The Richard Childress family racing legacy continues as Ty Dillon and Austin Dillon, grandsons of the legendary NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, make their mark on the racetrack. Despite being raised in an environment where racing was ever-present, neither grandson needed a push from their grandfather to pursue a life in motorsports; in fact, Childress initially encouraged them to explore different sports.
Richard Childress, once both a driver and car owner himself, was mindful of the pressures and challenges within racing. He steered his grandsons toward golf, soccer, or football, hoping to keep them from the rigors of the family’s fast-paced profession. However, the allure of race shops and pit lanes proved too strong to resist, and eventually, both Ty and Austin found their calling in racing after years of resisting NASCAR’s gravitational pull.
A Turning Point in the Family’s Racing Story
The pivotal moment arrived with a simple but unforgettable phone call. Childress recounted the conversation that changed everything:
“Well, they were raised in the sport because I was a driver and the car owner, and I was afraid it was going to happen. I tried to get them involved in golf and soccer and football and everything else, but one day Ty Dillon called me, and he said, ‘Pop pop, you said if we ever want to race, give you a call,’ the most expensive call I think I’ve ever had… He was 13, and Austin was 15.”
– Richard Childress, Team Owner
Moved by his grandsons’ interest, Childress took them to Charlotte and purchased a pair of Bandolero cars, helping them take their first steps into organized competition. Their debut outings initially showed little promise, but on their second attempt, both Ty and Austin quickly adapted, demonstrating the natural skill and determination that would soon define their careers.
Leaving Their Mark in NASCAR and Beyond
Ty Dillon has continued his climb as the driver of the No. 10 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing, steadily establishing himself in the NASCAR Cup Series. Austin Dillon has remained with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) since 2014, carving out a consistent career with six Cup Series victories over 15 seasons. Their unique on-track journeys highlight different strengths but are each integral to the Richard Childress family racing legacy and the continued vitality of RCR.
These brothers’ roles extend past the driver’s seat; both are positioned to assume leadership in the future. As sons of RCR Executive Vice President Mike Dillon and grandsons of Richard Childress, the potential transition from racing to steering the organization’s direction seems a natural next step. Austin, in particular, is already contemplating this future and preparing for broader management challenges.
Steps Toward Leadership and New Challenges
In a recent interview on the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Download, Austin Dillon discussed his enduring commitment to the organization and how working alongside his brother could shape the team’s direction in the years ahead. His preparations for leadership are not limited to NASCAR; he currently serves as General Manager of the Carolina Cowboys in the Professional Bull Riders Team Series, where he and his grandfather believe the skills for managing high-performing teams translate across disciplines.
The journey of Ty Dillon and Austin Dillon demonstrates that continuing a legacy takes more than a famous family name or early opportunity—it requires passion, adaptability, and a relentless drive to improve. Their choices, achievements, and the weight of expectations speak to a powerful continuation of what Richard Childress began, setting the stage for a new generation to cultivate the family’s enduring impact on American motorsports.
