Childress wants grandson to make gradual transition into Nationwide Series

By SceneDaily Staff
Saturday, August 23, 2008

BRISTOL, Tenn.Austin Dillon is tentatively scheduled to make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in the Richard Childress Racing No. 21 at Richmond International Raceway.

Dillon, the grandson of team owner Richard Childress, is currently competing in the Camping World Series. Childress says he doesn't have plans beyond the Sept. 5 race for the 18-year-old driver.

"We'll just see how it goes from there," he said. "He's never run a radial tire. We're going to try to run him a little and see how he does on radials."

Childress said that Dillon is testing some, first with a truck at RIR and then at Iowa in a Nationwide car.

Childress says that it has been fun watching his grandson learn the ropes and that he has received outside input on his performance from others.

"I listen to other people, too," he said. "Kenny Schrader and Kenny Wallace has raced with them and guys like that will tell you kind of what they think of them. I guess the feedback's been good so far."

He admits that working with his grandson, though, is a little different than working with his Cup drivers.

"[I'm] more nervous watching him for sure," he said. "I've watched Cup long enough that it's just there. When it's the grandkids you really get nervous."

He plans to just watch the race and see what happens, then think about future plans for Dillon. He doesn't want to rush him along, either. He wants Dillon to be prepared before he attempts his full-scale debut in the series.

"I don't think you should push too hard and that's the reason we're not pushing Austin," Childress said. "We're not dumping him in something. We'll see how things go but right now we don't have plans for him running the whole season.

"We think he needs another year in the Camping World, a little more dirt, maybe a few ARCA races, then in 2010  take a look and see. He'll be a senior this year … I don't think you should push. He needs at least two to three years."

Comments

3 responses to "Childress wants grandson to make gradual transition into Nationwide Series". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    Mark Sterling said:
    Aug 22, 2008 at 4:50 PM

    Hello, I sure do admire Richard Childress for the way he handles himself in life. A true gentleman with a zest for winning in Nascar racing. Thanks, Mark

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  2. 2
    beth emerson said:
    Aug 22, 2008 at 6:20 PM

    I also admire Childress. I think his grandson will be a good driver someday. i do however hope he is not stupid enough to let his grandson drive the 3 car as I have heard he may do.
    That # should never come on the track again unless it is Dale Jr who drives it. To me that would be a slap in the face of Dale Sr. He was and is a legend and that # is his.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  3. 3
    Don Rakow, Jr said:
    Aug 26, 2008 at 11:03 AM

    The #3 should be driven only by an Earnhardt or Childress family member. Austin drives the #3 in other series so it is only right to let either an Earnhardt or Childress family member drive it. From what I hear Austin is doing quite well and will make us 3 Fans quite proud that the tradition of wins & great racing will continue into the next generation!!!

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Nov 21, 2009 at 1:48 AM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings

Driver Standings after the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500

1 Jimmie Johnson 6492
2 Mark Martin -108
3 Jeff Gordon -169
4 Kurt Busch -211
5 Tony Stewart -285
6 Juan Pablo Montoya -289
7 Greg Biffle -321
8 Denny Hamlin -352
9 Ryan Newman -411
10 Kasey Kahne -476
11 Carl Edwards -520
12 Brian Vickers -666

NASCAR Schedules

abc

Ford 400

Homestead-Miami Speedway
03:30 PM, 11/22/2009

Poll PositionView All

Which has been most detrimental to NASCAR television ratings and attendance this season?

Promotions

  • Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

  • Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.

NASCAR Community Join the Community

In the Forums View All

Presented by

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account