Richard Childress on Racing, Business, and Family | Lessons from a NASCAR Icon and Legend

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I’m joined by NASCAR legend and business powerhouse Richard Childress. Richard opens up about his remarkable rise from selling peanuts at local racetracks to building one of the most iconic teams in racing history. We dive into his decision to step out of the driver’s seat, his legendary partnership with Dale Earnhardt, and the values that shaped his business empire, from racing and engine shops to wineries and manufacturing. Richard also shares personal stories about resilience, family, and staying energized as an entrepreneur at nearly 80 years old. If you love leadership, business, or inspiring true stories, this episode is a must-listen!

 

About Richard,

Richard Childress, chairman and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) began his operation in 1969 as a one-man team and has since grown RCR into one of the most-respected organizations in NASCAR, with close to 400 team members supporting full-time operations in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Childress, his career and contributions to the sport of NASCAR were celebrated throughout the stock car racing community as he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2017. As a car owner, Childress has earned more than 200 victories in NASCAR’s top-three national series, 16 championships, three Daytona 500 championships and three Brickyard 400 championships.

Away from the track, Childress is a businessman, philanthropist and conservationist – he loves wine, the outdoors and investing in America’s youth. Childress spends his free time outdoors and has been an avid hunter and fisherman since he was a child. He also currently serves as chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and holds a seat on the board of directors for Growth Energy.

Along with his wife, Judy, they established the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma in conjunction with Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in 2008. Childress is also the proprietor of Childress Vineyards in Lexington, North Carolina, as well as the Yadkin River Angus cattle ranch, and he holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Northwestern Ohio.

 

 

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