Richard Childress Racing news made headlines on Wednesday when Vice President JD Vance arrived unannounced at the RCR museum in Welcome, North Carolina, for a private event. The impromptu stop shocked those present, highlighting both the security presence and the significance of the visit.
Earlier that day, Vice President Vance had been at an event in Lexington and was heading to Concord when he and his convoy made the surprise visit to the famed Richard Childress Racing facility. Witnesses noted the heightened activity outside as a 25-vehicle motorcade, accompanied by local first responders, North Carolina state troopers, and Greensboro firefighters, pulled into the venue. The spectacle was documented in footage shared widely on social media.
According to Richard Childress, CEO of the organization, he welcomed the vice president for a private meeting, speaking briefly to local news about the event and indicating that the details would remain confidential. The encounter was noted as Vance’s first trip to North Carolina since being elected, underlining the importance of the occasion for both political and NASCAR circles.
“From @RCRracing : Vice President JD Vance visited RCR today for a private event with Richard Childress as part of his first visit to North Carolina since being elected.Vance is giving a speech today at Concord Regional Airport to discuss, among other things, public safety… pic.twitter.com/PnKY4M1oYN”
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92)
Following the museum stop, Vance was scheduled to give a speech at Concord Regional Airport, with topics including public safety among other pressing issues. The visit underscored the ongoing ties between high-profile political leaders and key NASCAR figures, a tradition at Richard Childress Racing.
Ongoing Relationships with National Leaders
Richard Childress has a history of connections with key leaders, both past and present. Earlier in May 2024, he hosted former President Donald Trump in Charlotte, and the Vance family visited in October the same year. When asked about the importance of such relationships, Childress explained his rationale:
“It’s really important for all of us, for NASCAR.”
— Richard Childress, CEO
Childress further expressed his appreciation for the opportunities to interact with prominent figures, saying:
“It’s great to have these relationships, and I will tell you, I am really honored to be able to do it and spend time with the president and the vice president. It’s really a neat deal.”
— Richard Childress, CEO
Changes in Leadership on the Racing Team
The day also brought news unrelated to the high-profile visit but significant to Richard Childress Racing operations. Randall Burnett, who has served as crew chief for the No. 8 car driven by Kyle Busch since 2020, will be leaving the team at the end of the season. Burnett is set to join Trackhouse Racing as the crew chief for Connor Zilisch, who will begin his rookie year in the Cup Series.
Richard Childress shared that although losing Burnett to a competitor is unfortunate, the team is already working to find his successor. This personnel change comes at a time when the team has been under scrutiny, as Kyle Busch did not make the playoffs this year. Meanwhile, Austin Dillon, another RCR driver, advanced but was knocked out in the Round of 16, adding a layer of challenge to the team’s recent performance record.
These events, from a surprise visit by national leaders to significant staffing shifts, demonstrate Richard Childress Racing’s ongoing prominence in both the motorsports and broader American public life. The involvement of figures like JD Vance, Donald Trump, and rising drivers such as Connor Zilisch keeps the focus on this iconic team, suggesting that further headlines are sure to follow in the seasons ahead.
From @RCRracing : Vice President JD Vance visited RCR today for a private event with Richard Childress as part of his first visit to North Carolina since being elected.
Vance is giving a speech today at Concord Regional Airport to discuss, among other things, public safety… pic.twitter.com/PnKY4M1oYN
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) September 24, 2025
