{"id":49828,"date":"2025-02-22T20:02:35","date_gmt":"2025-02-23T02:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=49828"},"modified":"2025-02-23T11:10:07","modified_gmt":"2025-02-23T17:10:07","slug":"austin-hill-dominates-xfinity-series-race-at-atlanta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/22\/austin-hill-dominates-xfinity-series-race-at-atlanta\/","title":{"rendered":"Austin Hill dominates Xfinity Series race at Atlanta"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"

Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 22, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service<\/em><\/p>\n

HAMPTON, Ga. \u2013 The Atlanta Motor Speedway is Austin Hill\u2019s home track after all – and the Georgia native proved again Saturday night that he absolutely \u201cowns it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"

Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 22, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

Hill dominated the NASCAR Xfinity Series Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 on the Atlanta high banks – leading 146 of the 163 laps to claim his first victory of the early 2025 season driving the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet sponsored by the race\u2019s title sponsor.<\/p>\n

Hill has won four of the last six Atlanta races \u2013 the last three consecutively and five in all – including a sweep of both events last year. And although his laps led total is impressive, he really had to work for this trophy, after losing the lead briefly on a restart with three laps to go.<\/p>\n

With a timely tap on Hill\u2019s Chevrolet\u2019s rear bumper from Parker Retzlaff, Hill was able to push forward and take the lead entering the first turn on the final lap. He held on to the win by a slight .216-second having to fend off reigning series champion, JR Motorsports\u2019 Justin Allgaier and Joe Gibbs Racing\u2019s veteran Aric Almirola \u2013 who both previously led at various times on that final restart.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 22, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThank you to Parker Retzlaff for giving me that push, and then once I got clear and into [turn] one I was just wide open and I was hoping they weren\u2019t going to build up momentum,” Hill said, adding, \u201cTo be able to do this is something special.”<\/p>\n

Hill\u2019s five Xfinity Series wins at Atlanta ties a record set by former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick. His eight-win total at drafting tracks ties a series record with a pair of NASCAR Hall of Famers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart.<\/p>\n

Hill swept the two stage wins \u2013 for the second time in as many races this year giving him a 100 percent mark in 2025.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 22, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

With his teammate Jesse Love winning the pole position for the race, it gives the RCR team a weekend sweep of pole and race wins for the second time – no other team has won a pole position or hoisted a trophy in 2025. It also marks the 99th Xfinity Series victory for the NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress\u2019s team. Hill and Love led all but four laps in the race.<\/p>\n

This is Hill\u2019s 11th career win and after holding the point for the vast majority of the race, he ultimately earned it the hard way \u2013 a last lap pass.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe definitely had the dominant car but I thought we might snooker one away,” Almirola said of racing Hill in those final three laps. \u201cBut it just wasn\u2019t meant to be.”<\/p>\n

\"\"

Austin Hill, driver of the #21 Bennett Transportation Chevrolet, leads the field during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 22, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman\/Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n

JR Motorsports\u2019 Sammy Smith and Big Machine Racing rookie Nick Sanchez rounded out the top-five. A final lap accident on the backstretch created chaos for several of the night\u2019s most consistent top-10 frontrunners.<\/p>\n

Jeb Burton, rookie Daniel Dye, Leland Honeyman, rookie William Sawalich and Harrison Burton ultimately rounded out the top-10 at the checkered flag. Kaulig Racing rookie Christian Eckes earned the Fastest Lap Bonus point.<\/p>\n

With the victory, Hill takes a 1-point lead over Haas Factory Team driver Sheldon Creed, who was eliminated from a top-10 finish in that multi-car accident on the last lap and scored 14th. Hill\u2019s teammate, last week\u2019s Daytona winner Love, finished 16th.<\/p>\n

The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to competition next Saturday in the Focused Health 250 (2:30 p.m. ET on CW, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) at the Circuit of The Americas road course. NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is the defending race winner.<\/p>\n

Interview:<\/h3>\n

NXS Race Winner – Austin Hill (No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet) –<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NASCAR Xfinity Series Race – Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250<\/b><\/p>\n

Atlanta Motor Speedway<\/b><\/p>\n

Hampton, Georgia<\/b><\/p>\n

Saturday, February 22, 2025<\/b><\/p>\n

                1. (2)  Austin Hill, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                2. (4)  Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                3. (16)  Aric Almirola, Toyota, 163.<\/p>\n

                4. (12)  Sammy Smith, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                5. (15)  Nick Sanchez #, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                6. (20)  Jeb Burton, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                7. (13)  Daniel Dye #, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                8. (29)  Leland Honeyman, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                9. (11)  William Sawalich #, Toyota, 163.<\/p>\n

                10. (19)  Harrison Burton, Ford, 163.<\/p>\n

                11. (24)  Jeremy Clements, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                12. (30)  Matt DiBenedetto, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                13. (7)  Brandon Jones, Toyota, 163.<\/p>\n

                14. (17)  Sheldon Creed, Ford, 163.<\/p>\n

                15. (3)  Josh Williams, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                16. (1)  Jesse Love, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                17. (31)  Brennan Poole, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                18. (26)  Ryan Ellis, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                19. (25)  Blaine Perkins, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                20. (14)  Ryan Sieg, Ford, 163.<\/p>\n

                21. (38)  Joey Gase, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                22. (34)  Nick Leitz, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                23. (8)  Carson Kvapil #, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                24. (33)  Garrett Smithley, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                25. (21)  CJ McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                26. (28)  Kris Wright, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                27. (23)  Parker Retzlaff, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                28. (36)  Mason Massey, Chevrolet, 163.<\/p>\n

                29. (9)  Christian Eckes #, Chevrolet, Accident, 162.<\/p>\n

                30. (32)  Josh Bilicki, Chevrolet, 162.<\/p>\n

                31. (37)  Mason Maggio, Ford, 162.<\/p>\n

                32. (35)  Carson Ware, Chevrolet, 161.<\/p>\n

                33. (27)  Kyle Sieg, Ford, 154.<\/p>\n

                34. (10)  Connor Zilisch #, Chevrolet, Accident, 151.<\/p>\n

                35. (22)  Dean Thompson #, Toyota, 149.<\/p>\n

                36. (5)  Sam Mayer, Ford, Accident, 141.<\/p>\n

                37. (18)  Anthony Alfredo, Chevrolet, Accident, 141.<\/p>\n

                38. (6)  Taylor Gray #, Toyota, Accident, 118.<\/p>\n

Average Speed of Race Winner:  106.59 mph.<\/p>\n

Time of Race:  2 Hrs, 21 Mins, 18 Secs. Margin of Victory:  0.216 Seconds.<\/p>\n

Caution Flags:  8 for 49 laps.<\/p>\n

Lead Changes:  11 among 6 drivers.<\/p>\n

Lap Leaders:   J. Love 1-3;S. Mayer 4;J. Love 5-11;A. Hill 12-47;L. Honeyman 48;A. Hill 49-71;J. Love 72-74;A. Hill 75-93;N. Leitz 94;A. Hill 95-161;A. Almirola 162;A. Hill 163.<\/p>\n

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led):  Austin Hill 5 times for 146 laps; Jesse Love 3 times for 13 laps; Nick Leitz 1 time for 1 lap; Aric Almirola 1 time for 1 lap; Sam Mayer 1 time for 1 lap; Leland Honeyman 1 time for 1 lap.<\/p>\n

Stage #1 Top Ten: 21,2,41,54,1,88,7,16,25,00<\/p>\n

Stage #2 Top Ten: 21,41,00,7,2,19,8,88,27,16<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service HAMPTON, Ga. \u2013 The Atlanta Motor Speedway is Austin Hill\u2019s home track after all – and the Georgia native proved again Saturday night that he absolutely \u201cowns it.\u201d Hill dominated the NASCAR Xfinity Series Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 on the Atlanta high banks – leading 146 of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":676,"featured_media":49806,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11],"tags":[52,679,16,181],"class_list":["post-49828","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nascar","tag-atlanta-motor-speedway","tag-austin-hill","tag-nascar","tag-nascar-xfinity-series"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/GettyImages-2201368092-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-cXG","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49828","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/676"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49828"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49828\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49832,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49828\/revisions\/49832"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49828"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49828"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49828"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}