It’s hard to think that more than two months have passed since Christopher Bell and William Byron anxiously awaited the outcome of that race in Martinsville. The Xfinity 500 was tainted by many fines, an unintentional wall ride, and race manipulation techniques. One of the drivers involved in this situation was Austin Dillon, grandson of Richard Childress. In the last several laps, Dillon was a member of the Chevrolet roadblock that prevented anyone from passing Byron.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. covered all of this drama on his podcast, and Childress wasn’t happy with what he had to say. Each driver received a $100,000 fine, as did the teams Richard Childress Racing, Trackhouse Racing, and 23XI Racing. Additionally, RCR lost 50 points and at first said they would appeal, however, the appeal was later withdrawn. That large fine to go with a points docking in an already tumultuous season for RCR felt like a death sentence. So when an already agitated Richard Childress heard what Dale Earnhardt Jr. had to say about his team, he made his feelings known the very next week.
Richard Childress was angry at Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Richard Childress was recently invited by Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download. The two owners described how Childress became enraged with Jr. for remarks he made about racial manipulation at Martinsville. “I don’t always get to decide whether or not I get to comment about things that happen in the sport. I mean, we have to freaking cover it if it’s happening in the sport. Correct? Dale Jr. stated. Additionally, I made some remarks regarding the Martinsville incident that occurred last year. Furthermore, I was aware that you were probably not quite satisfied with it. Dale Earnhardt Jr. went on to describe the altercation, which took place just before a historic evening for JR Motorsports.
It happened in Phoenix during the Xfinity championship race. Dale Jr. was competing for a championship on behalf of JR Motorsports, where he was co-owner with driver (and eventual champion) Justin Allgaier. “I was like, ‘Hey, Richard,'” Junior described the moment when Richard Childress crossed Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s path before to the race. Because I assumed we would say something like, “Hey, man.” I wish you luck. Enjoy yourself. And you stopped, and you basically tuned my a–.” “You were madder than hell,” he said. I don’t like what you said about that Martinsville stuff, you said, grabbing me and guiding me away from everyone.
Earlier in the podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed his opinions about how RCR’s doesn’t stand a potential chance of winning the argument for their appeal raised against the penalty charged. “We’re getting ready to race for the Xfinity championship, and you saw me, and you were like, I got a bone to pick with you.” Jr. further stated at the Dirty Mo Media.
However, given the circumstances, Dale Jr. was correct because the team’s radio talk mentioned the dubious activities involving the drivers and other team members. However, the owners were severely impacted. “I don’t even remember what I said, and I don’t even remember what you said,” Childress remarked. I don’t remember, but I do remember seeing and speaking with you. The RCR owner talked about another punishment his club had to pay in 2024, which he could never forget, but he also acknowledged that he was so furious that he forgot what he said to Jr. I’ll never be able to move on from Richmond because of those two things. I will always remember the Richmond Race as the most memorable event in our career, because I’ve seen it happen so many times.
I have witnessed those incidents occur numerous times, and the two main offenders—Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin—were both engaged. However, it ultimately came down to who could most effectively irritate NASCAR. I’m just disappointed by it. After winning the Richmond Race in 2024, Austin Dillon briefly had a chance to advance to the playoffs when NASCAR sent him packing, and with good reason. The 2024 season has been difficult for Richard Childress Racing. Austin Dillon won the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, but it became a contentious triumph after he hooked Denny Hamlin and spun Joey Logano, who were vying for the lead in the final lap, to win the race himself.
Austin lost his playoff spot after NASCAR docked him 25 points, moving him down from 26th to 31st in the driver’s standings. Furthermore, the amount imposed was the largest in NASCAR’s history; to us, it is more than a million dollars. The biggest fine in NASCAR history. I simply can’t get over how disappointed I am. All I can say is that. Richard said. With millions spent on penalties and few victories to show for it, the 2024 season brought no peace to the RCR. The accusations of race manipulation didn’t stop there, as their spotter Brandon Benesch, crew chief Justin Alexander, and team executive Keith Rodden were also suspended for the last race at the Phoenix. But there was more—this is only a little of it—and another punishment arrived for the No.8 Kyle Busch under the safety level violation on account of the separation of the tires from the vehicle during the Xfinity 500 race.
As a result, Josh Sobecki and Michael Russell, two crew members, were suspended from the two NASCAR Cup Series Championship points events, including the Clash at Bowman Gray. In fact, Richard Childress’s racing team did not benefit in the least by the sequence of events, and it raised doubts about the squad’s overall performance. After such a devastating season, the main goal for 2025 will be to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
