Austin Dillon, driver for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), recently shared details about intense talks he had with his grandfather and team owner Richard Childress, as well as his brother Ty Dillon, regarding the future direction of RCR. The revelations came during an appearance on NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick‘s Happy Hour podcast on YouTube, where Dillon reflected on working closely with his family in shaping the racing team’s strategy.
Dillon began his Cup Series career in 2011 driving the #98 Chevy for Curb Racing, later competing with Phoenix Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing before taking a full-time seat with RCR in 2014. As the driver of the #3 Chevy Camaro ZL1, he has showcased consistent performance while his brother Ty races the #10 Chevy for Kaulig Racing in the Cup Series.
Balancing Tradition and Change at Richard Childress Racing
When asked about his working relationship with Richard Childress, Dillon spoke about the unique challenges of merging the team owner’s traditional methods with a drive toward modern innovation. He acknowledged the role both he and Ty play in influencing Childress’s decisions as they push for changes that prepare the team for the future.
“I’ve been able to work with RC on the RCR side of things, the business side, the financial side, learning about the company and the way he does things. And then Ty’s come in there, too, and been a help. And both of us are starting to help RC more. So understanding where he comes from is, he likes things a certain way.” —Austin Dillon, RCR Driver
“He’s very particular about how he does things. And Ty and I are pushing him to do things a little different, thinking toward the future. So there’s heated conversations between him and I and Ty. And this year has been good in the aspect that all three of us are closer than we’ve ever been. And he’s really looking into the things that we say,” he added.
Dillon also acknowledged recent key hires that indicate the team’s commitment to growth, mentioning figures like Mike Verlander, Boswell, and Johnny Klausmeier as examples of positive changes in the organization.
Richard Childress Promotes Mike Verlander to Lead RCR’s Future Operations
In a significant step toward strengthening the team’s leadership, Richard Childress announced the promotion of Mike Verlander from chief operating officer to team president before the Daytona 500 this season. Verlander now oversees critical departments including parts manufacturing, graphics, and engine development while reporting directly to Childress.
The promotion reflects the team’s focus on expanding its operational efficiency and fostering a culture of innovation. Childress praised Verlander’s comprehensive understanding of RCR’s workings and his clear vision for the future.
“Mike has also done a great job this past year in his role as chief operating officer, as he has learned all aspects of our organization. He has a clear vision for our future and will foster a culture that inspires our entire team. I look forward to seeing our continued growth under his leadership.”
Prior to joining Richard Childress Racing, Verlander gained valuable experience at Stewart-Haas Racing and Kyle Busch Motorsports, contributing to his readiness to lead RCR into the next chapter.
What This Means for Richard Childress Racing Moving Forward
The ongoing dynamic between Austin Dillon, Ty Dillon, and Richard Childress highlights a generational dialogue shaping RCR’s evolving strategy. Their open yet heated discussions reveal a shared dedication to honoring long-standing traditions while embracing new initiatives that can enhance competitiveness. The promotion of Mike Verlander underscores the team’s readiness to implement operational improvements and innovation for sustained success.
As the 2024 season progresses, fans and insiders alike will be watching how these internal conversations translate to on-track results and organizational growth, signaling an era where family legacy and forward-thinking leadership converge at Richard Childress Racing.