Kaulig Racing made a major announcement for the upcoming 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, officially bringing Ty Dillon, the grandson of Richard Childress, into their full-time driver lineup. This move reinforces the Richard Childress NASCAR legacy, securing one of racing’s well-known family connections for the future as teams scramble to finalize their rosters amid widespread changes across the sport.
Ty Dillon Returns Full-Time in a Landmark Move for Kaulig Racing
The 2026 NASCAR season sets the stage for notable driver shakeups, with Connor Zilisch stepping in for Daniel Suarez at Trackhouse Racing and other seats unsettled, such as Corey Heim’s at 23XI Racing. Kaulig Racing has acted decisively, re-signing Ty Dillon—Richard Childress’ grandson—giving both continuity and a nod to tradition within the team’s structure. Dillon himself expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity, signaling a renewed chapter with a team he values highly.
“I’m excited to get out and announce that I’m going to be back full-time with Kaulig Racing again,”
Ty Dillon said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
“Just very excited for the opportunity to be a part of Kaulig Racing, racing with Matt Kaulig, Chris Rice, and Ty Norris, and just everybody there at the race team. We had a lot of fun last year. I think we definitely blew the expectations out of the water for what people thought we were going to do as a team, and looking to raise that level another step this year.”
—Ty Dillon, NASCAR Driver
A Look at Dillon’s Recent On-Track Performance
During the 2025 season, Ty Dillon surprised many by achieving strong results in the No. 10 Chevrolet, most notably through Kaulig Racing’s successful In-Season Tournament run. These efforts included an eighth-place showing at EchoPark Speedway and a prominent duel against Ty Gibbs at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dillon finished the season with an average placement of 24.6, ultimately ranking 33rd in Cup Series points. Over his NASCAR Cup career, he has clinched two top-five finish results and eight top-10s, highlighted by a third-place at Talladega in 2020.
“I think we have a lot that we can improve on, a lot that we can do, there’s a lot of exciting things going on around our race team, and it’ll be the first time in about six years that I’ve had the continuity of being able to work with the same guys, the same race team, the same manufacturer back-to-back in a long time,”
Dillon, a Lewisville, North Carolina native and proud grandson of Richard Childress, said.
“This means a lot to me, and I’m very grateful.”
—Ty Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Dillon’s return brings much-needed stability to his career, after years of moving between organizations such as Richard Childress Racing—where he grabbed the 2011 ARCA title—Germain Racing, Rackley WAR, Gaunt Brothers Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Petty GMS Motorsports, Spire Motorsports, and TMT Racing. After a transitional part-time season with Kaulig Racing in 2024, he now steps forward with a guaranteed full-time ride for 2026.
Key Sponsorship Secured as Sea Best Extends Its Backing
Kaulig Racing’s faith in Dillon is also matched by strong partner support for the upcoming campaign. Andrew Dickeson will lead the team from the pit box, providing tactical leadership for Dillon. Simultaneously, Sea Best Seafood has reaffirmed its commitment, solidifying team sponsorship continuity for the No. 10 Chevrolet. The brand will embrace major visibility throughout 2026, sponsoring Dillon’s car at several high-profile races including Atlanta, Chicagoland, Iowa, Richmond, Daytona, Kansas, Charlotte ROVAL, and Phoenix.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Kaulig Racing and Dillon for a third season,”
said Mark Frisch, Executive Vice President of Beaver Street Fisheries.
“As a family-owned brand committed to quality and excellence, aligning with NASCAR’s passionate fanbase allows us to connect with loyal consumers who share our values. We’re proud to be part of this incredible journey and look forward to an exciting season ahead.”
—Mark Frisch, Executive Vice President, Beaver Street Fisheries
“Sea Best represents the best in American family-owned business, much like we are at Kaulig Racing,”
Dillon added.
“Their seafood lineup offers endless options for experienced home chefs like my wife, Haley, as well as for beginners in the kitchen. I look forward to representing their brand on and off track once again, and there’s no better place to start the season with Sea Best than Atlanta.”
—Ty Dillon, NASCAR Driver
The Road Ahead for Richard Childress’s Grandson and Kaulig Racing
The high-energy return of Ty Dillon to a full-time role at Kaulig Racing spotlights the significance of legacy within NASCAR. As the only grandson of longtime team owner Richard Childress currently active at this level, Dillon’s presence on the grid honors both family tradition and the broader Richard Childress NASCAR legacy. The combination of seasoned team members, veteran sponsorship, and a renewed sense of continuity sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming season.
Fans and industry watchers alike will eagerly follow Dillon’s 2026 journey, curious to see whether this trusted, reenergized partnership can deliver another wave of results and help further cement the Childress family imprint on NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
