Kyle Busch touted for series switch as potential NASCAR ban looms

Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been touted for a potential Xfinity Series switch as a NASCAR race ban looms for Richard Childress Racing stablemate Austin Hill.

During Saturday night's Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Hill, the driver of the No. 21 Chevrolet, was punished for reckless driving after a coming together with Aric Almirola on track.

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Almirola was in the No. 19 and following Hill on lap 91 of the Pennzoil 250, but caused Hill to get loose in turn three, with Hill just about able to keep his No. 21 out of the wall as a result.

The Richard Childress Racing driver didn't appear to take kindly to what had happened, moving down the track once his vehicle appeared to be under control and slamming into the right rear of Almirola's car, causing the No. 19 to wreck and sustain huge, race-ending damage.

Hill claimed that this wasn't intentional, but NASCAR immediately imposed a penalty, holding him for five laps under caution, effectively ruining his race.

There has since been talk that Hill could now be banned for a race or two if NASCAR follows previous precedent, with the series confirming post-race that they will review the incident further in the coming days.

Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott are two drivers who have been banned in recent years for intentionally wrecking a rival after incidents in 2022 and 2023, and if NASCAR deem Hill to have intentionally wrecked Almirola, he could miss next weekend's Xfinity Series race at Iowa.

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

Could Kyle Busch make Xfinity Series switch?

If indeed Hill is banned, it will leave Richard Childress Racing looking for a driver replacement at very short notice.

In light of that, NASCAR insider and FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass has touted Busch as a potential option that Richard Childress could call upon.

On X, Pockrass was asked if Busch would be eligible to replace Hill if he was suspended by NASCAR, to which he replied: "Yes. I was thinking Kyle Busch or Austin Dillon could be among the possibilities if Austin Hill is suspended."

Busch certainly has the credentials to take on the job if a ban is handed out and the team needs a driver, with the 40-year-old holding the record for the most wins in the Xfinity Series with 102 - 53 more than anybody else.

Busch's last appearance in the Xfinity Series came at Charlotte last season, where he finished sixth driving the No. 33 for RCR.

READ MORE: NASCAR announce driver DISQUALIFICATION at Indianapolis

Yes. I was thinking Kyle Busch or Austin Dillon could be among the possibilities if Austin Hill is suspended. https://t.co/GTGA5bNpRB

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 27, 2025

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