Austin Dillon’s recent victory at Richmond has positioned him back in the spotlight, this time for commendable reasons. Unlike the contentious finish he had on the same track last year, this win signifies a crucial step towards securing a playoff berth for Dillon and his team, Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Much of the credit for this resurgence, according to Dillon, belongs to his crew chief, Richard Boswell, whose leadership is instrumental in guiding RCR back toward the forefront of the sport.
Dillon expressed his gratitude during post-race interviews, highlighting the unwavering support of his grandfather, Richard Childress, the founder of RCR. He described Childress as the foundational pillar of the organization, always present and dedicated to the team’s success. Dillon emphasized Boswell’s significant influence, stating, “Richard Boswell is a heck of a leader. A good get for us in the off-season. He’s a guy that can be a leader for years to come after crew chiefing for him.”
The driver noted how Boswell has cultivated a strong team dynamic, allowing them to compete effectively. Dillon remarked, “Multiple times I told him this year, ‘If I can’t go fast with the team I have right now, I need to think about doing something else, moving to another role.’ This feels really good.” His comments underline the confidence he has in the current team, which he believes is capable of making a significant impact during the playoffs.
Dillon sees Boswell’s arrival as pivotal in attracting top-tier talent to RCR. He believes that the commitment shown by Childress and the team’s recent performance signals that they can compete with the sport’s elite. “There’s a lot of big, strong teams out there. We scrap and claw and figure out ways to win. I think we have fun when we do that,” Dillon added, hinting at the competitive spirit that fuels RCR’s journey.
Boswell joined Dillon’s crew in November 2024, ahead of the 2025 Cup Series season, after previously serving as the crew chief for Chase Briscoe at the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing. In response to Dillon’s praises, Boswell acknowledged his driver’s work ethic and addressed ongoing criticisms about Dillon’s place in the Cup Series.
He pointed to Dillon’s performance at Richmond as evidence of his abilities, noting that Dillon battled side-by-side with Ryan Blaney, the reigning 2023 Cup Champion, for 30 to 40 laps before ultimately finishing ahead. While Boswell conceded that the team needs to improve its overall speed, he firmly dismissed claims that Dillon lacks the skill to succeed at this level. “Anyone claiming Dillon just can’t do it isn’t looking at the facts,” he asserted, underscoring his belief in Dillon’s capabilities.
As RCR looks to build momentum from this victory, both Dillon and Boswell’s confidence in their team may drive them further into the competitive landscape of NASCAR. The upcoming races will test their resolve and the effectiveness of their strategies as they aim to make a significant mark in the playoffs.
