NASCAR Truck Series: Austin Hill to drive for Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2019

Austin Hill is set to drive full-time for Hattori Racing Enterprises in the 2019 NASCAR Truck Series season as Brett Moffitt’s replacement.

After winning the 2018 NASCAR Truck Series championship in his first season driving for Hattori Racing Enterprises, Brett Moffitt was released by the team due to a lack of funding, which is what nearly prevented him from competing in all 23 races on the 2018 schedule en route to winning the championship.

As a result, the 26-year-old Grimes, Iowa native is set to be replaced behind the wheel of the #16 Toyota. Hattori Racing Enterprises have confirmed that Austin Hill is set to be his replacement for the 2019 season. United Rentals is set to sponsor him for multiple races on the 23-race 2019 schedule.

Here is what the 24-year-old Winston, Georgia native had to say about the opportunity to drive for Hattori Racing Enterprises in the 2019 season, according to NASCAR.

"“I’m thrilled to join HRE this season. Shige has built a great team and what they accomplished last season has me extremely optimistic heading to Daytona. I’ve had the pleasure to work with great teams in the past, including my family’s team in the K&N Series, but this is an opportunity of a lifetime at HRE. Scott and the team proved what they’re capable of last season, and I can’t wait to get to work and see what we can accomplish this season.”"

Here is what Hattori Racing Enterprises team owner Shigeaki Hattori had to say about Hill driving for the team in the 2019 season, according to NASCAR.

"“We’re proud of what all of our team members did last season, and I’m looking forward to having Austin drive our trucks and work with United Rentals and all of our partners. Austin had a great career in the K&N Pro Series and did well in his first full-time truck series season last year. I’m looking forward to what we can do together this season.”"

Here is what Scott Zipadelli, who is set to be Hill’s crew chief in the 2019 season, had to say about the matter, according to NASCAR.

"“I’m really looking forward to racing with Austin and continuing our team’s success. Austin is a great kid and has a lot of potential. He has a great track record in the K&N Series and put together a strong year last season with Young’s Motorsports. I think he’ll transition well into our program and fit right in with our group.”"