Richard Childress, a prominent figure in NASCAR for over fifty years, is making preparations to ensure Richard Childress Racing (RCR) continues well after his time. At 79 years old, Childress is positioning his grandsons, Austin Dillon and Ty Dillon, to uphold the family legacy and steer the team forward in the coming years.
Austin Dillon’s Transition: From Driver to Leader
Austin Dillon, currently one of the two Cup Series drivers for RCR, is beginning to look ahead beyond his racing career. The 35-year-old, who secured a win at the Cook Out 400 last year, envisions a future where he contributes to the team in a leadership capacity instead of behind the wheel.
“When I have exhausted all efforts and the success hasn’t come with it, and the right person is there to pick up the weight, and I can successfully help the company in a better way at RCR,”
Austin told reporter Jeff Gluck earlier this year.
“When that time comes, I’ll be ready for it, and I’ll try and make us as competitive as I can, always.”
Ty Dillon’s Current Focus and Potential Role at RCR
Ty Dillon, Austin’s younger brother, recently reached the final of the NASCAR In-Season Challenge and continues to pursue his first Cup Series victory. At 33, Ty remains focused on his driving career but is also gaining experience that could prepare him for future management roles within RCR.
Childress Expresses Confidence in Dillon Brothers’ Involvement
During a recent Lights Out podcast episode with Johnny Roberts, Richard Childress shared insight into how both Austin and Ty Dillon are becoming more deeply engaged with the company’s broader operations, beyond racing.
“Well, he and Ty both are getting more and more involved with the company. Austin runs the Carolina Cowboys, our PBR team, which will be playing in Greensboro, September 11th, 12th, or something, if you look on a schedule,”
Childress said, highlighting their growing roles in business aspects of RCR.
Childress also commented on Austin’s evolving understanding of the challenges in the sport’s management, especially regarding agent interactions.
“He understands now what it is to deal with agents, driver agents, which now he’s dealing with rider agents, which he told me. He said after the first year, ‘Pop-Pop, I know why you dislike his agents?’”
Plans for Long-Term Succession at Richard Childress Racing
Childress has a clear vision for the handover of responsibilities, especially as he confronts the reality of stepping away from racing and management.
“After having to deal with all these rider agents, and it’s just a deal that… We are setting up for down the road, you know. Hell, I ain’t gonna be here forever. I wished I was, but I’d be racing that long, but at some point Good Lord’s gonna call me up to the big racetrack.”
He underlined the urgency of preparing the next generation to continue the organization’s momentum.
“I want these guys (to) keep going. We don’t know where RCR is going to be in years, but I’m not getting any younger for sure. Wished I could say I was.”
The commitment from both Austin and Ty Dillon to remain integral to Richard Childress Racing not only preserves their grandfather’s legacy but also sets the stage for RCR to thrive into the future under their capable leadership. Mentored by one of NASCAR’s most respected team owners, the Dillon brothers represent the enduring spirit and future direction of the team.