No. 21 Austin Hill is a force to be reckoned with in the win of stages 1 and 2 at the United Rentals 300 for the final Xfinity practice before Sunday’s race. The Richard Childress driver could make history if he can hold on to the lead. If he holds on to the lead, he’ll win his fourth consecutive opener for the Daytona 500. Additionally, he’ll join ranks with “the intimidator” Dale Earnhardt Sr., who stands at five consecutive wins from 1990-94, crushing that record.
Austin Hill’s Domination
Hill has also won pole positions at NASCAR’s iconic tracks, such as Daytona International, Atlanta Motor, and Talladega. Even though Austin Hill has dominated throughout Saturday’s practice for the Great American race, there’s still a chance to fall from grace.
JR Motorsports driver No. 7 Justin Allgaier is also here for the win, holding the number five spot. Sheldon Creed has also fallen below him in under 1.331 seconds at grid 6. Taylor Gray has also gained a significant edge at grid 2 with 1.103s. Which of these drivers will hold onto the lead and grip the starting position for Sunday’s race?
It’s down to the wire, and though Austin Hill is being pushed from every angle, he’s pushing back to continue leading the pact. Can he continue to hold off Allgaier and Gray to hold onto the win for the final? Allgaier, who is set to run in both the Xfinity and Cup Series this weekend, currently holds five top-tens and has been acknowledged as a runner-up at Phoenix in 2024.
Connor Zilisch will also make history by piloting the No. 88 for JR Motorsports as a rookie and is eyeing his first victory. What better way to cap off the season’s first race than winning the crown jewel of all races, the Daytona 500? Fans are on the edge of their seats, so stay tuned.
