The Chandler Smith and Carson Brown tandem is three years in the making at Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR O’Reilly Series.
Lawrence Traces Brown’s Path to the Shop
Division chief Danny Lawrence revealed that the decision to bring Carson Brown aboard began as a casual conversation.
“I was called by COO Mike Dillon one day and he mentioned a kid from my neighbourhood racing Late Models, touring everything, and performing well,” Lawrence recounted to Motorsport.com. “That’s where it all started.”
Dillon’s visit to meet Brad Brown, Carson’s father, sparked a friendship that led to an on‑site inspection of the family’s operations. “We had them come out to the shop and they were simply impressive,” Lawrence added.
Smith’s Pivot from Kaulig and JGR
While the Brown back‑story unfolded, Chandler Smith was finalising a three‑year contract with Joe Gibbs Racing before RCR asked him to step into the No. 2 seat in 2024.
Smith said that, “It was a deal I didn’t want to refuse, but the multi‑year JGR‑Toyota agreement felt too final to alter.”
He notes that Kyle Busch’s passing spurred Austin Hill to advance in 2027, but Smith “was going to return to Welcome eventually,” according to the interview.
RCR’s Long‑Term Driver Architecture
RCR’s strategy involves pairing young talent with experienced mentors. “We started the program model with Tyler Reddick and Randall Burnett in 2019; they both won the championship and ascended to Cup together,” Lawrence explained.
RCR also worked with Andy Street in the O’Reilly Series, underscoring that advancement hinges on both winning and building a foundation.
RCR retains commitments to next‑generation drivers—Hill, Jesse Love, and now Brown—so “if anything requires another pivot, we have seats and drivers ready,” Lawrence said.
Brown’s Unique Development Background
Carson Brown’s résumé includes multiple disciplines, racing while traveling across the country in a motorhome, and orchestrating his own schedule.
“Everyone who’s worked with me sings my praises,” Brown said. “I’m only a single launch at New Hampshire in this series, so it’s a new challenge.”
“I want to learn aerodynamics, track changes and all the subtleties, but we have the resources to help me execute,” Brown added.
Smith and Brown’s Immediate Chemistry
Both drivers track parallels in Super Late Model experience: Smith raced with Wilson Motorsports, Brown with Anthony Campi Racing—teams now regarded as the 1a and 1b of the discipline.
“He’s a good kid and a good guy,” Smith said during their photo‑shoot announcement at Welcome. “He’s not hard to convince about teamwork; teamwork is essential for this level.”
Brown recalls at the shoot “Chandler told me I was the young buck, and I saw him like a veteran,” a sentiment that reflects their mutual respect.
Eyes on the Championship
Chandler Smith frames the partnership as an immediate championship pursuit, while Carson prioritises learning and growth.
“I want to learn everything here and re‑evaluate,” Brown said. “I’m informed by every resource available; I just need to perform.”
Smith sees the opportunity as a chance to “win the title” after a successful stint at Kaulig and a robust relationship with Danny Lawrence. He notes that RCR “offers all the resources to go out there and do exactly that.”
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