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Austin Hill Earns Richard Childress Racing’s 100th NASCAR Xfinity Series Victory In Wild Martinsville Finish

by Hunter Thomas March 29, 2025 0 comments

RIDGEWAY, Va. – Austin Hill snuck by the crashing cars of Taylor Gray and Sammy Smith to win the crash-filled US Marine Corps 250 at Martinsville Speedway and earn Richard Childress Racing’s 100^th NASCAR Xfinity Series victory.

As the leaders entered Turn 3 on the final lap in NASCAR Overtime, Hill was running fifth; however, after Smith took out Gray while battling for the lead, Hill moved into first and held on to capture his second win of the season.

“I chose the bottom because of how rough everybody was on restarts,” Hill said. “I had to do what I had to do on the last lap. On that restart, it just got wild. We were definitely leaning on each other, and getting into (Turn) 3, I knew we were all going to get beating and banging, and I just drove it in as deep as I could.”

Following the race, Gray and Smith confronted each other outside of the Infield Care Center. Security kept the two drivers separated, but they did exchange words.

“I feel like we had the best car all day,” Gray said. “I can’t thank everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing enough. We brought a really fast Operation 300 Toyota GR Supra. Just unfortunate – it’s the same story I’ve lived here for the past two Martinsville race in a row. It sucks, but it is what it is. Long year.”

Smith didn’t mince words following the confrontation. In fact, Smith felt that Gray deserved the punt after he flipped him off under the red flag. Smith also vowed to continue the rivalry if Gray were to retaliate later this season.

“I would say we have a little bit of a past,” Smith said. “I know he has no respect for me, and then with flipping me off under the red flag – that right there, that was the line for me. Maybe he’ll find some more respect. I’m sure we’ll go at it a couple more times, but I’m not afraid to.”

Finishing behind Hill in the wild finish, was Sheldon Creed, followed by Justin Allgaier, Brennan Poole and Sam Mayer. Completing the top-10 was Dean Thompson, Daniel Dye, Ryan Sieg, Kris Wright and Smith.

There were 14 lead changes among 10 drivers. Connor Zilisch led a race high of 100 laps, but the JR Motorsports driver was caught up in several accidents and had to settle for a 28^th place finish after starting on the pole.

The caution was displayed on 14 occasions for 104 laps. The wild race even featured a red flag that lasted for 11 minutes and 27 seconds.

Allgaier continues to lead the standings by 41 points over Mayer.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series will visit Darlington Raceway for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 on Saturday, April 5. The race will broadcast live on the CW at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Photo Credit: Logan Riely/Getty Images