For years, Richard Childress has been shaping the organization as we know it today and continues to do so. However, the focus has shifted to the organization's future, and Childress has made his stance clear. There has been some chatter about whether the company will be sold to a white-collar organization or remain a family affair. 

During the pre-race media availability, Richard Childress was questioned about Austin Dillon taking over the company in the future. He replied, “Yes, he and Ty Dillon both went up the next day and talked to the whole company the next morning, and I see a role with them being involved, both of them.”

“Austin, I've got him; he's the general manager over the, uh, Carolina Cowboys, and he's learning how to deal with a sanctioning body. 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.” Childress added. 

Richard Childress founded the company in 1969. Since then, the organization has acquired 16 championships and 200 victories across all of NASCAR’s divisions.

Austin Dillon took over the Richard Childress co-owned Carolina Cowboys and became the general manager of the Professional Bull Riders team in 2022. This role has helped him gain valuable experience in leadership and business management.

Both Austin and Ty have been actively working towards keeping the company running. While Childress’s son-in-law, Mike Dillon, currently works as the company's chief operating officer. 

As of now, it does not seem like the 80-year-old team owner will be stepping away from his role anytime soon. But when he does, he has three options lined up. 

When Richard Childress and Austin Dillon Got Into a Disagreement About the Company’s Direction

During an interview in August 2025, Austin Dillon revealed what it is like working with his grandfather, Richard Childress.

"We get into arguments to the point of frustration," he said. "It's very hard when he's your grandfather to have an argument with him because you don't want to argue about it. There's certain directions we have to go to move this boat forward, right? I'm constantly pushing him."

Austin had also spoken about how Childress is "very loyal" to the people around him. He had also spoken about how Richard Childress finds it difficult to make decisions regarding new things. 

You can read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Ankita Yadav