Richard Childress, legendary NASCAR team owner, reflected on passion, purpose, and the enduring drive to win, all while channeling the winning spirit of another legend, Dale Earnhardt.

Decades after forging one of NASCAR’s most iconic partnerships with Earnhardt, Childress is still fueled by the same fiery commitment to winning. He believes that mindset is essential for success in today’s sport.

Richard Childress Still Operates With the Same Fire That Drove Dale Earnhardt

In a recent interview, the Richard Childress Racing owner opened up about the relentless drive required to make it in NASCAR. He drew parallels between his current philosophy and the fiery, fearless attitude that defined Earnhardt. For Childress, true racers don’t need pushing; they charge forward on their own.

“You better have a passion,” declared Childress. “That’s the reason I’m still in it. I got a great passion for the sport. Got a passion to win, got a passion to give every partner we have their money’s worth at the end of the year.”

The comments came in response to the podcast host’s remark on Childress’s no-nonsense approach to racing talent. This approach favors drivers who are naturally aggressive and motivated rather than needing to be pushed. The host likened that mindset to Earnhardt’s intensity, suggesting that without fire and excitement, a driver won’t find lasting success in the sport.

Childress went on to praise the current direction of NASCAR. “The sport is definitely on a high right now,” he said. “And I think it’s great. We’re all excited about where the sport’s going, the potential.”

Childress also spoke positively about the level of competition and the playoff format. “I think this challenge was great. I think the playoffs have been great. I think before the end of the year, you’re going to see some great moments in the sport,” he added.

Childress, whose career is forever intertwined with the legacy of Earnhardt and RCR’s storied history, continues to be a pillar in the garage, both as a competitor, owner, and a steward of the sport’s core values.

As NASCAR evolves with each new season, Childress’s message reminds us that raw passion, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence remain at the heart of what makes great racing champions and what keeps legends like him in the game.

For Childress, true success in the sport still begins and endures with true passion, irrespective of who the driver is.