For decades, Richard Childress has been known as a NASCAR powerhouse, the man behind Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and the legendary Dale Earnhardt dynasty. But in a stunning revelation, the multimillionaire team owner has admitted to a past deeply intertwined with NASCAR’s outlaw origins—moonshining.
During a candid interview on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Childress openly confessed to running illegal liquor deliveries as a teenager. His story links him directly to the sport’s Prohibition-era bootlegging roots, joining the ranks of NASCAR legends like Junior Johnson, who turned their backroad outlaw past into racing greatness.
Richard Childress’ Moonshine Confession—A Teenage Runner for Bootleggers
When asked by Dale Earnhardt Jr. if he had ever been involved in illegal moonshine runs, Childress didn’t hesitate:
“Well, it’s a long story… but yes.”
As a 16 or 17-year-old, Childress worked overnight at a service station—a hotspot for local bootleggers. These illegal whiskey makers would park their cars, hand him a list of addresses, and send him out into the night to deliver their liquor.
“These bootleggers would park the car, come in there, give me some addresses—you know, where to go, these drink houses. You deliver this there, you deliver this here, and you deliver there, and I would do that,” Childress recalled.
The drink houses were located in rough, crime-ridden areas, where gun violence and danger were part of the nightly routine.
“I was in the right room; I heard the gun go off, and I ran so damn fast,” Childress admitted, explaining the moment he realized it was time to get out for good.
From Moonshine Runner to NASCAR Kingpin
While his stint in bootlegging was short-lived, it was a rite of passage in early stock car culture—and a pivotal moment in Childress’ journey to NASCAR greatness.
Instead of staying in the illegal trade, he turned to racing, using his earnings from small-time short-track races to buy his first car for $20.
Though he wasn’t an elite driver, Childress had a keen eye for talent—a skill that changed the face of NASCAR forever.
The Decision That Made NASCAR History—Hiring Dale Earnhardt
In 1981, Childress made the most important decision of his career: stepping out of the driver’s seat and handing the wheel to a rising but struggling talent—Dale Earnhardt.
The move launched RCR into superstardom.
Together, Childress and Earnhardt dominated the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, winning six Cup Series championships (1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994) and establishing RCR as one of NASCAR’s most feared teams.
With Earnhardt behind the wheel of the No. 3 Chevrolet, RCR became a powerhouse, going head-to-head with giants like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing.
Even after Earnhardt’s tragic passing at the 2001 Daytona 500, Childress kept RCR alive, securing championships with Kevin Harvick in 2001 (Busch Series) and 2006 (Xfinity Series).
Richard Childress: A $250 Million Empire Built on NASCAR Grit
Today, Richard Childress is worth an estimated $250 million, a testament to his unwavering determination and business acumen.
From a teenage bootlegger dodging bullets to one of the most successful owners in NASCAR history, Childress embodies the American Dream—a journey rooted in risk, rebellion, and relentless ambition.
The Verdict: A True Outlaw-Turned-Legend
Richard Childress’ moonshining past adds yet another layer to NASCAR’s rich history, proving that the sport was built by those who lived life on the edge.
Now, as RCR continues into the modern NASCAR era, one thing is certain: Childress’ legacy—from illegal liquor runs to Cup Series dominance—is cemented in racing folklore forever.
