Richard Childress’ Younger Grandson Demoted to Truck Series as Kaulig Racing Rumors Turn Out Bogus

As we build up to the 2024 NASCAR season, all of the puzzle pieces are steadily falling into place. The latest driver to confirm their 2024 participation is Ty Dillon, who is off to the NASCAR Truck Series. As it happens, the 31-year-old has just signed a deal with Rackley W.A.R. to compete on a full-time basis. So when the season kicks off, Richard Childress’ younger grandson will pilot the #25 Chevy Truck.

Truthfully, this move came out of left field for many fans. This was because he had been heavily linked to a Kaulig Racing seat in the Xfinity Series or even the Cup Series. On the bright side, the driver still gets a chance to compete this season and prove that he deserves to be back at the Cup level. After a rough tenure in the Cup Series with Spire Motorsports, he lost that ride and was forced to look elsewhere.

Ty Dillon is excited to open a new chapter in his career

Speaking about his new deal, Ty Dillon said, “I’m excited to go back to the Truck Series and compete in the series that got it all started for me. I have a lot of good memories from earlier in my career with winning races and poles, and our goal is to create more this season. Rackley W.A.R. has built a solid foundation and it’s an honor to be a part of taking them to the winning level they want to be at. I’m very appreciative of this opportunity and ready to get started in Daytona.”

Previously, Rackley W.A.R. fielded one car in the 2023 season, with four drivers sharing driving duties. Now, though, Ty Dillon gets to drive the Chevrolet Silverado all by himself. Frankly, he has not been particularly successful compared to his older brother, Austin Dillon. However, he does have three Truck Series wins and one Xfinity Series win under his belt. So he is no stranger to Victory Lane.

READ MORE: Ty Dillon Not Retained by Spire Motorsports As Rackley W.A.R. Racing Announces His Signing

Who gets the Kaulig Racing seat, if not Dillon?

Coming to Kaulig Racing, though, AJ Allmendinger confirmed that he was running a part-time schedule in the Cup Series. Many were under the impression that Ty Dillon would get that second seat, but his Truck Series announcement ends the speculation. So the question remains: who will split driving duties with Allmendinger in the #16 Chevrolet car? Instead, AJ Allmendinger is competing full-time in the Xfinity Series in the #16 car.

WATCH THIS STORY: Ty Dillon: A Legacy in Question?

He will race alongside Josh Williams and breakout rookie star Shane van Gisbergen. Meanwhile, in the Cup Series, Kaulig Racing’s #31 car sees Daniel Hemric return on a full-time basis. This comes after his eight-race stint with the team in 2022, before one race with 23XI Racing. This will also be Hemric’s second full-time season in the Cup Series after his Richard Childress Racing tenure in 2019. For now, though, the identity of Allmendinger’s co-pilot will remain a mystery until the team makes an announcement.