NASCAR
Austin Hill Takes Third Win in Atlanta, Josh Williams Steals Show
HAMPTON, Ga. – There is little doubt now on who is the best Xfinity Series superspeedway racer. For the third time in just five races, Austin Hill is victorious with Richard Childress Racing. Going back-to-back at his home track in Atlanta, Hill led a race-high 103 laps.
This race will be remembered though for Josh Williams’ exit. After being parked by race control, the No. 92 stopped at the start/finish line and Williams took his time walking back to pit road.
Much like the Truck Series race hours earlier, this Xfinity race set a new Series record for cautions from Atlanta. In total, 12 yellow flags slowed action for 68 laps.
Stage 1 would be dominated by Austin Hill, only for the 21 to lose it in the final corner to teammate Sheldon Creed. The Josh Williams event also happened in the closing laps of this opening Stage.
.@Josh6williams NOT HAPPY with being parked by NASCAR. #RAPTOR250 #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/haZUxOXeym
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 18, 2023
“What’s he gonna do? Fine me? I can’t afford to pay it,” Josh Williams #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/39uiJFCERd
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) March 18, 2023
Stage 2 would see several new faces lead the pack. In the end, Parker Kligerman took this win under caution in the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet.
Much like last July’s Atlanta race, Hill took command early in the final Stage and never looked back. Despite a crash behind him coming to the checkers, Austin Hill was not denied from another dominant victory.
“I have no idea how I saved it coming to the line,” Hill said. “What a start to the season. Everybody at Richard Childress Racing, ECR engines—we’ve just had such a fast start with Chevrolet. This has been special, for sure.”
Behind Hill, the top-10 were: Daniel Hemric, Ryan Truex, Parker Kligerman, Riley Herbst, Brett Moffitt, Josh Berry, John Hunter Nemechek, Sam Mayer, and Justin Haley. Hear from some of these drivers below.
.@DanielHemric was a close 2nd in Atlanta, his best finish since joining @KauligRacing. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/G8MbEJxtbH
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 19, 2023
.@Ryan_Truex on his 3rd place finish and what he saw coming to the checkers. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/kOi7QxYKLw
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 19, 2023
.@Brett_Moffitt on his 6th-place run for @AMRacingNASCAR from Atlanta. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/jwu6MkUPAm
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 19, 2023
After a meeting post-race with Xfinity Series director Wayne Auton, Josh Williams did speak to give his perspective on what happened. Any penalties against Williams are likely to be announced later this week.
.@Josh6williams speaks after his meeting with NASCAR Xfinity Series director Wayne Auton. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/tB0KiZ7aIY
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) March 19, 2023
The next stop for the Xfinity Series is Austin, Texas, for the third annual race at COTA. Coverage begins Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. The 3.41-mile circuit is a great opportunity for a surprise winner to emerge.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Photo by Peter Stratta/TSJSports
