Austin Dillon has highlighted a new sponsorship opportunity in NASCAR, suggesting that increasing the Xfinity Series race limit for Cup Series drivers, like himself and Kyle Busch, could bring in more sponsor interest. The current restriction allows five races per year, but Dillon believes raising it to 10 would open more doors for partnerships, bringing fresh energy and investment into the sport.
The question of expanding Cup driver participation in the Xfinity Series has sparked discussion across teams and with sponsors. During a conversation with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Dillon laid out his reasoning, pointing out that a larger schedule would hold greater appeal for existing and potential backers.
“I know it’s very interesting from the CW standpoint,”
Austin Dillon explained.
“Their ratings have been very good, and more and more partners would probably be interested if we can get a 5-10 race schedule out there for Cup guys.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
He further explained the practical advantages in sponsorship talks, emphasizing how a 10-race program can be more attractive and manageable for companies looking for extended exposure, especially when drivers like himself and his Richard Childress Racing teammate, Kyle Busch, can pool their race counts together.
“It would be easier to sell a sponsor on 10 races than 5, maybe, and you can pair them together, and that makes more sense. If you get 10 and 10…you could put together 20 between myself and Kyle Busch. I know Kyle would be all about it,”
he added. —Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Cup Drivers’ Shifting Schedules Create Sponsor Openings
This season, Dillon returned to the Xfinity Series for the first time since 2023, piloting a Richard Childress Racing entry at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Initially, that appearance was expected to be his only stint in the series for the year, as no further races were on his schedule for 2025.
The unforeseen suspension of Austin Hill at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for an incident with Aric Almirola, dramatically shifted team plans. Veteran owner Richard Childress responded by tapping his grandson, Austin Dillon, to drive the No. 21 Chevy at Iowa Speedway, exemplifying how driver movement can create additional sponsorship assets for NASCAR teams and partners.
Richard Childress Racing Faces a Possible Leadership Shift
Richard Childress Racing, founded in 1969 and led by Richard Childress, boasts six championships under his guidance. With Childress approaching his 80th birthday, speculation has increased over whether the next generation will soon step up, particularly with Austin Dillon and his brother Ty Dillon among the possible successors.
During a candid discussion with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download, Austin Dillon acknowledged his aspirations:
“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.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Dillon also reflected on the legacy and sacrifices made by his grandfather, stating:
“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,”
he added. —Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
What Lies Ahead for Dillon, RCR, and the Series
With discussions about increasing Xfinity Series race limits for Cup Series drivers still underway, the possibility of enhanced sponsor packages is drawing interest across the sport. Austin Dillon will next compete at Darlington Raceway, marking the start of the 2025 playoffs, an event expected to attract significant attention from fans and sponsors alike.
As NASCAR looks to balance driver participation rules and attract new partners, veteran drivers like Dillon and Kyle Busch remain central to meaningful change, both in competition and in shaping the business side of racing. The coming seasons may see both a new approach to sponsorships and, possibly, a shift in Richard Childress Racing leadership, with the legacy poised to continue through the Dillon family.
