MARTINSVILLE, VA — In a race filled with rookie showdowns, late-race chaos, and a dramatic overtime finish, Austin Hill shocked the field by winning the US Marine Corps 250 at Martinsville Speedway — leading only one lap, but the one that mattered most.

Two Rookies Take the Front Row
​Rookie sensation Connor Zilisch, grabbing his third career pole, and fellow newcomer Carson Kvapil, starting a career-best second, led the field to the green for the 250-lap event. The energy was electric from the jump, with Zilisch setting the tone by leading every lap in the first stage.

Stage 1: Zilisch Dominates Early
The first 60 laps saw Zilisch in complete control, fending off challenges from Kvapil and Austin Hill. A late-stage caution brought on by Corey Day spinning Harrison Burton ended the stage under yellow, with Zilisch grabbing the stage win, followed by Kvapil, Brandon Jones, Justin Allgaier, and Aric Almirola.

Stage 2: Chaos Begins
Pit stops shuffled the field as Brandon Jones exited first, only to face damage avoiding a spinning Garrett Smithley, leading to contact with Zilisch. Jones would drop back, allowing a fierce battle between Zilisch and Allgaier, trading the lead before Zilisch surged ahead once more.

Multiple cautions, including one for Dean Thompson, kept the field tight. Zilisch once again closed strong, winning Stage 2, with Kvapil, William Sawalich, Daniel Dye, and Nicholas Sanchez behind him.

Final Stage: Mayhem Ensues
With 118 laps remaining, Aric Almirola jumped out front, only to have Taylor Gray take over after a restart. Gray’s car came alive in the closing stage, battling through multiple restarts caused by spins and crashes — including contact between Kvapil and Sam Mayer, and later Zilisch, who spun from contention with 75 to go.

Christian Eckes and Matt Snider opted not to pit during one caution, gaining temporary track position, but Gray powered back to the front. From that point forward, Gray looked poised for his first Xfinity win.

Late-Race Drama: Overdrive at Martinsville
With three laps to go, Taylor Gray and Justin Allgaier led the field back to green. Sammy Smith surged to the lead briefly, but Gray shoved his way back to the front on the white flag lap.

But it wasn’t over.

Heading into Turn 3, Smith retaliated, moving Gray up the track. That allowed Allgaier to tag Smith, sending him sideways. And out of nowhere, Austin Hill stormed past the chaos, grabbing the lead off Turn 4. Sheldon Creed dived into second, while Gray hit the wall and faded.

A massive crash unfolded behind them, but Hill held on for a stunning victory — his only lap led all day.

Race Results: Top 10 Finishers
Austin Hill
Sheldon Creed
Justin Allgaier
Brennan Poole (qualified 29th)
Sam Mayer
Dean Thompson
Daniel Dye
Ryan Sieg
Kris Wright
Sammy Smith
​
​Historic Milestone + Dash 4 Cash Win
​The win marks Richard Childress Racing’s 100th Xfinity Series victory, and nets Hill a $100,000 Dash 4 Cash prize — winning the money despite leading just the final lap.

Up Next: Darlington Raceway
The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns next Saturday, April 5, at Darlington Raceway — and with it, another round of Dash 4 Cash featuring:
Austin Hill
Sheldon Creed
Justin Allgaier
Brennan Poole

Will lightning strike twice for Austin Hill?