Austin Dillon, currently a leading NASCAR driver, has started to explore Austin Dillon future NASCAR leadership by serving as general manager of the Carolina Cowboys in the PBR Team Series, a position that could serve as preparation for overseeing Richard Childress Racing one day. This development comes as Richard Childress, team owner and Dillon’s grandfather, actively involves Dillon in management, equipping him with skills that may be useful for a future transition at the iconic racing team.
Dillon’s Growing Responsibilities in Team Management
Dillon’s managerial journey began when Richard Childress purchased the Cowboys at the launch of the PBR Team Series in 2022, committing to the acquisition on the condition that Austin take on a key role. Dillon quickly immersed himself in team operations, investing significant time in research and analyzing game footage to better understand the position. His responsibilities include leading the negotiation of some of the league’s earliest contracts, shaping the team’s roster, and adapting to the demands of team governance—skills considered valuable for motorsports management.
“I’m not going to be here forever, and I want him to understand how it is to deal with riders, the sanctioning body, the whole deal. He’s really adapted to it well.”
—Richard Childress, Team Owner
Chris Vinel of the Daytona Beach NEWS-JOURNAL observed that both Dillon and Childress regard the managerial skills learned through running the Cowboys as directly applicable to NASCAR leadership, particularly at Richard Childress Racing.
Balancing Racing and Leadership
Despite expanding his off-track responsibilities, Dillon maintains an unwavering commitment to his racing career. His NASCAR schedule takes priority for most of the week, and he attends only a handful of Cowboys events annually. However, managing dual roles has not deterred him. Dillon holds regular meetings as Cowboys GM every Wednesday, and often uses his evenings to discuss team matters with coach Jerome Davis.
“I enjoy working with Austin just because he has a passion for our sport.”
—Jerome Davis, Cowboys Coach
Dillon dedicates himself to the day-to-day operations, with most of his energy as GM centered around building a strong team roster, which has had a measurable impact. Last year, the Carolina Cowboys finished as league runner-up, a significant achievement for the emerging team.
What This Means for the Future of Richard Childress Racing
Dillon’s growing experience as a sports executive could position him as a key leader at Richard Childress Racing in the years ahead. Having practical management experience in a competitive team environment, alongside his deep understanding of racing, heightens the likelihood that Dillon will eventually assume more responsibility within the racing organization. For now, his ability to juggle racing and management showcases his versatility and commitment as both an athlete and leader, potentially shaping the future landscape of NASCAR leadership under the Childress family legacy.
