Richard Childress Racing has made several changes leading into a new NASCAR season.
The team collected just one win in 2024 with Austin Dillon’s controversial move at Richmond Raceway. That comes after collecting three with Kyle Busch in 2023 and four more in 2022 with Tyler Reddick and Dillon.
Austin Dillon will have a new crew chief for the 2025 season. Kyle Busch and the No. 8 crew chief remains the same with Randall Burnett leading that team.
Keith Rodden has been promoted at RCR. He formerly worked as the interim competition director and he now becomes the vice president of competition.
“I’m honored that Richard Childress, Torrey Galida, Mike Verlander and everyone at RCR have put their faith in me to take on a larger role on the competition side of operations as vice president,” said Keith Rodden, vice president of competition for RCR in the team release.
Rodden added, “I’m excited for the future of this company and the promising new hires we have joining the great group we already have in Welcome. RCR has all of the resources in place to excel in 2025 and beyond, including a robust group of partners who we have already been meeting with to help contribute to our success.”
John Klausmeier signs as technical director
New for 2025, John Klausmeier joins RCR. He’ll serve as the technical director. Klausmeier formerly worked for Stewart-Haas Racing but SHR will not return in 2025.
“I’m thrilled to join Richard Childress Racing as technical director,” said Klausmeier.
“With such a rich history in the sport, I’m excited to contribute to their groundwork for success. I look forward to working with the team to pursue performance and refine processes, all with the goal of consistently contending for wins and championships.”
“Growing up as a Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress Racing fan, it’s special to join the organization I pulled for in my younger years.”
Richard Boswell to crew chief No. 3 team
Richard Boswell will serve as the crew chief for the No. 3 team in 2025. Last season, he was the crew chief for Chase Briscoe at Stweart-Haas Racing.
“I have tremendous respect for Richard Childress, Austin Dillon and all of the hardworking people at Richard Childress Racing and I am honored to have the opportunity to help contribute to the on-track success of the legendary No. 3 Chevrolet,” said Boswell.
“My dad used to race with Dale Earnhardt so he was always a huge fan and the No. 3 was the car we all grew up cheering for in my household so this truly feels like a full-circle moment.”
Richard Childress comments on the changes
“Keith Rodden has stepped up in the interim competition director role this past season and has shown an eagerness to help improve and fine-tune all aspects of RCR,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “That enthusiasm and loyalty earned him the title of vice president of competition. I know he will do a great job serving our competition executives.”
“John Klausmeier and Richard Boswell have both been great winners in the garage and I know their experience and skills will contribute to RCR’s overall success. I feel confident that all of our crew chiefs will do a great job leading their respective teams and we will give our partners, employees and fans plenty to be excited about in 2025.”
“I’d like to acknowledge and thank Justin Alexander for his contribution to RCR. He and Austin Dillon won five Cup races together and we wish him the best.”