NASCAR BREAKING: Grandson Of Legendary Team Owner Set To Be Appointed Executive Role After Sudden Retirement Of Andy Petree

Austin Dillon, the grandson of famed team owner Richard Childress, appears to have had a lifelong interest in car racing, whether through his family business or as a driver.

With the sudden retirement of former Richard Childress Racing competition director Andy Petree on Tuesday, a full-time executive role at RCR is open.

Dillon has 18 races remaining in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season and recently signed a contract extension. However, the unexpected change in RCR’s leadership raises the question of whether he will take over Petree’s responsibilities.

As a driver, Dillon has won Truck and Xfinity Series championships, as well as the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. However, it appears that the chess pieces are in motion for Dillon to continue the family history in a suit and tie rather than a driving suit.

Mike, Dillon’s father, is the general manager of Richard Childress Racing and a former race car driver. Richard Childress, Dillon’s grandpa and company namesake, began as an owner-driver before working with icons such as Dale Earnhardt, Neil Bonnett, and Kevin Harvick.

Dillon, at 34, would undoubtedly be among the youngest NASCAR CEOs. All four team owners, Childress, Rick Hendrick, Roger Penske, and Joe Gibbs, are over 70 years old.

Dillon’s on-track performance has dipped substantially over the last two seasons, however, and he may be due for a change.

Thanks to its fantastic Xfinity Series program, RCR would not have to scurry to find a replacement driver for Dillon if he moved to an executive role.

If RCR wanted an experienced driver around Dillon’s age, 30-year-old superspeedway star Austin Hill might jump into the famed No. 3. If the organization wanted a younger driver to compliment veteran Kyle Busch, 19-year-old Jesse Love would be waiting in the wings.

Dillon becoming an executive in 2025 is not assured, but with all of the pieces appearing to fall into place, don’t be surprised if he trades in his Chevrolet Camaro for a desk chair within the next two to three years.

With a good NASCAR career and a plethora of mentors at his disposal, Dillon would make an excellent executive. He would understand the complexities of the business as well as the vehicles he would be handling.