Aric Almirola calls out Austin Hill after 'intentional' wreck at Indy: 'Kind of laughable'

For Aric Almirola, today’s race ended on a right rear hook from Austin Hill. Not ideal at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These two NASCAR drivers have no love lost between them, that’s for sure.

Aric Almirola was not happy with Austin Hill after the incident. It appears to be clear retaliation from Hill to take Almirola out after some contact between the two.

“Oh, it was definitely intentional. He blocked me three times. He had damage on his nose, so he was really slow in the corners. So, it was time to go. I mean, we’re coming to 10 laps to go or nine laps to go. Uh, the leaders are starting to put a gap on us. So, it’s time to go, and I got him loose. Yeah, you just turn left and hook me in the right rears. Honestly, one of the biggest hits in my entire NASCAR career. Very reminiscent of the hit I took when I broke my back.

“So, glad I’m okay, thankful to everybody back at the shop at Joe Gibbs Racing for building amazing race cars and making them safe. Disappointed, felt like we had a shot to win. I have so much fun every time we run these races. We have great race cars, and I love doing it. It’s just unfortunate that guys like that, especially that guy. He stood up in front of a meeting at Martinsville and said he was going to be a role model for all the young kids to look up to, and racing etiquette, and I think that’s kind of laughable after that one.”

Aric Almirola is a veteran. He has seen retaliation in the past. He seems certain that’s what this was today.

Austin Hill held for five laps after wrecking Aric Almirola

For his actions on the track, Austin Hill has been held for five laps late in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis. Hill appeared to right rear hook Aric Almirola in retaliation for some rubbing and racing. There will likely be a further penalty after today.

Austin Hill followed up his five-lap penalty with a few expletives on the radio. Probably not going to help him when NASCAR decides what fine and points penalties to hand out later next week.

“Oh they can go f**k themselves. F**k NASCAR,” Hill said on his radio after being penalized. “That is f***ing bulls**t. I’m f***ing sideways, I go to correct it back to the left, it gets locked to the left, I f***ing run into the 19 [Almirola].”

Hill is the first driver to be held for five laps since 2021. A big penalty for the RCR driver.

If Austin Hill faces further punishment, it could mean a suspension. Missing a race for a suspension would mean Hill and the 21 team would vacate all of their playoff points for the season. As in, he gives up what he’s earned, 21 points, and cannot accumulate or earn more for the rest of 2025.

During the season, Austin Hill has spoken up about wanting to be a leader. However, his actions today contradict those previous statements. Hill finished P34 with Almirola P35.