Richard Childress Racing announced on Thursday that Austin Hill has agreed to and signed a multi-year extension to race for the organization’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program in the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro SS. The announcement was made during Thursday’s NASCAR Race Hub show on FOX Sports 1 alongside RCR vice president of competition Andy Petree.

Hill, who is currently leading the NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season championship point standings, has locked himself into the NASCAR Playoffs on the strength of four wins.

“I’ve found a home at Richard Childress Racing and it’s an honor to be able to continue my career racing for one of the most successful organizations in the garage,” said Hill. “In looking at the next step of my career, I was presented with several opportunities, but it all came down to being surrounded by racers who want to win, believe in me, and will do their best to give me every opportunity to be successful. I want to thank Richard Childress and everyone at RCR and ECR Engines. I’m excited to race for wins and championships within the NASCAR Xfinity Series for years to come.”

The Winston, Georgia, native first joined RCR in 2022 and has found success with the 54-year-old race team. Each of Hill’s six NASCAR Xfinity Series race wins have come under the RCR banner. He has earned a total of 24 top-five and 38 top-10 finishes over the past two seasons with crew chief Andy Street and the No. 21 team.

“Austin Hill has set a benchmark for competitiveness within the garage and has proven to be a talented racer who wants to win,” said Richard Childress, chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “We’re pleased that Austin has found success at RCR and are looking forward to competing for a championship in 2023, 2024, and beyond.”

I have a feeling this move had deeper implications too. I mean Hill has proven himself that he’s deserving of a Cup Series ride. His name was even mentioned as a possible driver to go to Kaulig Racing’s No. 31 Chevrolet for next season or even Legacy Motor Club’s No. 42 ride.

So, with being mentioned as a Cup driver and deserving of being one, why not be one? Why stay? Which is why I feel like RCR has bigger plans for Hill.

Is it a third Cup ride? Is it Kyle Busch’s eventual replacement? Something is in the works beyond the Xfinity Series in 2024 I feel.

For Kaulig, it’s back open for the 31 again. We know Justin Haley is leaving. That’s already been announced. For the Legacy ride, John Hunter Nemechek appears to still be the driver being courted for that ride but maybe Kaulig is a potential landing spot for him too.