NASCAR has now joined the festivities of America’s 250th Anniversary celebration. During a presser held before the Michigan race in June, it was announced that Richard Childress would be representing North Carolina at the Great American State Fair.

Childress was joined by series CEO Steve O’Donnell, Chevrolet’s Jim Campbell, and Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon. After the panel, NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass asked CEO Steve O'Donnell if NASCAR has started looking into expanding its market.

"I think you know, certainly we’ve started to move around and look at more race markets. It's probably more so states, with the governors' stuff being up with the champions before, but you know this is kind of firsts to have some more of those opportunities," said O'Donnell on June 6.

During the Michigan race interview, O’Donnell said that the RCR team owner had invited the NASCAR leadership to talk about and introduce the various opportunities the sport has to offer. 

Richard Childress’s grandson, Austin Dillon, was also in attendance. While talking to Pockrass, Dillon spoke about Childress’ contribution to the North Carolina-based team having grown so much in various businesses.

"I would say one thing, and that's Richard Childress. I mean he is the energizer bunny at his age he still goes and he’s always looking forward, looking to the next thing," Dillon said. "I’m very proud to be a family member, be a part of his blood and just working with him and understanding why he does certain things and he loves the country, loves NASCAR and its cool to be a part of [it] and I want to carry on RCR and keep our company going for as long as possible."

Childress’ influence goes far beyond NASCAR. While he is mainly known for founding the racing team, he is also known for various other businesses.

His ventures include the ECR Engines engine program and co-ownership of the pro bull-riding team, Carolina Cowboys. 

While Childress has been the backbone of the company for decades now and shows no signs of slowing down, he has spoken about who can take over the organization in the future. 

Richard Childress reveals who could lead RCR in the future 

 Austin Dillon and his brother Ty Dillon have been closely involved in the business. And it seems that the business will eventually be passed down to one of the brothers once Childress decides to step down. 

During the June 6 interview, Richard Childress was questioned about Austin Dillon taking over the company in the future. He replied, 

“ I see a role with them being involved both of them. Austin, I've got him; he's the general manager over the Carolina Cowboys, and he's learning how to deal with a sanctioning body,” Childress said. "He's learning how to deal with riders instead of drivers, which would be different. He's learning it, and Ty's involved a lot as well. He's there with us. So, it's a family operation, and we're doing our best to keep it like that."

Austin Dillon seems to be a strong contender due to his current role as general manager at the Richard Childress co-owned Carolina Cowboys.

Who do you think will become the next owner of RCR after Childress retires? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit