The Xfinity Series race at Daytona was a whirlwind of chaos. Just moments after the green flag dropped, a caution was issued due to a multi-car pileup in Turn 3 that involved several drivers from the middle of the pack, including RCR’s Austin Hill, the Daytona 500 victor.
However, his race took a turn for the worse almost immediately. Hill, a strong contender for victory, was frustrated as his #33 car was forced out of the race. Fans, however, seemed to revel in his misfortune.
What transpired at Turn 3 of Daytona? Amidst the excitement, Ryan Truex emerged victorious, capturing his second win of the season. Chandler Smith finished in second, followed by Parker Kligerman in third. Austin Hill, who had qualified in second position, faced an early setback with a malfunctioning radio, which forced him to start from the rear.
Despite his early exit from the race, Hill will advance to the playoffs due to his strong season performance. Before this race, he had participated in 21 events this season, with two DNFs, earning 698 points and placing third overall. His season includes two wins, eight top-five finishes, and two stage victories. He has led 139 laps and maintains an average finishing position of 11th, which is slightly lower than his average starting position. Despite his impressive stats, Hill is not particularly popular among fans, who took pleasure in his misfortune.
In his third full-time Xfinity season with RCR, Hill has shown potential after a successful stint in the Truck Series. However, his performances in Xfinity have been inconsistent, and his handling of on-track incidents has often drawn criticism. The aftermath of that incident saw accusations of RCR favoring Hill over Creed, fueling more disdain towards Hill. This sentiment was echoed by fans who expressed relief at his misfortunes.
One fan updated others on Hill’s condition, noting that he reported severe car vibrations and was heading to the garage for repairs. What did you think of the chaotic Daytona race? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
