Ty Dillon Bio
Early Life and Background
Tyler Reed Dillon was born on February 27, 1992, in Welcome, North Carolina, USA. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in motorsports; his father, Mike Dillon, is a retired NASCAR driver and current general manager of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), while his grandfather, Richard Childress, is a well-known team owner in NASCAR. Dillon’s brother, Austin Dillon, also competes in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 3 car for RCR.
Dillon’s early exposure to racing came through his family’s involvement in the sport. He began racing go-karts and Bandoleros at a young age, which laid the foundation for his future career in stock car racing. His upbringing in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina provided him with ample opportunities to pursue his passion for racing.
Path to NASCAR Cup Series
Dillon’s racing career began in earnest when he moved up to the K&N Pro Series East in 2009. He competed for the series championship in 2010, finishing thirteenth in points despite only participating in eight of the ten races. His talent was evident as he secured a win at Gresham Motorsports Park in August 2010. In 2010, Dillon also made his debut in the ARCA Racing Series, where he quickly made a name for himself.
In 2011, Dillon ran a full season in the ARCA Racing Series, achieving remarkable success by winning seven races and clinching the championship at just nineteen years old, making him the youngest champion in the series’ history at that time. This achievement set the stage for his transition into the NASCAR ranks.
Ty Dillon Career
Early Career (2010-2012)
Dillon made his first notable appearances in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2011, finishing eighteenth in his debut at Kentucky Speedway. He quickly established himself as a competitive driver, finishing third in his second start at Texas Motor Speedway. In 2012, he drove full-time for Richard Childress Racing in the Truck Series, where he earned the title of Rookie of the Year after scoring his first career win at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Throughout 2012, Dillon consistently performed well, finishing second in the standings and earning the series’ Most Popular Driver award in 2013. His early years in NASCAR showcased his potential and set the groundwork for his future in the sport.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2014-2016)
Dillon made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2014, driving the No. 33 car for Circle Sport LLC at the Oral-B USA 500. He faced challenges in his first few seasons, but he continued to improve his performance. In 2016, he joined Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing, where he split driving duties in the No. 95 car, achieving a career-best seventh-place finish at Talladega.
Dillon’s persistence paid off as he began to secure more consistent finishes, including multiple top-twenty results. His ability to adapt to different racing conditions and his competitive spirit became hallmarks of his driving style.
Kaulig Racing Era (2023-Present)
In 2023, Dillon joined Kaulig Racing, driving the No. 77 car. His season started with challenges, including a 40th-place finish at the Daytona 500. Despite struggling to find consistent top-ten finishes throughout the year, Dillon showed resilience and determination. On October 10, 2023, it was announced that Dillon would be replaced by Carson Hocevar for the 2024 season.
However, Dillon’s journey in the NASCAR Cup Series is far from over. He is set to return to full-time racing in 2025, taking over the renumbered No. 10 car for Kaulig Racing, replacing Daniel Hemric. This opportunity marks a significant step in his career as he aims to build on his previous experiences and achieve greater success.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Dillon is known for his adaptability and strategic approach to racing. His experience across various series has honed his skills in managing race conditions and executing race strategies effectively. He has demonstrated a strong ability to work with his team to optimize performance on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Dillon’s career highlights include winning the 2011 ARCA Racing Series championship and being named the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Most Popular Driver in 2013. His early success in the ARCA series established him as a promising talent in stock car racing.
Ty Dillon Career Wins
Ty Dillon has achieved notable success across various racing series, including nine wins in the ARCA Menards Series and three wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His career in the NASCAR Cup Series is still developing, with aspirations for future victories.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Dillon has yet to secure a win in the NASCAR Cup Series but has recorded several top-ten finishes. His best finishes have been 24th in the standings during previous seasons, and he continues to strive for improvement with Kaulig Racing.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Dillon has three wins and consistently finished in the top ten, showcasing his competitive edge. His early career in the ARCA Menards Series was marked by nine wins, solidifying his reputation as a skilled driver.
Ty Dillon Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Dillon comes from a prominent racing family. His father, Mike Dillon, has a rich history in NASCAR, and his grandfather, Richard Childress, is a legendary figure in the sport. This lineage has provided Dillon with a unique perspective on racing and the challenges faced by drivers.
Personal Life
Ty Dillon is married to Haley Carey, a former driver and Charlotte Hornets cheerleader. The couple welcomed their daughter, Oakley Ray Dillon, in 2017, and their son, Kapton Reed Dillon, in 2020. Dillon’s family plays a significant role in his life, and he often shares insights into his personal experiences through social media and vlogs.
2025 Season Performance
As Dillon prepares for the 2025 season, he is focused on maximizing his performance with Kaulig Racing. The upcoming season presents new opportunities for him to build on his past experiences and aim for his first Cup Series victory. With a new car number and team dynamics, Dillon is poised to make a significant impact in the NASCAR Cup Series. His determination and resilience will be key as he navigates the challenges of the season ahead.
