Richard Childress Racing locks in its 2027 O’Reilly Auto Parts program with rookie Carson Brown and proven Craftsman Truck competitor Chandler Smith.
RCR crowns fresh faces for 2027
The team will field its No. 2 and No. 21 entries from this fall, replacing Jesse Love and Austin Hill, both of whom head to new Cup organizations. Brown will drive the 2, while Smith will take the 21 in the new season’s slate.
Carson Brown: an 18‑year‑old breakout
Brown, who made his first ARCA victory at Phoenix this year, topped every lap of that race and impressed RCR with his debut O’Reilly run at Iowa, finishing 15th. “It’s an honor to represent RCR and Whelen,” he said, underscoring his resolve to outwork and outlearn the competition.
RCR’s owner remarked that Brown’s skill behind the wheel and professional attitude align with the team’s standards, asserting that the 18‑year‑old earned this role through performance and developmental focus.
Chandler Smith: a multi‑year, proven winner
Smith, 24, lands a multi‑year contract after securing nine wins in the Truck Series and ranking third in the 2026 Chase hunt. With 71 starts across NASCAR’s secondary tier, he also has victories – three for Kaulig and Gibbs – and once ran fifth in the 2024 title chase.
Smith added that the move to RCR fits the team’s history of fostering young talent. He praised their developmental structure and announced hopes to collaborate with 1‑800‑PACK‑RAT for on‑and‑off‑track initiatives.
Rio’s historic coaching adapts to new talent
RCR chief commented that Smith has repeatedly shown he can win and competes with the awareness necessary for top‑tier racing. The organization feels he possesses the tools to thrive in the O’Reilly landscape.
Lineup shifts signal RCR’s new direction
With Love and Hill departing to Cup teams, RCR is steering toward younger, high‑potential drivers in the Craftsman and Stock car arenas. Brown’s unprecedented lap‑leading win at Phoenix and Smith’s Truck Series accolades position them as promising contenders for the 2027 O’Reilly season’s competitive core.
"