Austin Dillon, who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing, unexpectedly returned to the Xfinity Series in 2025 when he drove the No. 3 Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. This marked Dillon’s first Xfinity race since 2023 and his first with Richard Childress Racing at that level since 2018. Initially, this was meant to be a one-off event with no further Xfinity plans for Dillon that season.
However, Dillon was called upon again to substitute for full-time driver Austin Hill in the No. 21 Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway after Hill was suspended for an incident involving a right-rear hook against Joe Gibbs Racing’s Aric Almirola at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dillon finished 14th at Iowa while Hill served his suspension.
Austin Hill’s penalty and upcoming return at Watkins Glen
Hill’s suspension has sparked debate, with many feeling the punishment was insufficient. Beyond missing the race at Iowa, Hill lost 21 playoff points—which include three race wins and six stage wins—making a significant dent in his championship bid as these were the third-highest points in the series. Additionally, Hill cannot earn any more playoff points for the remainder of the regular season, including those that come from a high placement in the regular season standings.
Despite these penalties, Hill remains eligible for the playoffs but will begin the postseason as the 12th seed rather than in a higher position. After serving his penalty, Hill is set to return behind the wheel of the No. 21 Chevrolet for the Mission 200 at Watkins Glen International.
Austin Dillon’s playoff situation in the Cup Series
On the Cup Series side, Dillon faces a critical challenge as he sits 28th in points and must secure a win to advance into the playoffs. Dillon has a proven track record of qualifying for the postseason from below the cutoff line, having done so four times before. He could have achieved this feat five times if not for his win at Richmond Raceway last August being encumbered after a controversial wreck involving Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final lap. Although Dillon was not suspended and kept the victory, the win did not count toward his playoff eligibility under NASCAR rules.
Watch the Mission 200 at Watkins Glen
The Mission 200, held at Watkins Glen International, will air live on the CW Network this Saturday, August 9, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Fans looking to catch all the action can start a free trial of FuboTV to access the broadcast and follow Hill’s return as well as the ongoing playoff battles.