Richard Childress, a prominent figure in NASCAR for over 50 years and a six-time Cup Series winning owner, is preparing his grandsons Austin and Ty Dillon to carry on the family legacy at Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Aware of his advancing age, the 79-year-old is actively grooming the next generation to assume leadership roles after his time.
Austin Dillon’s Transition from Driver to Leadership
Austin Dillon, 35, currently competes as one of RCR’s two Cup Series drivers and won the Cook Out 400 last year. While still involved behind the wheel, Austin is already contemplating his future beyond racing with RCR. He expects to transition into a more strategic role to help the team succeed in new ways.
“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 shared with reporter Jeff Gluck earlier this season.
“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 Racing Career and Future Possibilities at RCR
Ty Dillon, Austin’s younger brother and 33 years old, reached the final round of this year’s NASCAR In-Season Challenge. Still pursuing his first Cup Series victory, Ty appears likely to remain a driver for the foreseeable future. However, the possibility of him shifting into a management position within RCR remains open.
Richard Childress Expresses Confidence in the Dillon Brothers’ Roles
On the Lights Out podcast with Johnny Roberts, Childress discussed Austin’s evolving responsibilities and the involvement of both grandsons in the family business. He emphasized their increasing engagement beyond racing and expressed trust in their readiness to lead when the time comes.
“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 explained regarding the Dillon brothers’ broadening roles.
The team owner also highlighted Austin’s growing understanding of the complexities involved, including negotiations with agents:
“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?’”
Planning for RCR’s Long-Term Stability Amid Uncertainty
Richard Childress acknowledged the inevitability of stepping away from the sport and the need for a prepared succession plan at RCR. Speaking candidly about his mortality and the future, he emphasized the importance of the Dillon brothers continuing the work he started.
“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 added,
“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 Enduring Legacy of RCR under the Dillon Family
As Richard Childress approaches the final chapter of his involvement in NASCAR, the role of Austin and Ty Dillon in guiding RCR’s future gains greater significance. Both grandsons, having been mentored by a legendary team owner, are poised to uphold the family’s influence in the sport. Their ongoing drive and expanding leadership responsibilities make them key to maintaining the legacy that has defined Richard Childress Racing for decades.
