more effectively, a tactic that paid off when he secured a spot in last season’s championship four by besting Cole Custer at Homestead-Miami. Reflecting on his racing style, Hill remarked, “I’ve always been one to run the bottom a lot… I’ve been able to make it work at a lot of various racetracks, not just Homestead.”
In contrast, Kyle Larson, fresh off a dramatic victory in the Truck Series at Homestead, is renowned for his mastery of the high line. In that race, despite a late spin that relegated him to the back of the pack, Larson showcased his skill by meticulously navigating back to the front, ultimately clinching the win. His prowess in running close to the wall has made him a formidable competitor at tracks like Homestead.
Acknowledging the challenge Larson presents, Hill remains confident in his bottom-lane strategy. He believes that his car setup and racing style can counter Larson’s high-line dominance. Hill also noted that while he might need to adapt and run the top if circumstances demand, his primary focus will be on leveraging his strength at the bottom of the track.
As the race approaches, fans and analysts are keen to see how these contrasting strategies will play out. Will Hill’s bold approach to the bottom lane disrupt Larson’s high-line supremacy? The upcoming showdown at Homestead-Miami Speedway promises to be a thrilling display of tactical racing and driver skill.
