Big changes are happening at Richard Childress Racing (RCR). RCR’s Crew Chief Leaves NASCAR Xfinity Series to take on a new role in the NASCAR Cup Series, signaling a major shift within the team. But this is just the beginning—new leaders are stepping up, and rising stars are preparing for bigger challenges. What’s driving these decisions, and how will they impact RCR’s future in NASCAR?
Key Highlights
- Andy Street is promoted to NASCAR Cup Series crew chief, enhancing RCR’s competitive presence.
- Street achieved 10 victories and a Championship 4 berth in the Xfinity Series.
- Street’s dual role includes leading Xfinity events and serving as engineering manager for RCR.
- RCR’s 2025 expansion emphasizes internal talent development and strategic foresight.
- The promotion aligns with RCR’s strategy for sustained excellence and robust racing pipeline.
Andy Street’s Promotion to NASCAR Cup Series
Richard Childress Racing’s decision to promote Andy Street to the NASCAR Cup Series marks a significant career milestone for the accomplished crew chief. Having showcased exceptional leadership and technical skill over three seasons, Street’s track record with Austin Hill and the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro in the Xfinity Series has been nothing short of impressive. Under his guidance, the team secured 10 victories and earned a coveted Championship 4 berth in the most recent season, highlighting his strategic insight and ability to foster a winning culture within the team.
As Street transitions to his new role, he will helm the third, part-time Cup Series entry for Richard Childress Racing, which is poised to tackle a multi-race schedule with multiple drivers. This new challenge not only emphasizes RCR’s confidence in Street’s capabilities but also signals the organization’s strategic intent to expand and improve its competitive footprint within the Cup Series.
Street’s dual responsibilities—leading select Xfinity Series events and providing competition direction as the Xfinity Series engineering manager—further accentuate his integral role in shaping the future path of the team.
Street’s promotion aligns with RCR’s broader vision of leveraging experienced talent to drive performance and innovation. His technical expertise, combined with a proven record of success, positions him as a crucial asset in steering through the complexities of this top-tier series.
As the team begins this ambitious 2025 expansion, Street’s leadership is expected to play a critical role in balancing the demands of multiple series while cultivating a dynamic and adaptable racing strategy.
Chad Haney Takes Over as Crew Chief for Austin Hill
Starting in 2025, Chad Haney will assume the role of crew chief for Austin Hill and the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, bringing with him a wealth of experience from over three decades in the sport.
Haney’s extensive tenure in NASCAR has been marked by collaborations with elite drivers such as Aric Almirola, Clint Bowyer, and Kevin Harvick, showcasing his ability to improve team performance and drive competitive success. His shift to this critical leadership role is a tactical move by Richard Childress Racing (RCR) aimed at leveraging his specialized expertise and leadership skills to enhance the team’s prospects.
Haney’s most recent position as head mechanic liaison between RCR and its alliance teams has been instrumental in honing his tactical thinking and operational oversight capabilities. This role required the seamless integration of specialized insights and team dynamics, preparing him for the challenges of leading a high-caliber team in the Xfinity Series.
Moreover, Haney’s strong rapport with team members is a reflection of his leadership qualities. His ability to foster a cohesive team environment will be essential in maximizing Austin Hill’s potential on the track.
As RCR initiates an ambitious expansion, Haney’s appointment indicates a commitment to blending veteran expertise with emerging talent. His stewardship is expected to not only raise Hill’s performance but also contribute meaningfully to RCR’s broader tactical objectives in the Xfinity Series.
Jesse Love and Danny Stockman’s Continued Collaboration
While Chad Haney’s appointment as crew chief marks a tactical evolution for Richard Childress Racing, another promising development within the team is the continued collaboration between Jesse Love and Danny Stockman. Entering their alternate season together in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, this duo has already showcased remarkable synergy. Love, who garnered the title of 2024 Rookie of the Year, not only achieved seven top-five finishes but also secured 18 top-10s in his debut season, successfully advancing to the postseason. This impressive track record is a proof of Stockman’s adept mentoring abilities and his tactical influence on Love’s burgeoning career.
Their collaboration highlights a fundamental facet of RCR’s approach—developing young talent through experienced guidance. Stockman’s role as a mentor is not merely supportive but foundational to the success of drivers like Love. His experience provides a tactical edge that amplifies the raw potential of emerging drivers, fostering an environment conducive to growth and competitive excellence.
As RCR gears up for its ambitious 2025 expansion, the continuity of Love and Stockman’s partnership will likely play a crucial role in the team’s strategy. Their collaboration not only boosts RCR’s competitive standing but also reinforces its commitment to nurturing talent within the Xfinity Series. This tactical alliance promises to yield further achievements as they navigate the challenges of the forthcoming season, solidifying their place within the NASCAR hierarchy.
RCR’s Vision for the Future
As Richard Childress Racing (RCR) charts a forward-looking strategy, its commitment to cultivating homegrown talent and leveraging internal expertise emerges as a central theme. Richard Childress, the visionary Chairman and CEO, emphasizes this approach by elevating Andy Street to the Cup Series, symbolizing a calculated investment in RCR’s future.
Street’s shift from the Xfinity program to the Cup Series is not just a promotion; it is a tactical maneuver designed to harness his vast NextGen experience and inject cutting-edge insights into RCR’s competitive pursuits.
Childress’s strategy is multifaceted, focusing on both the immediate and long-term aspects of team development. Chad Haney’s upcoming role signifies a carefully orchestrated succession plan, where preparation meets opportunity.
“Andy Street brings a wealth of knowledge to our NASCAR Cup Series program as we continue to evaluate ways to build a deeper bench and promote from within,
“This move gives Andy the chance to gain NextGen experience and have a bigger opportunity on the Cup side while still contributing to our Xfinity Series program and working with our alliance partners.”
“Chad Haney is already well situated for his new position as crew chief of the No.21 Chevrolet given his most recent experience as head mechanic liaison between RCR and our alliances. He’s very detailed and has built trust and camaraderie with the team.”
“I know he will work well with Danny Stockman, who is a great mentor for young drivers and has built a strong program with Jesse Love. Danny Lawrence will continue to provide leadership to the Xfinity program and help build RCR for the future.” – Richard Childress
Concurrently, the collaboration between Danny Stockman and Jesse Love highlights a successful mentorship model, showcasing Stockman’s aptitude for talent development. This initiative not only improves the Xfinity program’s performance but also lays the groundwork for RCR’s sustained success.
Danny Lawrence’s continued leadership within the Xfinity program reflects RCR’s steadfast dedication to building a robust pipeline of racing excellence. His role is crucial in ensuring that the team remains competitive while fostering an environment ripe for innovation and growth.
The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign, commencing at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, marks a notable milestone in RCR’s ambitious path.
News in Brief: RCR’s Crew Chief Leaves NASCAR Xfinity Series
The tactical promotion of Andy Street to the NASCAR Cup Series highlights Richard Childress Racing’s commitment to an ambitious 2025 expansion. Chad Haney’s appointment as crew chief for Austin Hill and the ongoing collaboration between Jesse Love and Danny Stockman demonstrate RCR’s focus on fortifying its competitive edge.
This organizational restructuring signifies a forward-thinking approach, positioning the team for improved performance and innovation. The moves collectively showcase a deliberate effort to secure RCR’s prominence in the evolving motorsport landscape.
