It is not a secret that Richard Childress Racing has been struggling over the past few seasons. Austin Dillon’s playoff qualification in 2024 was their last milestone. And now, with Jesse Love also leaving the team next year, they have found one last hope in a rising rookie: Carson Brown.

The 18-year-old from New London, North Carolina is RCR’s impressive developmental driver. Brown is a presumptive ASA STARS National Super Late Model Series champion and ARCA and Trans-Am winner. But it isn’t just about his accolades.

Wherever he goes, he earns endorsements from his seniors. For instance, Anthony Campi, for whom Brown has driven the No. 81 Chevrolet Late Model, said,

“Some of the cars we’ve given him, I would be irate coming off the hauler like we have a couple of times,” Campi said, as reported by Motorsport.

“But he just comes over the radio, and calmly says ‘yeah guys, nearly backed it into the fence; need to go a different direction,’ and I have worked with drivers who are completely the opposite.”

Next is Scott Lagasse Jr., for whom Brown drives in the TA2 series. Lagasse Jr spoke of his maturity and dedication that is inherent in his nature.

“I don’t even know that he fully understands yet what he’s doing but he's gaining a lot of momentum in terms of people who want to fight for him. To win races at any level, it takes people who are willing to stay at the shop after hours. Carson is really good about motivating his team and being appreciative of the work they put in. 

“You can’t train that.”

Brown got into racing at 10 when he drove a Legends car, but before that, he grew up playing baseball. That’s how the teamwork mindset developed in him.

“Everything in my life has revolved around being on a team,” Brown said. “I think that just comes natural…I feel like teamwork is even more important on the racing side and I really do want to be a good teammate.”

Currently, he is competing part-time in the ARCA Series, driving the No. 28 Chevrolet for Pinnacle Racing Group. He is expected to join the O’Reilly Series soon, probably next year if things go in his favor.

Why Richard Childress Racing needs Brown

There is no doubt Jesse Love is RCR’s best driver so far across Cup and O’Reilly. But he is set to join Wood Brothers Racing starting in 2027.

With Kyle Busch’s sudden demise this year, Austin Dillon is the primary Cup driver to rely on. And he’s not in his form. In 21 races, he sits in 28^th place with just two top-10s.

In the O’Reilly Series, Austin Hill is ranked 7^th, but lately, even he is having a roller-coaster ride when it comes to his finishes. Secondly, he also has the added pressure to perform in Cup after taking over the No. 33.

With Love departing, Dillon struggling for consistency, and Hill balancing Cup and O’Reilly duties, RCR needs an anchor driver whom they can bank on for the future, aiming for the championship.

And right now, there is no better prospect than Carson Brown.

Written by

Suyashdeep Sason

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason