“Respect is out of the window”: Richard Childress’ NASCAR driver gets 100% real on the controversial end at Martinsville

By Palak Gupta

Modified Mar 30, 2025 16:02 GMT

NASCAR Xfinity: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Martinsville - Source: Imagn — Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill at Martinsville Speedway on Mar 29, 2025. Image: Imagn

Austin Hill, driving for Richard Childress Racing, shared his take on the aggressive racing and chaotic finish following his second win of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season this week at Martinsville Speedway. This was also the 100th Xfinity win for team owner Richard Childress.

Saturday's U.S. Marine Corps 250 was chaotic, with 14 cautions over 104 laps. Taylor Gray and Sammy Smith were fighting for the lead, and on the last lap, the latter spun the former out. Hill squeezed through the chaos and beat Sheldon Creed to the finish line by 0.190 seconds. The racing during the final laps was heavily criticized by many fans and drivers alike.

During a post-race press conference, the Richard Childress Racing's No. 21 Chevrolet driver spoke about the controversial end after stealing the win.

"All these guys are running into each other. I'm like, well, hell, if I do it, then you can't be mad at me for doing it. You know what I'm saying? So, I think at the end of the day, when it's green-white-checkered at a Martinsville race, just the respect stuff's out the window, and I hate to say that," Austin Hill said via The Kenny Wallace Show on X.

Expand Tweet

The race was set for 250 laps but went to 256 because of overtime. JR Motorsports' Connor Zilisch, who won the pole position, led 100 laps but finished 28th after late crashes. Sheldon Creed finished second and Justin Allgaier took the third spot.

Austin Hill further added that he wished for a cleaner race at the short track and said he would rather win by skill than by pushing and wrecking others.

"I wish that, I'm not one to, probably, be the best one to speak on it, but I wish that there was a way that we could settle it down a little more... Like, I wish that we could race a different way at Martinsville than what we do to win at this racetrack," Hill said.

Hill is currently ranked third in the Xfinity points standings after two wins and three other top-10 finishes.

Austin Hill to make five NASCAR Cup starts for Richard Childress Racing

Austin Hill race is set to return to part-time racing in the NASCAR Cup Series this season. Richard Childress Racing announced earlier this week that he will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet in five races with United Rentals as his sponsor. The 30-year-old made four starts with the team last year and made his best finish, 25th at Daytona International Speedway.

Hill's first race will be on April 6 at Darlington Raceway, with crew chief Andy Street. He will also race at Chicago, Daytona, Bristol, and Talladega.

"We have been strategic with adding new tracks to the lineup each season, which allows me to gain valuable experience," Austin Hill said in a team release.

Hill has made 10 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series over three years.

About the author

Palak Gupta is a dynamic motorsports writer with a unique blend of experience in economics and a passion for storytelling. Her enthusiasm for writing and a keen interest in racing steered her toward this field. With two years of professional writing experience, Palak has previously worked with Bhoomi, a non-profit organization, and as a content executive at MoreTasks Business Solution.

To maintain accuracy and uphold journalistic integrity, Palak relies on reputable sources such as official websites, trusted news outlets, and credible channels, while also keeping an eye on trends across social media platforms and forums like Reddit. She actively follows developments in motorsports, constantly seeking unique angles for her stories to deliver fresh and engaging content to her readers.

Inspired by Ross Chastain’s unconventional yet spectacular wall ride during the 2022 NASCAR season, Palak appreciates daring moves that defy norms and capture the spirit of motorsports. Although she doesn't have a favorite driver, she admires such moments that make history.

While she recognizes that NASCAR may never reach the global prominence of Formula 1, Palak suggests expanding internationally and investing in technology to grow its audience. Palak is also an avid movie and documentary enthusiast, enjoys gardening, and loves to sketch and paint in her spare time.

Know More

Edited by Tushar Bahl