Richard Childress Racing

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is a professional stock car racing team based in Welcome, North Carolina, owned by Richard Childress. Founded by former NASCAR driver Richard Childress in 1969, the team is headquartered in Welcome, North Carolina. Over the decades, RCR has emerged as one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history, boasting numerous championships and victories, notably with legendary driver Dale Earnhardt. RCR competes in various NASCAR series, including the Cup Series and Xfinity Series, upholding a legacy of racing excellence and innovation. RCR boasts a record of having at least one car qualify for every Cup race since 1972, marking the longest active streak of its kind. 

HISTORY 

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is a storied institution in the world of NASCAR, with a rich history that dates back over five decades. Founded in 1969 by Richard Childress himself, the team started humbly, with Childress competing as a driver in his own right. Initially struggling as an independent driver-owner, Childress’ fortunes in the sport began to change significantly in the late 1970s and early 1980s as he shifted his focus from driving to full-time ownership and management.

The transformative moment for RCR came in 1981 when Richard Childress formed a partnership with driver Dale Earnhardt, who returned to RCR after a brief period with another team. This partnership proved to be one of the most successful in NASCAR history. Earnhardt, known for his aggressive driving style and dubbed “The Intimidator,” drove the No. 3 car to six Cup Series championships under the RCR banner (1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, and 1994). Together, Childress and Earnhardt established RCR as a dominant force in NASCAR racing.

Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, RCR continued to expand and innovate within NASCAR. After Earnhardt’s tragic death in 2001 during the Daytona 500, the team faced challenges in maintaining its championship-winning form. However, RCR persevered, continuing to compete at a high level with multiple drivers across NASCAR’s top series. The team has nurtured the careers of several prominent drivers, including Kevin Harvick, who took over the renumbered No. 29 car after Earnhardt and claimed the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.

In recent years, RCR has focused on both maintaining its competitive legacy and embracing the future of auto racing. The team has invested in developing young talent and integrating more advanced technologies into its racing strategies. RCR’s Xfinity Series operations have also been successful, serving as a crucial stepping-stone for aspiring drivers within the organization. With a solid foundation built on history, experience, and a forward-looking approach, Richard Childress Racing remains a key player in the NASCAR series, committed to adding to its storied legacy with each racing season.

NASCAR CUP SERIES

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has had a long and storied history in the NASCAR Cup Series, marked by significant successes and profound contributions to the sport. Since its foundation in 1969 by Richard Childress, RCR made its mark initially with Childress behind the wheel until he decided to focus on team ownership and management. During Kevin Harvick’s time with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), he achieved significant milestones, Following Harvick’s tenure, RCR continued to perform strongly in the NASCAR Cup Series.. One of the standout moments came when Austin Dillon, Dale Earnhardt’s grandson, won the 2018 Daytona 500.

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

As an extension of its substantial presence in NASCAR, RCR brings a wealth of experience and a storied history to the Xfinity Series, where it continues to develop emerging racing talent.

In the current lineup, RCR fields two full-time Chevrolet Camaro teams: the No. 2 car driven by Jesse Love and the No. 21 car piloted by Austin Hill. These entries underscore the team’s commitment to nurturing drivers and achieving competitive success in NASCAR’s developmental racing series. RCR’s involvement in the Xfinity Series not only complements its Cup Series endeavors but also reinforces its role in shaping the future of motorsport by providing valuable experience and exposure to up-and-coming drivers.

NASCAR TRUCK SERIES

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has also made significant contributions to the NASCAR Truck Series, showcasing its broad involvement across NASCAR’s spectrum of competitions. From its base in Welcome, North Carolina, RCR has utilized the Truck Series as a vital platform for developing young drivers and refining racing strategies in a highly competitive environment.

Although RCR’s focus is predominantly on the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series, its forays into the Truck Series have been marked by strategic entries aimed at enhancing driver experience and team expertise. Historically, RCR’s participation has helped to elevate the profile of the Truck Series, bringing high-level competition and professional standards to the events in which they compete.

Through these engagements, Richard Childress Racing extends its racing pedigree and commitment to motorsports, leveraging the Truck Series as an important stepping stone for drivers aiming to ascend to higher levels of NASCAR racing. While their presence in the Truck Series may not be as continuous or extensive as in other series, each entry by RCR is executed with the same level of excellence and competitiveness that characterizes their broader racing endeavors.