The 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray was all the making of a high-stakes showdown, but the most shocking moment of the night didn’t come from fierce rivalries or daring rookie moves. Instead, the drama unfolded between two brothers – Austin and Ty Dillon – grandsons of NASCAR legend Richard Childress.

In a bizarre twist, the pair’s infighting resulted in an embarrassing self-destructive display that cost them both a shot at the main event. Neither of the brothers could progress into the Clash and ended the night feeling rather humbled, licking their wounds as if squandering the most ideal situation to capitalize upon. Kevin Harvick, now an outspoken NASCAR analyst after retiring from full-time racing, didn’t hold back on his assessment of the brothers’ actions.

Richard Childress’ two grandsons had an embarrassing night

The LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier) was complete chaos from the word go. Charged with racing together in an effort to move on, the Dillon brothers made it into a personal vendetta. Aggressive racing turned quickly into a cycle of revenge, as they bumped each other numerous times throughout the race and effectively derailed their own hopes.

“Well, they were rough. I don’t know that we call it racy. They were rough. And it started right off the bat with the Dillon brothers. That’s right. And they basically ran over each other and screwed themselves up and got themselves back in the field.” said Kevin Harvick. What should have been a coordinated effort to secure a place in the main event ended in disaster? The two brothers, caught in a cycle of aggression, not only lost control of the race but also their spots in the Clash.

Not long into things, the evening was quickly falling apart. When Ty Dillon became the latest to take a lap with his side into the wall, his night was over early. Austin battled hard to make up lost ground but was not even close to a transfer position and ended several laps down on the qualifying night. “Ultimately they let it slip away, they gave up the lead, second place got away and were unable to advance to the final, and Ty wrecked out.” acknowledged Kevin Harvick

So, was it just a case of hard racing gone wrong, or is something brewing beneath the surface? Harvick’s sharp comments hint at something deeper—potential internal conflict within the Childress family. Rich Childress was always the epitome of discipline in NASCAR. He guided his team to years of success. But for sure, it was hard to swallow to see his grandsons turn against each other on national TV, especially when family legacy is on the line.

Austin Dillon has had the better Cup career, while Ty was still struggling to find a ride and find himself in this sport. That has always kept the brothers on different trajectories, perhaps even creating an element of rivalry where it might have been expected that what the Dillons share is brotherly, instead becoming more competitive and, in the end, destructive.

As a veteran driver, Harvick was known to have witnessed it all, but he wasn’t afraid of calling the night a waste of an opportunity. The brothers also contributed to a grueling marathon-like LCQ filled with senseless wrecks and delays. What should have been a showcase of NASCAR’s best talent quickly turned into a frustrating caution-filled spectacle.

Such an unimpressive performance does have one wonder, will Richard Childress intervene, perhaps, from within his family? Well, the fact remains that teamwork has always been critical in NASCAR racing. If, indeed, this pair of Dillon brothers cannot take a cue or two on learning to work out, then probably they might even be shown the door out.

For now, Richard Childress Racing stands at the crossroads. The Dillons are fine racers, but if their current course of infighting is sustained, their legacy and that of Childress’ storied career might be harmed seriously. For sure, they cannot afford a night like that again if they seek to be regarded as a force in the NASCAR scene.

Austin Dillon had a much worse crash before in comparison to the one with his brother

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The 2015 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona remains one of the most terrifying crashes in NASCAR history, but for Austin Dillon, it was just another reminder of how violent racing can be—something he reflected on after the chaotic 2025 Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Dillon, who was caught in the wreck-fest at Bowman Gray, recalled the feeling of losing control at high speeds, drawing comparisons to his Daytona crash where his No. 3 Chevrolet was sent airborne into the catch fence at nearly 200 mph.

“You know for me, the crash, I just remember coming to the checkered flag and pushing the 24… then I just flip, and it happened very fast. But then in the air, as I’m traveling through, it kind of slows down.” That eerie feeling of time slowing down in mid-air was something that stuck with him, and after another chaotic race at Bowman Gray, it was clear that the frustration of unnecessary crashes and reckless racing was building among veterans like Dillon.

While the Daytona wreck left fans in stunned silence, Dillon’s survival became a testament to NASCAR’s safety innovations. The force of impact ripped his engine from the chassis, yet somehow, he emerged with only minor injuries. However, just as he thought the crash was over, Brad Keselowski’s car delivered a crushing final hit. “I’m good, I’m good, I’m good. And then Brad Keselowski comes in, it feels like 30 seconds later, and wipes me again. That was the shot that didn’t feel great.”

Fast forward to the Clash at Bowman Gray, and the aggressive driving style of younger competitors—especially Carson Hocevar—had Dillon questioning whether these drivers truly understand how to race smart instead of just wrecking each other. After seeing multiple unnecessary pileups at the Clash, Dillon’s frustration echoed the growing concerns of veterans like Kevin Harvick and Ryan Blaney, who warned that drivers who race recklessly will eventually pay the price.

Despite the fear and shock of his Daytona crash, Dillon’s response was one of resilience. As crew members rushed to check on him, he shocked everyone by climbing out of the wreckage and waving to the crowd with a smile. “Fighting my way out of the car was kind of weird. I probably should have let me flip over, looking back. But I was ready to get out of it.” That same toughness was on display after the Clash, but this time, Dillon wasn’t just laughing off the carnage—he was voicing frustration at how reckless some drivers have become.

He knows firsthand how split-second decisions can turn deadly, and with young drivers pushing the limits without regard for their equipment—or their competitors—Dillon and other veterans are making it clear that enough is enough.