Does Andy Petree's departure open executive role for Austin Dillon at RCR?

Austin Dillon, grandson of legendary team owner Richard Childress, has seemingly always had a tie to auto racing, whether it be involvement in the family business or as a driver.

With the sudden retirement of former Richard Childress Racing competition director Andy Petree on Tuesday, a full-time executive role at RCR is open.

Dillon still has 18 races to complete in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season and reportedly signed a contract extension earlier this year, but the sudden change in RCR's leadership begs the question: Will he assume Petree's role?

As a driver, Dillon has won Truck and Xfinity Series championships, a Daytona 500 and a Coca-Cola 600. But it seems the chess pieces may be in motion for Dillon to carry on the family legacy in a suit and tie rather than a driving suit.

Dillon's father, Mike, is Richard Childress Racing GM and a former driver himself. Dillon's grandfather and company namesake, Richard Childress, started out as an owner-driver before working with the likes of legends Dale Earnhardt, Neil Bonnett and Kevin Harvick.

At 34, Dillon would certainly be on the younger side when it comes to executives within NASCAR. Team owners Childress, Rick Hendrick, Roger Penske and Joe Gibbs are all older than 70.

With his on-track performance dipping significantly over the past two seasons, though, Dillon may be in line for a change.

Thanks to its fantastic Xfinity Series program, RCR wouldn't have to scramble to find a replacement driver for Dillon should he move to an executive role.

If RCR wanted an experienced driver similar in age to Dillon, 30-year-old superspeedway ace Austin Hill could step into the famous No. 3. If the team preferred a young driver to complement veteran Kyle Busch, 19-year-old Jesse Love would be waiting in the wings.

Dillon becoming an executive in 2025 certainly isn't guaranteed, but with all the dots seemingly lining up, don't be surprised if he trades in his Chevrolet Camaro for a desk chair within the next two to three years.

With a respectable NASCAR career under his belt and plenty of mentors at his disposal, Dillon would be an ideal executive. He would know the intricacies of the business as well as the cars he might be managing.