NASCAR driver SLAMS rival after 'violent' incident

NASCAR driver Aric Almirola has slammed Austin Hill after what he called a 'violent' incident at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Both drivers were racing in Saturday's Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250 when a nasty crash occurred on track, with the two battling for fourth place in the closing stages.

NASCAR HEADLINES: Chase Elliott calls for Cup Series change as driver DISQUALIFIED at Indianapolis

Almirola was in the No. 19 and following Hill on lap 91, but caused Hill in the No. 21 to get loose in turn three, with Hill forced to violently wrestle with the wheel of his car to keep it moving forward and out of the wall.

However, once his car was corrected, Hill moved down the track immediately to slam into Almirola's right-rear, causing the No. 19 to spin and crash heavily at the Brickyard.

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

READ MORE: NASCAR legend Denny Hamlin confirms Cup Series retirement verdict

Almirola slams 'intentional' and 'violent' move by Hill

NASCAR held Hill for five laps as a result of the incident, with officials penalizing him for reckless driving.

However, Hill was furious, claiming that he had not collided with his rival intentionally. When speaking to the media post-race, Almirola clearly disagreed.

“It was definitely intentional,” Almirola told The CW. “He (Hill) blocked me three times.

"I finally got him loose in turn three. He had damage on the nose, so he was really slow in the corners. It was time to go. I mean we’re coming to nine to go and the leaders are starting to put a gap on us, so it’s time to go.

“I got him loose and he just turned left and hooked me in the right rear.”

“That was violent, to be totally honest,” Almirola added. “That’s one of the hardest hits I’ve taken in my NASCAR career.

"The impact felt very similar to when I broke my back. I’d be very interested to see the black-box data from that crash, but it was vicious and that’s just uncalled for."

READ MORE: NASCAR team hit with slam dunk penalty at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Related