Lucas Oil Partners with RCR and Kyle Busch for #NASCAR’s Historic Return to International Racing in Mexico City
Decade-Long Technical Partnership with RCR and ECR Engines Key to Tackling Demanding High-Altitude Track Conditions at NASCAR’s First International Points Race in Nearly 70 Years
Lucas Oil, the leader in high-performance lubricants and a long-time partner of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), will brandish its iconic blue livery as the primary sponsor for RCR’s No. 8 Chevrolet, driven by two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, for the upcoming Viva México 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City on Sunday, June 15.
This highly anticipated race marks the first points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race held outside the United States since 1958, showcasing NASCAR's commitment to expanding its international presence. At 7,350 feet above sea level, the 2.674-mile circuit places extraordinary strain on engines, cooling systems and lubricants, robbing naturally aspirated Cup engines of up to a quarter of their horsepower, while pushing fluid temperatures higher than teams typically see at other tracks.
“We’re always excited to push the envelope with Kyle and RCR, and Mexico City presents an ultimate test of endurance and performance, which is exactly the kind of challenge where Lucas Oil’s products shine,” said Brandon Bernstein, Director of Partnership Marketing for Lucas Oil. “This is one of the most extreme racing circuits in the world - the significant elevation expectantly reduces engine power and for the same reason managing braking and engine heat becomes even more critical. On top of all that, teams must adjust aerodynamics within NASCAR specs to account for the thinner air and reduced downforce. It’s in demanding conditions like these where our race-proven products can help teams succeed. We can’t wait to see the RCR team in action.”
Over the past decade, Lucas Oil and ECR have collaborated to develop proprietary, race-day engine oils engineered to maintain optimal viscosity and performance even under extreme conditions — such as reduced air density, thinner oxygen levels and higher engine temperatures expected in Mexico City.
“With the extreme altitude in Mexico City, the demands on our engines will be unlike anything we’ve seen this season. Having Lucas Oil’s expertise and products in our corner gives us great confidence heading into this historic race,” said Bob Fisher, senior vice president of ECR. “We are more than up for the challenge and thrilled to be back racing at the Autódromo in front of an international fanbase and showcasing high performance racing engines on a global stage.”
Fans can watch Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet compete at the Viva México 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Sunday, June 15, with the race broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.
RCR President Torrey Galida Named 2024 VBH Veteran of the Year
"NASCAR wouldn't be here today if we didn't have our Veterans and our active troops." R. Childress
For more than a decade, Richard Childress Racing has opened its doors to Veterans in the community to provide an opportunity for fellowship, entertainment and resources to improve the wellbeing of Veterans. For the last couple of years, Veterans Bridge Home (VBH) has been RCR’s partner in making these monthly events happen on the RCR campus. During a special Veterans Day edition of VBH/RCR’s popular Veterans Coffee event, RCR president Torrey Galida was surprised with the 2024 VBH Veteran of the Year award. This award is presented to a Veteran who exemplifies the organization’s mission of a stronger community.
Galida has welcomed thousands of Veterans to RCR’s campus each year, alongside RCR’s Chairman and CEO, Richard Childress.
“There are so many Veterans in that organization (VBH) who do so many great things and I never really put myself on that list,” said Galida. “I’ve been to some of their events. There were two recently in Charlotte, and when you attend, you really see how impressive the VBH organization is. I was really surprised and obviously very honored that they would pick me.”
Galida joined the US Navy in 1984 as an intelligence officer, and spent six years on active duty. For three years he was stationed with an F-14 fighter squadron in Virginia Beach and deployed on the aircraft carrier “USS Nimitz”, followed by three years of service at the Pentagon.
When Galida left the military, he went to business school at Duke University where he was recruited to work for Ford Motor Company as part of a rotational program for MBA students. His second rotation was within motorsports, where he learned to love the sport and began the career path that eventually led him to serving as president of RCR. Since joining RCR’s executive ranks in 2011, Galida has joined Richard Childress in being a strong proponent of supporting Veterans.
With the support of Childress, RCR and its strong base of partners have made numerous contributions to Veteran Coffee events. In the past 11 months alone, Veterans have been treated to a Coca-Cola 600 car unveil with the No. 3 Chevrolet, toy drives, special guest speakers, and even the presentation of a car to a local veteran. On average, more than 300 attendees gather on RCR’s campus on the second Wednesday of almost every month. Several of the larger Veterans Coffee events have included special programming and drawn in excess of 850 attendees.
Last April, RCR and VBH recognized Vietnam War Veterans and drew approximately 850 attendees, easily making it one of the largest gatherings of Vietnam Veterans in the country. The gathering featured several special speakers, including Colonel Walter “Joe” Marm, a retired Vietnam Veteran and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, and Colonel Norman A. McDaniel, a USAF retired Vietnam Veteran and Prisoner of War for six years.
In September, Veterans Coffee attendees were treated to visits by post 9/11 “War on Terror” Veteran and Wilkes County resident Kevin Holland, MSG, US Army Retired Veteran. Holland brought a unique perspective to Veterans Coffee in sharing his story of conducting over two thousand combat missions and his involvement on the team that located Saddam Hussein.
That following month in October, Veterans Coffee changed one local Veteran’s life forever. The National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program partnered up with Sherwin Williams to give away a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox so that local Veteran Keith Bracken would have transportation to and from work and to help transport his kids to school. Before the vehicle was awarded to Bracken, he would walk four miles a day to work just to provide for his family and would rely on neighbors and friends to get his kids to school. Bracken currently resides in High Point, North Carolina, after serving in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 to 2015 where he served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Earlier this fall, Deputy Vice President of Operations and retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant Mike Stuckey spoke on behalf of Toys for Tots to kick-off the 2024 campaign. VBH has participated with local Marine Corps units each year to donate new, unwrapped and unused toys to ensure kids in the community wake up to presents under the tree. Toys for Tots, a proud sponsor of the No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Austin Dillon, is currently collecting toys at RCR for children in the community.
“The support Richard Childress and his team have provided over the last 10 years has touched the lives of thousands of Veterans and their family members,” said Don Timmons, Veteran and community engagement manager of VBH “The meetings provide the opportunity for Veterans to get out of their house (de-isolate), be with other Veterans and see that they are cared about and respected for their service to our country.”
Galida said it was Timmons who first approached RCR and asked if the organization would be interested in hosting Veterans Coffee, which was an easy yes for Childress and Galida.
“I had no idea what it could be, and it’s really cool,” said Galida. “The best one we ever did was in 2019 for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. We had almost 1,400 people and 75 World War II Veterans. “The more I get to know Don, the more impressed I am with him. He’s a really great guy and does such a good job. He has an incredible network of Veterans throughout this area and the whole state. He is really committed to it and works really hard to make it all happen. Over the years, as I have gotten to see all the work that goes into it and everything that Don does, I’ve realized it’s a labor for love for him. We’re so lucky to have him.”
Following the D-Day event, RCR made it their goal to host at least two to three big events during the year where breakfast or lunch is served to Veterans along with a special program.
“The sacrifices that these Veterans have all made are really important to our country. It’s great to be able to go up and talk to them and it always makes me a little nostalgic. I always think back on the really good times I had when I was in the military. You tend to do that. You don’t think about the bad times, you think about the good times,” continued Galida.
Many of the Veterans who attend VBH/RCR’s Veterans Coffees continue to come back each month and help spread the word to bring more of their local Veterans together and give them an opportunity to connect to resources each month. According to many of the Veteran attendees, family members also benefit from these gatherings in connecting with other Veterans and their family members.
RCR’s Veterans Coffees will continue throughout 2025 and are set to be held on the second Wednesday of every month, with the exception of January and July. For more information, please visit veteransbridgehome.com or our Veterans Coffee page at rcrracing.com/rcr-veterans-coffee.
With Richard Childress Racing and Kyle Busch in 2024
Partnership includes Support of Kyle Busch Micro Sprint Races
Lucas Oil Products, a long-time partner of both Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines, will expand their partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Kyle Busch in 2024, the companies announced today. The Indianapolis, Ind., based company will partner with RCR and Busch for multiple NASCAR Cup Series races and also continue as the official motor oil of ECR Engines.
Lucas Oil will also serve as primary sponsor for Busch when he competes at the grassroots level in a Micro Sprint car. Busch will debut the Lucas Oil colors on December 26 in the Tulsa Shootout.
“RCR and ECR share our passion for motorsports, from the grassroots to the highest levels of the sport,” said Brandon Bernstein, director of partnership marketing for Lucas Oil Products. “We share Kyle’s passion for short track racing and have seen first-hand the benefits of our partnership, especially as it relates to technology transfer over to short track racers and everyday consumers. We’re proud to continue to commit our resources in R&D and production, and to highlight our premier oil performance with sponsorship of the No. 8 Chevrolet.”
Lucas Oil has served as the official lubricant of RCR and ECR Engines since 2014 and is the official motor oil of ECR Engines. RCR, ECR and Lucas Oil have gone to NASCAR Victory Lane together more than 20 times since the partnership began. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil has established itself as an industry leader, producing only the best line of lubricants and additives available anywhere.
Busch piloted the No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet to victory in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. The win came in their first race together and was the first victory for Lucas Oil in the NASCAR Cup Series. It was also the first for Busch at RCR and extended his streak of 19 consecutive seasons with at least one victory at NASCAR’s highest level.
“RCR and ECR have benefited greatly from having a lubricants partner with strong roots in racing,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “It was incredibly gratifying to see the No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet in Victory Lane. It was a testament to all of the resources, expertise, and hard work the Lucas Oil/ECR team has committed to giving us a huge competitive advantage.
NEWS: Lucas Oil Products expands relationship with Richard Childress Racing, ECR Engines and Kyle Busch in 2024.
Austin Hill Looks for a Daytona Single Season Sweep
#21 #NASCAR Xfinity Car for Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill will be coming back to Daytona International Speedway hoping for a single season sweep after winning the season opener in February (2023). The 29-year-old driver is all too familiar with finding Victory Lane at the iconic Daytona track, having also won the season opener in 2022.
Hill tried to sweep Daytona last season but after a wild race that saw three overtime restarts, Jeremy Clements ultimately took the checkered flag, while Hill finished in 14th.
The Winston, Georgia native, Hill, heads into the weekend with some momentum, having already accumulated four wins (Daytona, Las Vegas, Atlanta -1, Pocono), 13 top fives, 17 top 10s and has led 238 laps this season.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series started racing at Daytona twice a year in 2002. If Hill is able to win this weekend and accomplish the single season sweep, he will become just the second driver all-time to accomplish the feat, joining NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2003).
The Kyle Busch era at Richard Childress Racing began three weeks ago at the Los Angeles Coliseum, but the coronation was reserved for Sunday‘s Pala Casino 400 in the last NASCAR Cup Series race at 2-mile Auto Club Speedway.
Busch grabbed the lead from Ross Chastain on Lap 165 and regained it on Lap 180 at the end of a cycle of green-flag pit stops, as the race ran under green for the final 55 laps. He crossed the finish line on Lap 200 with a 2.998-second advantage over runner-up Chase Elliott.
The victory was the 61st of Busch‘s career, most among active drivers and ninth all-time. For the 19th straight season, Busch has won at least one NASCAR Cup Series race, breaking a tie with seven-time champion Richard Petty for the series record.
“Welcome to RCR, baby,” the No. 8 radio reported as Busch crossed the line. “First of many.”
Kyle and Kurt Busch now hold the record for most combined Cup victories by brothers with 95, one more than the total accumulated by Bobby and Donnie Allison.
Coincidentally, Busch claimed the first Cup win of his career at Auto Club, the bulk of whose property was recently sold — with plans to replace the 2-mile speedway with a short track.
Busch‘s victory at Auto Club came in his second start in the No. 8 Chevrolet for RCR, the team he joined after 15 seasons and two series championships with Joe Gibbs Racing.
“I can‘t thank Richard and Judy (Childress) enough, Austin (Dillon) for calling me and getting me talking and getting me the opportunity to come over here to RCR,” said Busch, who had to overcome a pit-road speeding penalty under caution on Lap 43.
“The guys did a great job. (Crew chief) Randall (Burnett) — everybody that worked so hard in the offseason. We did a lot of sim stuff, a lot of testing in general, just trying to get up to speed. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to go to Victory Lane. …
“You put yourself in a different situation and you‘re able to reward your guys. It‘s not about me always winning, but about the guys. I‘ve worked with a lot of great people who‘ve given me a lot of great opportunities in my career. It‘s awesome to be able to reward them.”
It’s going to be a ROWDY year! Congrats @KyleBusch on your first win of the season, here’s to many more 🏁 Get Rowdy with our winning Buy One, Get One 25% off deal at https://t.co/BldQaaVAHQ using code: Restock pic.twitter.com/tDauRSIgu1
The New Motorsports Triple A-Team: Andy's Frozen Custard®, Austin Dillon and Anthony Alfredo
Andy's Frozen Custard announces expanded investment in NASCAR drivers, teams, tracks and on-site Show Car events at Andy's locations nationwide
Anthony Alfredo, driver of the No. 78 Chevrolet for
B.J. McLeod Motorsports; Dana Kuntz, owner, Andy’s Frozen Custard; Andy Kuntz, CEO and owner of Andy’s Frozen Custard; Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing
There's a new A-Team in motorsports and it does not include Mr. T. Andy's Frozen Custard®, the award-winning frozen custard and treat shop, today announced an expanded investment in NASCAR through a partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), driver Austin Dillon, B. J. McLeod Motorsports, and driver Anthony Alfredo. Fans can look forward to this new series of driver sponsorships in 2023, as well as a return to the popular 3-car paint scheme of years past, and a travelling Show Car program. Another bonus: the return of the Three-Crete Concrete, a motorsports themed treat sold nationally at all Andy's locations.
We have had a relationship with RCR, Austin Dillon and Anthony Alfredo that began several years ago. We are excited to have them back for the 2023 season while we create more opportunities for our fans to enjoy the NASCAR experience with their family, friends and favorite frozen treats," said Andy Kuntz, CEO and owner of Andy's Frozen Custard. "Our motorsports alliance has allowed us to reach more fans and it has been very productive for our brand and our stores. The NASCAR/Andy's relationship has contributed to an increase in our national brand awareness and is also helping us grow almost as fast as the racecars we sponsor. We are on target to open nearly 28 new stores this year and have more than 100 in development."
Following are details of the expanded partnership:
We have had a relationship with RCR, Austin Dillon and Anthony Alfredo that began several years ago. We are excited to have them back for the 2023 season while we create more opportunities for our fans to enjoy the NASCAR experience with their family, friends and favorite frozen treats," said Andy Kuntz, CEO and owner of Andy's Frozen Custard. "Our motorsports alliance has allowed us to reach more fans and it has been very productive for our brand and our stores. The NASCAR/Andy's relationship has contributed to an increase in our national brand awareness and is also helping us grow almost as fast as the racecars we sponsor. We are on target to open nearly 28 new stores this year and have more than 100 in development.
Following are details of the expanded partnership:
Andy's will once again be sponsoring the Austin Dillon-driven No. 3 Chevrolet in this year's NASCAR Cup Series, which will debut on March 19 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Ambetter Health 400. Dillon, two-time NASCAR champion, Daytona 500 Champion, and Fall 2020 Texas Motor Speedway NASCAR Cup Series race winner, helped conceive a custom treat for Andy's which will again become available to fans on February 15. The Three-Crete Concrete features Dillon's favorite toppings -- vanilla frozen custard, fresh banana, peanut butter and cookie dough – and will be available at all Andy's locations
Returning to the "A Team" in 2023 is Anthony Alfredo, who will be driving the No. 78 Andy's Frozen Custard Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 27 and at Texas Motor Speedway on September 23. Both races will be nationally televised.
Motorsports fans won't have to wait to go to the racetrack this year to get a taste of the excitement. On February 16, Andy's will be launching a travelling Show Car program featuring either the 3-car or the 78-car that will visit at least half of all Andy's locations in 2023. Its first stop will be with the 3-car in Sanford, Florida, at the Andy's located at 4625 St. Johns Parkway. Scheduled from 3-8 p.m., guests can enjoy $2 one-topping sundaes and a festive atmosphere. All in attendance can take photos with the car, hear the roar of its powerful engine, spin the prize wheel for free treats and merch, enjoy music and the chance to win free Andy's for a year. One lucky person will even win two free tickets to the Daytona 500!
The 3-car will also make appearances at the Grand Opening of Andy's Clearwater, located at 2190 Gulf to Bay Boulevard on February 17 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., and at Andy's South Riverview, 14385 S. US Highway 301 in Wimauma on February 18 from 3 – 8 p.m. A full schedule of stops will soon be available on Andy's Frozen Custard social media channels.
Kuntz added, "I grew up in a family with a 30-year history of being motorsports fans and that tradition continues today with my extended Andy's family. Our company continues to support regional and developing drivers and we remain committed to being a part of the racing community for years to come."
Founded in 1986 in Osage Beach, Missouri by Andy's parents John and Carol Kuntz, Andy's Frozen Custard has been providing the freshest frozen custard in the business for 37 years, giving ice cream the "cold shoulder" by scooping, mixing and presenting handcrafted frozen custard treats with speed and a smile. Since the beginning, the family has had one dream: to share what makes them happiest with everyone else, and to warm hearts, one scoop of frozen custard at a time. With a focus on product quality, customer service and community involvement, Andy's has grown into the nation's largest frozen custard-only business, with more than 2,000 employees and 127 company-owned and franchised stores across 15 states proudly serving the World's Finest Frozen Custard. Andy's also offers the 'Yum Squad Loyalty Club,' designed to say "thank you" to loyal customers by earning points to redeem towards a free treat for every dollar spent. For more information or for details about franchising opportunities, visit www.eatandys.com.
Richard Childress and Jeff Broin Purchase Carolina Cowboys
Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Team Series
Richard Childress, chairman and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, and Jeff Broin, founder and chief executive officer of POET, have purchased the Carolina Cowboys, announced today in conjunction with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR). The PBR Team Series, which kicks off its sophomore season in July, is an elite eight-team league featuring the world’s top bull riders competing in five-on-five bull riding games. The league’s 11-event debut campaign concluded last November with its first champion crowned in Las Vegas.
In the 2022 season, the Carolina Cowboys had been held by PBR and operated by Richard Childress Racing (RCR) with Daytona 500 winner Austin Dillon as Team General Manager. RCR’s operational agreement included an option to purchase the team, which Childress personally exercised following the successful inaugural season, partnering in the deal with entrepreneur and agriculturalist Jeff Broin, the founder and CEO of bioprocessing giant POET, the world’s largest biofuel producer, and his wife Tammie. Broin and RCR have a longstanding partnership through NASCAR and worked together to upgrade the league to 15% bioethanol.
“I’ve always been a fan of the Western lifestyle, but the new teams concept kicks up the excitement and has proven in its inaugural year to be a strong step forward for the future of bull riding,” said Richard Childress. “I couldn’t be prouder to continue to build the Carolina Cowboys alongside Austin Dillon, Jeff Broin, our partners and fans.”
“Agriculture is at the core of all we do at POET and has always been my life’s passion, and I’m excited about this opportunity to be involved as an owner in a sport with deep agricultural roots,” said Broin. “PBR is a dynamic sport with tremendous potential, and I’m looking forward to growing POET’s partnership with both the Carolina Cowboys and the PBR Team Series as it evolves.”
In addition to producing farm-based, renewable biofuel at its 33 bioprocessing facilities across the Midwest, POET also produces a suite of plant-based bioproducts, including Dakota Gold high-protein animal feed.
“The inaugural PBR Team Series season exceeded our expectations: broadcasts on CBS reached more than 11.5 million viewers and the events drew more than 190,000 attendees,” said PBR CEO and Commissioner Sean Gleason. “Our incredible group of owners driving this success has now grown even stronger. We’ve already benefitted from the leadership and operational excellence Richard Childress and Austin Dillon have brought to the Carolina Cowboys, which now becomes a full ownership position in partnership with Jeff Broin, using the sport to promote American-made bioproducts. We are equally excited about Heath Freeman’s entry into team ownership, including his expertise in hospitality, media and entertainment. Both of these new owners create significant strategic opportunity for PBR Teams heading into our second season which will start in July.”
The CBS Television Network, Paramount+, CBS Sports Network or Pluto TV will carry all 11 games in the 2023 Teams regular season, as well as the three-day playoff and championship event November 4-6 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
About the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Team Series:
The PBR Team Series is an elite new league featuring the world’s top bull riders competing on teams in five-on-five bull riding games during an 11-event season beginning in July and culminating in a team championship at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas November 4-6. During the 2022 season, each of the eight teams representing teams in Austin, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Glendale, AZ; Kansas City, MO; Nashville, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; Ridgedale, MO; and Winston-Salem, NC hosted a three-day homestand with additional neutral site games in Cheyenne, WY and Anaheim, CA. To determine team rosters, the league held a rider draft on May 23 prior to start of the 2022 season among any bull riders who declared for the draft during a league eligibility window.
The PBR Team Series builds on the existing structure of professional bull riding with the same basic rules for judging and scoring qualified 8-second bull rides. Events are staged in a tournament-style format with all teams competing in head-to-head matchups against a different opponent each day. Each game features five riders per team squaring off against another team. Full team rosters are comprised of seven riders on the core roster and three practice squad members. The team with the highest aggregate score of qualified rides among its riders is declared the winner of each game. The event winner is the team with the most game wins across an event.
All PBR Team Series events are carried on either the CBS Television Network, streamed live on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, or RidePass on Pluto TV.
It was months ago when the dual personnel shake-ups that altered Richard Childress Racing’s direction for 2023 came to light. Tyler Reddick’s momentous decision to join 23XI Racing was revealed in July. Kyle Busch’s blockbuster shift from Joe Gibbs Racing to RCR came almost exactly two months later in September.
Now, with the curtain closed on the NASCAR Cup Series season, those transitions are starting to take hold at Childress’ shop in Welcome, N.C. It’s a new sense of rejuvenation for the organization, which gained momentum with four Cup Series wins this year — three for Reddick and one with Austin Dillon — and has a renewed energy with the arrival of Busch, one of the sport’s biggest stars and a 60-time winner at NASCAR’s top level.
“He is already wearing everybody out about, ‘hey, we’ve got to be ready to go,’ ” Dillon said during the season-ending race weekend at Phoenix Raceway. “So that fire is definitely there, and that’s what you want to see.”
Dillon enters his 10th season as a Cup Series regular with a transition in teammates. Reddick had been Dillon’s partner in the No. 8 Chevrolet the last three seasons. In 2021, Reddick edged out Dillon for the final spot in the Cup Series Playoffs; this year, Reddick provided a definitive aerodynamic push that helped Dillon to victory in the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway, ensuring both RCR cars would make the postseason cut.
Though Reddick’s move caused some initial acrimony with Childress, the 26-year-old driver’s commitment to winning even as his term was drawing to a close helped to soothe some of the bitterness. On the eve of their last race together, Dillon spoke with appreciation for Reddick’s efforts, both personally and professionally.
“For me, it’s one of the best things that could’ve happened,” Dillon said. “I mean, he was a great teammate throughout, brought speed instantly, a new mentality to the track for RCR. I feel like it was big. He’s just got a lot of good things that came with having him as a teammate. We worked well together. Obviously, this year, I think any time on the track, we had each other’s back and we pushed each other to be better. So yeah, he was a great part of our organization for the time he’s been here, and we’ve got a good friendship and hopefully he has a good career ahead of him where he’s going, and I’m happy for him.”
RCR now charts a new course with Dillon alongside Busch, who jumps on board after a successful 15-year tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. He’ll be driving a Chevrolet for the first time since 2004-07, his stint with Hendrick Motorsports.
Busch has already been involved on a preliminary level, visiting the shop and encouraging Dillon to log more simulator time to validate his on-track performance.
“We’ve already started a little bit,” Busch said post-race at Phoenix. “My duties say JGR and Toyota — one of them continues through the (awards) banquet, the other one continues through December 31. So we’ll see what happens in the month of December.”
The more casual initiation may come sooner than later. Dillon says he received a text from Busch expressing an interest in a hunting trip — a pastime long associated with the Childress family, but perhaps not with Busch, who said he’d likely need to renew his license.
“I had one once upon a time. I’ve been before. Don’t let things completely shock you,” Busch said with a grin. “Actually, (crew chief) Jason Ratcliff and I, when we were really close and racing for a championship in ’09, him and I went together. So it was fun. I’ve done it before, I’d enjoy doing it again. I’ve just never really I guess had any invites to go.”
Those opportunities might be more frequent as the two new teammates get to know each other better in the offseason. The team in general will be getting more acquainted, with new driver-crew chief pairings introduced for both cars.
Randall Burnett, atop the pit box for Reddick’s three wins this year, will remain with the No. 8 Chevrolet team to partner with Busch next season. Dillon will work hand-in-hand with veteran Keith Rodden, who replaces the outgoing Justin Alexander and returns to a regular crew chief role for the first time since 2017.
Rodden remained with Hendrick Motorsports as a project manager after stepping off the pit box. This year, he’s served as executive general manager for General Motors’ motorsports competition NASCAR strategy group, where he worked on developing Chevrolet’s approach to maximizing track time with the Next Gen racer that debuted this past season. Rodden also served as crew chief and project lead for Chevy’s wheel-force testing program, where he first clicked with Dillon at a two-day test at Richmond Raceway last offseason.
“He’s a racer, and you want that, and he’s fired up. He’s wanting to be here every Sunday and give it his all,” Dillon said. “So I think we’re building. We’ve got a good team already, nothing’s really changed on that front. Just some small minor tweaks. So he just kind of gets to come in there and take what he’s learned from the war room at Chevy this year, and doing the wheel-force testing and kind of the bird’s-eye view from all the Chevy teams and their approach and try and put — in his mind — what the best setup for me is each and every week.”
Dillon will also likely benefit from insight from Busch, whose diligence and devotion to studying and improving his craft has long ranked among the sport’s elite. It also doesn’t hurt matters that when Busch is fitted for his new RCR fire suit, his uniform will say “Champion 2X” beneath the Cup Series logo below his right shoulder.
“I think, as a sports fan, there’s no champion out there that doesn’t give maximum effort to all parts of the game,” Dillon says. “You know, there’s some very talented people that do pretty well, but they’re not always a champion. Kyle created himself to be a two-time Cup champion, I feel like, so the commitment he has to this sport is unmatched. When you’re a champion, it’s unmatched. So I feel like knowing that going in, you just can’t put an amount on that that it brings to our organization. It’s going to step everybody’s game up.”
It was announced just last week that the grandson of 10-time Talladega winner Dale Earnhardt, Sr. would get a one-race deal with RCR (his first ever with the team), and it would be in a No. 3 – that his “grandpa” made famous.
“I tell ya this is unbelievable man,” said an emotional Earnhardt. “This is a dream of mine for years, to get to this opportunity and everything is falling into place. The good Lord is taking care of us. Everyone from ForeverLawn have supported me tremendously. All the guys at RCR, man, all I’ve got to do is hold a pretty wheel. They’ve proven time and time again they bring fast cars to the superspeedways. Not a bad starting spot. We’re going to try to keep ‘er there all race and hopefully put it in victory lane.”
For Childress, whose No. 3 that Earnhardt, Sr., collected nine of those triumphs, it was extra special. “To see that 3 car back on the track with an Earnhardt in it, it’s kind of touching to me anyway because I was always a big Earnhardt fan. And this is Earnhardt country…pretty amazing.”
'@JEarnhardt1, grandson of Dale Earnhardt, earned his first career pole award Friday night at @TALLADEGA.
Jeffrey’s best-career result in the NASCAR Xfinity Series came in 2019 when was third at Charlotte in a Joe Gibbs Racing machine. His best at ’Dega is a 12th (2015). Hoping for his first career triumph, he will have FOX analyst Larry McReynolds serving as his crew chief. McReynolds, before he started his stint with FOX in 2001, had 23 victories as a crew chief, including the 1998 DAYTONA 500 with Dale Sr. at the wheel.
For the first time in over 21 years, I just boarded a plane as a crew chief headed to @TALLADEGA Pumped to be back with @RCRracing and a #3 car with @JEarnhardt1 Qualifying on @FS1 at 5:30pm/ET Today! #NASCAR
"What a dream come true. The chance to be behind the wheel of the No. 3 car for RCR has long been a dream of mine and now it's finally happening," says Earnhardt. "I can't thank ForeverLawn enough for making my dreams come to reality and for being such a big part of my career. I also want to thank Mr. Childress for making this possible. The No. 3 car is cherished by a lot of people, and I know how much it means to him. To give me this opportunity is something I'll never forget."
Earnhardt will pilot the No. 3 Chevrolet wrapped in a vintage-style paint scheme which incorporates the familiar ForeverLawn black and green color palette. Sponsors featured on the throwback car include SuperPufft, Dalstrong, The Accredited Petroleum Association, STR, and Precision Products.
"We're thrilled to partner with Jeffrey Earnhardt and Richard Childress Racing for this momentous race," says Dale Karmie, co-founder of ForeverLawn. "Jeffrey is a great young man and to see him fulfill his dream of driving the No. 3 for RCR is incredible. He has worked so hard to carve his own way while honoring the Earnhardt legacy. Can't wait to see the #blackandgreengrassmachine donning the No. 3 at the legendary Talladega Superspeedway."
"It's great to have an Earnhardt back in one of our cars," says Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of RCR. "We think Jeffrey is a talented young driver and I'm confident he will run well at Talladega."
The race will be broadcast live at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 23 on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Viewers can also follow Earnhardt in the No. 3 car on the ForeverLawn Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook channels using #blackandgreengrassmachine.
About ForeverLawn
ForeverLawn® improves spaces and communities through innovative synthetic grass solutions. Beginning in 2004 as the daring entrepreneurial venture of two brothers, ForeverLawn has consistently led the synthetic turf industry through groundbreaking approaches to products and practice. As the premium choice for synthetic surfacing, each product is engineered to solve unique consumer needs and desires while maintaining superior standards and natural aesthetics. Today the company services over eighty localized markets through their dealer network, with an impressive regional, national, and international project portfolio.
Want to be a part of something bigger? Learn how you can be a person of impact through business ownership opportunities with ForeverLawn. For more information, contact opportunities@foreverlawn.com.
Richard Childress Racing (rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2022 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR champion, 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet), along with two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick (No. 8 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Sheldon Creed (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).
North Carolina’s First Bull Riding Team to be Run by Richard Childress Racing
Under General Manager Austin Dillon to Compete at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
PBR (Professional Bull Riders) today announced that the Carolina Chaos will represent Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the PBR Team Series, an elite new league featuring the world’s top bull riders competing in games beginning in June 2022.
North Carolina’s first bull riding team will call Wake Forest’s Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum home, joining the Demon Deacons men’s and women’s basketball teams in the 14,600 capacity multi-purpose arena in Winston-Salem.
The team will be run by Richard Childress Racing with 2018 Daytona 500 Champion Austin Dillon serving as General Manager. Dillon, who drives the iconic No. 3 Chevrolet, embarks on his ninth year of competition in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022. A former champion in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (2013) and NASCAR Truck Series (2011), Dillon is a 19-time winner in NASCAR’s top-three touring series.
”I’ve always had an interest in the business side of sports, so I’m thrilled to get a chance at being the general manager of a PBR team alongside my grandfather,” said Dillon. “I grew up watching bull riders with my grandfather, so it’s special to be able to share this interest with him in our home state of North Carolina.”
The PBR Team Series’ inaugural 10-event regular season will culminate in a team playoff at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas November 4-6, 2022. The league will launch with eight founding teams, each scheduled to host in their respective city an annual bull riding event and western lifestyle festival, building excitement and rooting interests in the sport.
The PBR Team Series event for the Carolina Chaos at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in North Carolina will be announced at a later date. Fans can connect with the Carolina Chaos on social media at @Carolina Chaos on Facebook, @CarolinaChaos_ on Twitter, @CarolinaChaos_ on Instagram, and @CarolinaChaos_ on TikTok.
The full PBR Team Series league roster is:
• Ariat Texas Rattlers, based in Fort Worth, Tex., owned by the Fisher family
• Arizona Ridge Riders, based in Glendale, Ariz., owned by Teton Ridge
• Austin Gamblers, based in Austin, Tex., owned by Egon Durban
• Carolina Chaos, based in Winston-Salem, N.C., owned by the league and operated by Richard Childress Racing
• Kansas City Outlaws, based in Kansas City, Mo., owned by Pulley Outlaws LLC
• Missouri Thunder, based in Ridgedale, Mo., owned by Johnny Morris
• Nashville Stampede, based in Nashville, Tenn., owned by Morris Communications Company
• Oklahoma Freedom, based in Oklahoma City, Okla., owned by the league and operated by Prodigal
There will also be two “neutral site” league-produced regular season events and the season playoff and championship. All PBR Team Series events will be carried on either the CBS Television Network, streaming live on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network or Pluto TV.
The league will host a PBR Team Series rider draft on May 23 prior to start of the 2022 season, among PBR rider members who have declared for the draft during a league eligibility window. To determine team selection order of the athletes, a draft lottery among teams will be held prior to the PBR Unleash The Beast event at Madison Square Garden in New York on Friday, January 7.
The PBR Team Series complements the successful PBR Unleash The Beast premier tour, which held its first championship in 1994 and in 2022 will be staged January – May, with its World Finals held in Fort Worth, Texas from May 13-22, 2022.
The PBR has a rich history in the state of North Carolina. In addition to having made more than 30 stops in the Tar Heel State with the elite Unleash The Beast, several of the world’s best bull riders hail from North Carolina including two-time PBR World Champion J.B. Mauney, 2021 PBR Rookie of the Year Eli Vastbinder, and PBR Ring of Honor inductee Jerome Davis, who operates Davis Rodeo Ranch in Archdale, hosting events and raising PBR bucking bulls with his wife Tiffany.
The PBR debuted in Winston-Salem in 2008, visiting the city annually through 2010 with the premier Unleash The Beast. The organization held a subsequent elite tour event in the Twin City in 2013.
In 2009, North Carolinian Mauney captured the event win, going a perfect 3-for-3, including riding Deja Blue Emu for 91 points to clinch the victory.
“Over the past 29 years, PBR has grown to become a mainstream sport carried by CBS and Pluto TV and packing marquee arenas across the country,” said PBR CEO and Commissioner Sean Gleason. “The incredible lineup of passionate, highly successful team owners validates the new PBR Team Series league – a transformational addition to the sport that will help take PBR to new levels.”
The PBR Team Series builds on the existing structure of professional bull riding with the same basic rules for judging and scoring qualified 8-second bull rides. Events will be structured in a tournament-style format with all teams competing in head-to-head matchups against a different opponent each day. Each game will feature five riders per team squaring off against another team. Full team rosters will be comprised of seven riders on the core roster and up to three practice squad members. The team with the highest aggregate score of qualified rides among its riders will be declared the winner of each game. The event winner will be the team with the most game wins across an event, with a special bonus round designed as a tie-breaker to determine final event standings.
Team formatted bull-riding events have been growing in popularity since the debut of the PBR Global Cup in 2017, which pitted nation against nation in the name of national pride. The successful event format continued in June and July 2021 with the PBR Monster Energy Team Challenge, presented by U.S. Border Patrol. In addition, PBR has staged multiple Air Force Reserve Cowboys for a Cause team charity events.
About PBR (Professional Bull Riders):
PBR is the world’s premier bull riding organization. More than 500 bull riders compete in more than 200 events annually across the televised PBR Unleash The Beast tour (UTB), which features the top 35 bull riders in the world; the PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour (PWVT); the PBR Touring Pro Division (TPD); and the PBR’s international circuits in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico.
In June 2022, PBR will launch PBR Team Series – eight teams of the world’s best bull riders competing for a new championship. The organization’s digital assets include PBR RidePass on Pluto TV, which is home to Western sports. PBR is a subsidiary of IMG, a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media.
Andy's Frozen Custard Expands Motorsports Initiative with Multi-Year Texas Motor Speedway Partnership
No. 3 Andy's Frozen Custard Chevrolet driven by Austin Dillon Paint Scheme Also Unveiled
Andy's Frozen Custard will be serving the World's Finest Frozen Custard to hundreds of thousands of motorsports fans as the "Official Frozen Treat" of Texas Motor Speedway beginning in May. Texas Motor Speedway guests will enjoy Andy's frozen treats in suites, Andy's concession stands and the Andy's Treat Truck serving made every hour frozen custard at on-property events. Texas is currently home to nearly 25 percent of all Andy's locations, with 21 stores and several under development.
— Texas Motor Speedway (@TXMotorSpeedway) April 15, 2021
As part of its expanded motorsports initiative, Andy's will be sponsoring the Austin Dillon-driven No. 3 Chevrolet in this year's NASCAR Cup Series, which will debut at the June 13 NASCAR All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway. At the press conference at the Andy's Frozen Custard store in Concord, North Carolina, Dillon also revealed the new "Three-Crete-Concrete" -- vanilla frozen custard, fresh banana, peanut butter and cookie dough --- available at all Andy's locations later this month.
The 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series season is upon us and Daytona International Speedway is all set to host this weekend’s ‘NASCAR Racing Experience 300’ at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Justin Haley, Driver of the #11 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet,
leads AJ Allmendinger, Driver of the #16 Ellsworth Advisors Chevrolet, and
Ross Chastain, Driver of the #10 Nutrien Ag Solutions Chevrolet, during practice
Daytona International Speedway has hosted fifty-six (56) NASCAR Xfinity Series races (1982-2019) producing 41 different pole winners and 31 different race winners.
For some drivers, this weekend is the beginning of a 33-race championship, but for others it’s just about the checkered flag, the win and the celebration in Victory Lane. Which makes it no surprise several part-time Xfinity Series drivers are taking aim at Daytona this weekend.
One such driver specifically tapped to drive this weekend to challenge for the win is veteran AJ Allmendinger. The California wheelman will be jumping into the Kaulig Racing No. 16 Chevrolet this weekend with crew chief Lennie Chandler calling the shots from the pit box. Allmendinger was dominate in his lone Xfinity Series Daytona start last season leading 33 laps and crossing the start-finish line in the top five but was subsequently disqualified and dropped to 38th after failing post-race inspection. In total last season Allmendinger made five starts with Kaulig Racing, posting one win (Charlotte ROVAL), two top fives and a pole.
2018 Gander Trucks champ Brett Moffitt will help the newly formed Our Motorsports make their NASCAR Xfinity Series debut this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Moffitt will pilot the No. 02 Chevrolet. Moffitt has only made three Xfinity Series starts in his career with a best finish of ninth at his home track Iowa Speedway. This will be Moffitt’s series track debut this weekend.
Hattori Racing Enterprises made their NASCAR Xfinity Series debut last season with driver Austin Hill and this weekend return to the series for a shot at Daytona. Hattori Racing Enterprises primarily races in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and the organization won the Gander Trucks season-opener last year. Hill made his Xfinity Series debut last season with owner Carl Long at Indianapolis – he started 17th and finished ninth.
Born in 1957 in Belgium, it was after a trip at the age of seven that my love for NASCAR caught hold of me! It was the 1964 World 600 in Charlotte. Since NASCAR it's my life! A large collection of objects and papers make up my personal little NASCAR museum.
Passionate about the history and statistics of NASCAR, I have contributed to numerous magazines and websites mainly in French language (Europe and Canada). One of my greatest pride is my full-time collaboration at racing-reference.info from 2003 to 2021.
Today I continue to write for fun and it's with joy that I join nascarracemom.com as contributor. .
