Austin Dillon, the longtime driver for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), recently shared his perspective on the future leadership of the iconic NASCAR team as its founder, Richard Childress, approaches 80 years of age. Speaking with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dillon discussed the eventual transition of control to him and his brother Ty Dillon, emphasizing their dedication to the team and community.
Founded in 1969, RCR is among NASCAR’s most historic organizations, achieving six Cup Series championships under Childress’s leadership. With Childress beginning to scale back his hands-on involvement, the Dillon brothers are preparing to carry forward the legacy and maintain the team’s competitive edge.
Family Legacy and Deep Roots in Welcome, North Carolina
Austin Dillon expressed his deep personal connection to RCR and the Welcome, North Carolina region where the team is headquartered. Growing up immersed in the environment, Dillon described the team as more than just a business, highlighting the importance of passion for the local people.
“Definitely, I hope that and it’s a dream of mine. I’ve come across the railroad tracks here in Welcome for my entire life. It’s really all I know,”
Dillon said.
“We can go into other things, but it’s not for the love and the passion for these people here in Welcome. That’s what I love; I love this area, the people that I see, the faces that I know. I think what’s been cool this year is Ty has kind of stepped in, too. Him coming along — I think what my grandfather’s biggest fear or regret is his time with family. He has been so committed to RCR and the business. That is what he has put all his focus and effort in, and we love him for that.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
He characterized Childress as a constant presence at the track and team headquarters, likening him to a legendary figure in the racing garage and emphasizing how much Childress has sacrificed for the team’s success.
“He’s been a rock and like an Elvis of the garage for so long. He’s the one owner you’re going to see every weekend, standing on the top of a trailer and inside the inner workings constantly. That’s just who he is. I think his worry of turning over that position to Ty and I would be he knows the sacrifices he had to make, and he doesn’t know if he really wants us to have that burden a little bit. It’s a great thing, but it’s also a time-consuming position to be run well.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Sibling Partnership to Strengthen RCR’s Competitive Edge
Austin Dillon laid out a joint vision with his brother Ty, who has gained experience outside RCR and brought fresh insight by working with other teams and partners like Kaulig Racing. Austin emphasized their complementary strengths and how this collaboration could drive RCR’s competitiveness forward.
“Ty and I look at it as we both want to be able to bring our families along and show them this wonderful life that we have,”
Dillon explained.
“It’s a tough life, but you say that — there’s a lot of great that goes with it — but it’s a lot every weekend of the year. If Ty and I can share that burden and that load together and really push RCR forward, I think both of us because Ty’s aspect has come from a different side of things. He’s had to go work with other teams, he’s seen the inner workings of other teams, he’s now working with one of our partners in Kaulig and it’s kind of getting an inside track to how can we deliver more for Kaulig on that side of things.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Austin, with his extensive tenure at RCR since his 2008 Xfinity Series debut, knows the team’s competitive patterns and areas for improvement. He pointed out the uneven nature of RCR’s performance throughout the racing season and expressed a strong desire to create consistent competitiveness.
He noted the typical performance cycle where the team starts the season with flashes of speed, struggles through midyear, and rallies at the end. Austin’s goal is to smooth out those fluctuations to maintain high-level competition year-round.
Richard Childress’s Gradual Transition and Ongoing Dedication
Richard Childress remains passionate and energized about the team, even as he starts to scale back his active presence. Austin acknowledged that while Childress is still deeply engaged, he is spending more time at home, hinting at the early stages of a leadership transition.
“I love this place, and I want to help in any way I can. RC is still fired up at 80. He sees the writing on the wall. I think he’s starting to stay home a couple more times a year.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
This slow shift allows the Dillon brothers to gradually assume more responsibilities while honoring Childress’s decades of commitment to RCR’s success.
Implications for NASCAR and RCR’s Future Trajectory
The future leadership plans that Austin and Ty Dillon are shaping represent a significant chapter for RCR, a team with a profound heritage in NASCAR. Austin’s lifelong connection to the team combined with Ty’s external experience positions them well to maintain RCR’s legacy and push boundaries in competition.
As Childress approaches retirement, this generational handoff promises continuity but also innovation through the brothers’ shared vision. Their determination to enhance competitiveness and sustain community ties could keep RCR among NASCAR’s leading teams for years to come.
With Austin Dillon’s recent victory at Richmond Raceway boosting momentum, the team is poised to remain a playoff contender and a respected name in NASCAR traditions and future endeavors alike.
