After years of fighting for his place in NASCAR, Ty Dillon is back in a full-time Cup Series ride. But is a reunion with RCR on the horizon?
For Richard Childress, nothing has brought more pride than seeing both his grandsons competing at the highest level of NASCAR. When Ty Dillon landed his first full-time Cup Series ride at Germain Racing in 2017, the Hall of Fame owner was overjoyed. With Austin Dillon competing under the RCR banner, it seemed like a dream come true—his family carrying on the legacy he built.
Fast forward seven years, and that dream is coming full circle. While Ty Dillon will compete in 2025 for Kaulig Racing in the No. 10 Chevrolet, there’s a growing sense that a return to RCR could be in the cards.
Ty Dillon’s Journey: “You Gotta Create Your Own Doors”
Dillon’s NASCAR career has been anything but easy. Despite his early promise, he never found stable footing in the Cup Series, going winless in 244 starts.
Now, with a full-time ride at Kaulig Racing, Dillon is embracing his latest challenge. But while he builds chemistry with his new team, he’s also been quietly staying close to RCR.
In an interview with Steven Taranto, Dillon reflected on his departure from his grandfather’s team and what it’s taken to keep his career alive.
“Honestly, it wasn’t that I left to do my own thing. Sometimes in life, there’s no more doors open. And you gotta create your own doors.”
“It’s not like I left to try and figure it out on my own… I had to provide for my family and do the career I’ve built my whole life.”
Though his NASCAR record isn’t filled with wins, Dillon has never stopped fighting. His part-time Cup stint last year showed flashes of potential, highlighted by three top-20 finishes, including an impressive 16th-place run at Texas.
That resilience has caught Richard Childress’ attention once again.
A Family Legacy in the Making?
Though Ty Dillon isn’t officially returning to RCR, he has remained deeply involved with the organization.
“I know it seems like I am just coming back to the fold at RCR,” Dillon admitted.
“But for the past two and a half years, I’ve been at my grandfather’s meetings—not only at RCR, but some of his other businesses… it’s been some of the greatest moments of my life.”
With RCR’s long-term future in mind, Childress has dropped hints about a potential reunion—but for now, Dillon must prove his worth at Kaulig Racing.
Can Dillon Turn His Career Around?
At 32 years old, Ty Dillon’s NASCAR career has reached a make-or-break moment. A strong 2025 season could pave the way for a future return to RCR—but it all starts with his performance in the No. 10 Chevrolet at Kaulig Racing.
Meanwhile, Richard Childress will be watching closely.
If Dillon finally finds success, could he one day step into an RCR ride alongside Austin Dillon?
One thing is certain: The family conversation is far from over.
