INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 15: Car owner Richard Childress sits on pit lane before qualifications for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on August 15, 2021, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway Indiana. Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire AUTO: AUG 15 NASCAR Cup Series - Verizon 200 at the Brickyard Qualifying Icon116210815015200
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 15: Car owner Richard Childress sits on pit lane before qualifications for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on August 15, 2021, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway Indiana. Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire AUTO: AUG 15 NASCAR Cup Series - Verizon 200 at the Brickyard Qualifying Icon116210815015200
Jul 1, 2026, 10:30 AM CUT
"Proud to be Americans": Richard Childress speaks up at America's Freedom 250 state fair
Just when fans thought North Carolina was out at the Freedom 250, Richard Childress stepped in. After all, Childress was a massive part of the state's incredible stock-racing legacy.
On being asked about the presence of an RCR car at the North Carolina exhibit, Childress explained the circumstances behind its creation.
He said, per the Big Weekend Show on Fox's post on Instagram, “We were told that North Carolina wasn't going to have an exhibit, so we all put it together with the Freedom 250 group... You know, we're just proud to be Americans. Everyone should be proud to be American."
Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series team owner Richard Childress during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series team owner Richard Childress during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
North Carolina pulled out of the event due to budget constraints. That's when Childress worked alongside SPEVCO to represent the state. The two were joined by disaster response company Operation Helo.
And what better way for Childress to celebrate America's 250th anniversary than to represent North Carolina, the state where he started his team back in Winston-Salem.
In the same post on Instagram, the simulator could be seen as a standout attraction. According to the host, Joey Jones, the simulator was attracting more than 800 people every hour, with long lines forming outside the exhibit. This was also later confirmed by Childress.
His participation in the fair comes just days after a visit to support the troops.
Richard Childress attends the Marine Barracks Parade
Just a week ago, Richard Childress was welcomed by LtGen Leonard Anderson IV, the commander of the Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South as a guest of honor.
Their Instagram post celebrating the same, with the caption saying, "A true friend of the Corps, Mr. Childress has been an unwavering supporter of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation—working tirelessly alongside the program to “Rev Up Hope” and fuel bright futures for disadvantaged children across the nation."
Childress' grandson, Austin Dillon, has been driving the No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet in its iconic blue livery at several races in the last few years. That move came when Childress announced a partnership with Toys for Tots, a United States Marine Corps Reserve initiative that gave toys to children who couldn't afford them.
Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!
Written by
Aaradhya Singh
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar