Austin Hill Wins, Advances to Championship Race at Homestead

Austin Hill lifting the trophy in Victory Lane after winning at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday, October 26, 2024. (Photo: Ricky Martinez | The Podium Finish)

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Austin Hill came so close to reaching the Championship 4 just one season ago before the chaotic finish at Martinsville. However, that will not be a problem this year after Hill grabbed the victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway and punched his ticket to Phoenix to compete for a title.

Hill dominated, sweeping the stages and leading a race-high 82 laps en route to his fourth win of the season. Winning also clinched Hill’s first-ever NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4 berth.

“I worked so hard for this. A lot of people doubt me, but I wake up every day to prove them wrong,” said Hill. “I deserve to be here, and I deserve to race for a championship. This (No.) 21 team deserves it just as much as I do.”

On top of being arguably the biggest victory of his career thus far, it was one of the most emotional Hill has ever had.

“I can honestly say I’ve never cried coming to the start-finish line, but I had to get my emotions together going into Turn 1 after the checkered, all the hard work and dedication that goes into this,” Hill said. “I don’t think everyone’s going to understand what this means for me, my family and for (Hill’s sponsor) Bennett. I had to be on it today. This is amazing. To be able to go the Final Four. I’ve worked so hard at this and my dreams came true.”

Austin Hill doing a burnout on the front straightaway at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (Photo: Ricky Martinez | The Podium Finish)

Hill now joins AJ Allmendinger, who won last week at Las Vegas, as the only two drivers locked into the Championship 4 with one race remaining.

Finishing in second behind Hill was Cole Custer, who now sits 28 points above the cutline heading into the elimination race at Martinsville. Custer led 67 laps, but he was not as fast as Hill at the end of the race.

“That last run for whatever reason we got pretty free,” Custer said. “The (No.) 21 seemed like they got way better than they were the second to last run.”

The solid points cushion helps Custer relax heading into Martinsville, but anyone can win and punch their ticket to Phoenix.

Austin Hill doing a burnout after winning the Credit One NASCAR Amex Credit Card 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (Photo: Ricky Martinez | The Podium Finish)

“Solid points day and we’ll move into Martinsville,” said Custer. “Just got to bring everything we got there because you never know who’s going to win.”

The other driver above the cutline on points is Justin Allgaier, who is 35 points to the good after finishing in eighth place.

Beneath the cutline are Chandler Smith, Jesse Love, Sam Mayer and Sammy Smith, who are all in must-win situations barring a disastrous finish for Allgaier or Custer at Martinsville.

Playoff Standings (Race 2/3 in the Round of 8)

1. Austin Hill (ADVANCED)
2. AJ Allmendinger (ADVANCED)
3. Justin Allgaier +35
4. Cole Custer +28
5. Chandler Smith -28
6. Jesse Love -35
7. Sam Mayer -47
8. Sammy Smith -95

Stage 1 Top 10 Results

1. Austin Hill
2. Aric Almirola
3. Sheldon Creed
4. Justin Allgaier
5. Cole Custer
6. Sam Mayer
7. AJ Allmendinger
8. Riley Herbst
9. Chandler Smith
10. Ryan Sieg

Stage 2 Top 10 Results

1. Austin Hill
2. AJ Allmendinger
3. Cole Custer
4. Ryan Sieg
5. Aric Almirola
6. Sheldon Creed
7. Justin Allgaier
8. Chandler Smith
9. Jesse Love
10. William Sawalich

Credit One NASCAR Amex Credit Card 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway Finishing Results