Is smaller better? NASCAR teams are finding new ways of growth while reducing in-house operations
Years ago, you had to be on one of the 4-car powerhouse NASCAR teams. But, in the modern climate, is 4 cars too much for one organization to handle? Are there better ways of organizing a powerhouse, without the compression on your in-house organization.
In 2018, the #27 charter, previously owned by Richard Childress Racing has been sold. Paul Menard will had over to Wood Brothers Racing, piloting the #21 car.
Richard Childress Racing will be reduced from a three car to a two car organization. Ryan Newman and Austin Dillon will pilot the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars for RCR in 2018.
“It’s something that I was really excited about, during the off-season,” Austin Dillon tells Bob Pockrass of ESPN.
In 2018, Richard Childress Racing is bringing in some outside parties. Richard Petty Motorsports makes the switch to Chevrolet. In addition, they have formed an alliance with Richard Childress Racing.
Beyond that, Richard Childress Racing also has a partnership with Levine Family Racing. That’s a partnership that’s been in place since 2016. However, for 2018, Leavine Family Racing has signed veteran driver Kasey Kahne as the driver of their #95 machine.
“I’m excited to see what another driver does, with the throttle pedal and the brake. I can see all his data. Bringing some different perspectives into the group, is good for me as a driver,” Austin Dillon explains.
While Richard Childress has scaled back the size of their time, in house. They still have the support of a 4 car team, without the added stress of bringing 4 cars to the race track.
Is that the new way to go for NASCAR?
Is smaller better?
Furniture Row Racing certainly made a strong case for a smaller NASCAR team.
Martin Truex Jr and Furniture Row Racing took the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2017. They did it with a two-car organization and alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing. In 2018, Furniture Row Racing is scaling back to just a single car effort.
“It’s a tough balance,” Kahne said of the powerhouse NASCAR operations. “There’s a lot of people involved. There’s a lot of ideas involved. It’s just a different way to do it..”
“I see a lot of two car teams being very successful. The Furniture Row group was a two car team last year and won the championship,” stated Austin Dillon on the topic. “I’m really excited about that. It’s nice to be able to focus on two cars.”
More
Related: Kasey Kahne feels he can bring a lot to Leavine
Related: Expect more dirt races for Kasey Kahne in 2018
Related: Kasey Kahne releases 2018 car
Related: Richard Petty Motorsports partners with Richard Childress Racing
Links
Austin Dillon |Kasey Kahne | Leavine Family Racing | Richard Petty Motorsports | Richard Childress Racing | NASCAR
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