The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen provided fans with plenty of action and drama. Among the most talked-about moments was a frightening collision between Michael McDowell and Austin Hill that left spectators holding their breath. However, what McDowell said in the aftermath surprised many fans and experts who expected a much different reaction from the veteran driver.
What Did Michael McDowell Really Think About Austin Hill’s Move?
On Saturday, during an intense battle for second place, Hill pulled alongside McDowell’s No. 11 Chevrolet as they exited Turn 5. The two cars made contact, sending McDowell hard into the left-side Armco barrier before his car bounced back across the track and slammed into the right-side barrier.
The impact launched McDowell’s car briefly airborne before it crashed back down onto the asphalt, triggering a multi-car wreck that collected several other drivers. Officials immediately threw the red flag to repair extensive wall damage, though thankfully, all drivers involved walked away without serious injuries.
Nasty stuff. pic.twitter.com/NJt6SwbH0W
— No Context NASCAR (@NoContextNyoom) August 9, 2025
McDowell was competing in a one-off race for Kaulig Racing, filling in for Josh Williams. After receiving medical clearance from the infield care center, he admitted that Hill had raced him more aggressively than he would have preferred. But the veteran was quick to clarify his position on what many viewed as a questionable racing move.
“He turned me for sure. I mean, there is no way he was gonna get alongside me,” McDowell said. “I’m not talking like he intentionally hooked me. He doesn’t need a penalty for that. Just, there was no way he was gonna finish the pass there, and he just made a decision not to lift and to turn me, but that’s not the same as a right-rear hook at an oval.”
#NASCAR … Michael McDowell on his incident with Austin Hill and why he says Hill should NOT be penalized for the contact. pic.twitter.com/Fs2RteiolP
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) August 9, 2025
McDowell went further, expressing his hope that the incident wouldn’t become a major storyline or draw excessive attention. Most notably, he stated he didn’t want NASCAR officials to impose any disciplinary action against Hill for their on-track contact.
This stance carried extra weight considering Hill had just returned from a one-race suspension for wrecking Aric Almirola at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
How Are Both Drivers Moving Forward From This Collision?
Hill also addressed the Watkins Glen crash while echoing McDowell’s assessment that it represented a racing incident rather than an intentional takeout. The Richard Childress Racing driver has developed a reputation for his aggressive racing style and shows no signs of toning down his approach anytime soon.
The fact that both Kaulig Racing and Richard Childress Racing operate from the same campus in North Carolina may have also influenced McDowell’s decision not to criticize Hill or RCR publicly.
The veteran driver’s mature handling of the situation has earned widespread respect from fans who admire his sportsmanship under difficult circumstances. Meanwhile, many of those same fans have directed their frustration toward Hill on social media, expressing anger about another incident involving the controversial driver.
NASCAR has not announced any disciplinary measures related to the crash. However, the respectful dialogue between McDowell and Hill in the aftermath may help prevent the situation from escalating further as both drivers focus on their upcoming races.
