NASCAR

NASCAR Xfinity Series Fans React To Austin Hill Outdueling Cole Custer During Playoff Race At Homestead-Miami Speedway

Disclosure
We publish independently audited information that meets our strong editorial guidelines. Be aware we may earn a commission if you purchase anything via links on our pages.
xfinity homestead miami genric playoff shoyt (1)

Austin Hill is proving something to himself – and his NASCAR Xfinity Series peers. 

The 30-year-old driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet, Hill passed Cole Custer with 12 laps remaining, capturing Saturday’s Credit One NASCAR Amex Credit Card 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. 

wake up every day to prove them wrong,” Hill said, as reported by NASCAR.com. “This 21 team deserves it just as much as I do. They work their (butts) off each and every day just like I do.”  

“I’ve got to give it up to those guys. They gave me a hell of a car.” 

Hill and Custer provided the event with a hell of a show, battling each other throughout the second of three Round of 8 events. Hill earned his fourth win of the season, 10th of his career, but, more importantly, his first trip to next month’s Championship 4 race at Phoenix Raceway. 

Saturday’s effort helped Hill prove something to himself. 

He belongs. 

“I deserve to be here,” he said. “And I deserve to race for a championship.”

X (Twitter) users responded to the circuit’s postseason fire … 

Before the second of three Round of 8 races, the machines stood ready … 

Xfinity engines ignited at the 1.5-mile oval … 

Saturday’s second green flag appeared, fueling the start of the second NASCAR National Series event … 

During Saturday’s opener, Truck Series driver Grant Enfinger claimed his second consecutive playoff race … 

Entering Saturday’s nightcap, Xfinity Series pilots understood they had to handle the track’s “lip” service to earn a shot at next month’s Championship 4 race … 

With NXT on The CW as his primary sponsor and participating in a WWE-affiliated match Friday night, Custer grappled his way to an early advantage … 

Hill, who emerged as the leader on Lap 43, maintained the lead for the first stage’s final three rotations … 

Justin Allgaier touched the wall on Lap 70, but managed to continue. The driver of the No. 7 Chevrolet recovered enough to earn a P7 … 

Hill, who executed an impressive pass of Aric Almirola on Lap 101, cruised to a Stage 2 win, earning the stage sweep … 

Almirola (20), Hill (21) and Custer (00) go three-wide and battle for the lead midway through the second stage … 

Hill took a slide and Custer went for the lead position … 

Showing his fight, Custer made a move from P3 to the lead … 

Hill wrestled the lead back from Custer … 

At the finish, Custer ended up being pinned. Was he still distracted from Friday night’s NXT showcase? … 

An emotional Hill secured a trip to an identity-identifying final four … 

The emotional victor celebrated. He does belong …