How Richard Childress Tried to Change Victory Lane Forever

Richard Childress wanted NASCAR winners to toast with his own champagne, replacing the classic victory milk. Childress’ Bold Champagne Dream

From Track to Vineyard

[{"selector":"#anim-282f1b6c-1a42-4fa2-9a64-d938ed170959 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-43.59374978979018%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] In 2004, Childress shifted gears, founding Childress Vineyards in North Carolina to blend his love for racing and wine.

[{"selector":"#anim-f22c8f00-d7ae-4a37-9c62-3953d5c6f56e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Despite California’s appeal, Childress chose his home state to grow his championship-winning wine brand. Local Roots, Big Vision

[{"selector":"#anim-d8b99a91-3cf7-4909-b9f7-0942723010c4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-40.15624981664565%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Jay Leno mocked, critics questioned, but Richard Childress remained determined to produce high-quality wines and establish his vineyard’s reputation. Skeptics Laughed, He Pushed

A Taste for Everyone

[{"selector":"#anim-af2a2e9e-7f68-47ed-9fbf-3ad800ce6eb7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Childress sought to create wines that delighted experienced connoisseurs while also appealing to newcomers exploring the world of wine.

RCR Faces Tough Season

[{"selector":"#anim-60044e0b-3339-4e42-864f-04fc37a001b2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-35.937499849604635%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] In 2005, Richard Childress Racing faced challenges, with none of its drivers securing a top-10 finish in the championship standings.

Harvick’s Lone Bright Spot

[{"selector":"#anim-63ed0d58-cd0e-4157-837e-3f77524b79b8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(38.90624982641127%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Kevin Harvick secured a Bristol win, but Richard Childress Racing struggled throughout the season, failing to showcase its former dominance.

A Vision Unfulfilled

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Racing & Wine, Side by Side

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NASCAR Legend & Team Owner

[{"selector":"#anim-2fd10911-2b65-4808-9025-aff33aa0cec5","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1fe88c71-bc83-43d8-91aa-f8820540c1a0","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-111.30952%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0611d3fd-eae9-45c0-bbc9-99f3eade1594 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Richard Childress blended racing and winemaking, envisioning champagne in NASCAR’s victory lane while building a respected vineyard in North Carolina. Read More