NASCAR reviewing Austin Hill, Aric Almirola incident for retaliation at Indianapolis

There could be further repercussions for Austin Hill after today. He appeared to wreck Aric Almirola late in the Pennzoil 250. Indianapolis Motor Speedway has had its fair share of big wrecks in NASCAR and IndyCar. Almirola took a huge shot into the wall in this incident.

Today’s race has been long, the weather has been hot, and drivers’ tempers are starting to flare. A red flag has been thrown as fluid on the track needs to be cleaned, and rain has moved back into the area.

So, was this retaliation gone wrong? A move too far? It sure looks like it was a right rear hook, one of the forbidden moves in the sport.

The yellow flag is out at @IMS following this incident involving multiple cars.@Aric_Almirola exited the No. 19 under his own power. pic.twitter.com/tOaYGsLFJw

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) July 26, 2025

NASCAR is looking at this incident closer. Austin Hill was held for five laps as punishment during the race. However, officials have noted that it has no bearing on whether further penalties are on the way.

It was a hit that Aric Almirola compared to when he broke his back years ago. These situations on these high-speed ovals are just too dangerous to even mess around with.

A suspension for Hill would mean he would lose all of his playoff points for the year. He currently has 21, third most in the series.

Austin Hill called out by Aric Almirola

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.”