Richard Childress Racing is shaking up its leadership as the team prepares for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, unveiling a series of major changes aimed at rejuvenating the competitiveness of the team.
As the organization navigates the aftermath of a challenging 2024 season, these shifts indicate a clear intent to refine team operations and improve on-track performance. Key appointments include Richard Boswell stepping in as the crew chief for the No. 3 team alongside driver Austin Dillon.
Meanwhile, the promotion of Keith Rodden to vice president of competition and John Klausmeier’s recruitment as technical director signal a large change in the organization. Together, these moves herald a transformative era for RCR as they set their sights on the upcoming season.
Richard Childress, the storied founder of RCR, deeply values the potential of the newly appointed team leaders. His optimism is palpable:
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“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. 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,” Childress asserted. This confidence extends to Randall Burnett’s continued role as crew chief for the No. 8 team alongside the seasoned Kyle Busch.
The restructure comes in response to the challenges RCR faced during the 2024 season, which saw its top drivers fall short of playoff qualifications. Austin Dillon, despite a win at Richmond, was disqualified due to infractions, and Kyle Busch endured his first winless season in two decades.
This context has amplified the urgency for change, with leadership adjustments poised to reinvigorate the team’s prospects for the new season.
“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,” Childress said.
Taking the helm as crew chief for the No. 3 team, Richard Boswell brings notable expertise from his prior role with Stewart-Haas Racing, where his guidance helped secure a victory at Darlington and a playoff berth for Chase Briscoe. This experience positions him as a capable leader for Austin Dillon’s team, complementing the No. 3 car’s storied history.
Boswell’s appointment carries a sentimental weight as well; representing a cherished family connection to Dale Earnhardt.
“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. 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,” Boswell shared.
Beyond the immediate team leadership, John Klausmeier’s technical performance will directly influence RCR’s competitive edge. With a robust history at SHR, his technical insights are expected to foster innovation and precision within the team’s operations. Concurrently, Burnett’s steady presence as the crew chief for the No. 8 team offers continuity and a framework for tackling the challenges brought forth by Kyle Busch’s current performance hurdles.
The 2025 NASCAR season presents RCR with an opportunity for renewed success. As Richard Childress said, there is a palpable determination to deliver results. Hopefully they can do just that.
