Kaulig Racing has made headlines before the YellaWood 500 at Talladega after firing Ty Dillon’s spotter, Joe White, in the aftermath of the William Byron Talladega crash incident. The dismissal follows a chaotic race weekend that saw both Dillon and Byron knocked out of contention due to a collision on the track.
Significant Turnover at Kaulig Racing Ahead of Independence
Kaulig Racing is experiencing a period of change as it prepares to end its partnership with Richard Childress Racing and operate independently beginning next year. The organization, based in North Carolina, has advanced its hiring process to add new talent and strengthen its lineup for the upcoming 2026 season. Alongside these preparations, tough personnel choices have been made, including the decision regarding Ty Dillon’s spotter.
The Sequence of Events Leading to the Crash
The incident unfolded during last weekend’s Cup Series race, where William Byron had just surrendered the lead to Kyle Larson but continued to battle near the front after claiming victory in the opening stage. Ty Dillon, running a lap down in 35th position, chose to suddenly enter pit road. Caught off guard, Byron crashed into Dillon’s car nose-first, resulting in significant damage and a premature end to the race for both drivers. Ultimately, the cause was attributed to a miscommunication from Dillon’s team.
Spotter Joe White’s Dismissal in the Aftermath
Following the accident, the responsibility was placed on Joe White, Ty Dillon’s spotter. The decision to terminate White was delivered in person at Talladega, after he had already arrived for the race weekend. White shared his reaction publicly:
Got to Talladega. Parked the bus, got fired. In an Uber to the airport to go home for the weekend.
— White, Ty Dillon’s Spotter
White later clarified that although he was previously told he would not return as Dillon’s spotter next season, he was also assured of another role within the team. That assurance is now gone, reflecting a complete departure from Kaulig Racing. The move marks a significant shift for both White and the organization, particularly as the team enacts a major realignment heading into its new era.
Changes to the Spotter Lineup and Team Structure
NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass reported that Frank Deiny, formerly A.J. Allmendinger’s spotter, will assume spotter duties for Dillon following White’s exit. TJ Bell is set to take over as Allmendinger’s new spotter. The staffing changes accompany a broader transformation at Kaulig Racing. Team President Chris Rice recently confirmed that the team will leave the RCR campus in North Carolina, looking ahead to a future in which Kaulig fields five Truck Series entries with RAM, one Xfinity Series entry, and maintains two Cup Series cars with Chevrolet.
This internal restructuring and the firing of Joe White, set against the backdrop of the William Byron Talladega crash incident, underscore the intense pressure and swift decision-making that accompany competitive racing environments. With Kaulig Racing navigating major operational changes, the team’s ability to adapt will be crucial as it embarks on a new phase in the NASCAR world.
Got to Talladega. Parked the bus, got fired. In an uber to the airport to go home for the weekend.
— Joe White (@White_Joe47) October 15, 2025
