Richard Childress' grandson can't shake worsening Cup Series fortunes as he uncovers the misery at Martinsville

The start of the 2024 Cup Series didn't go particularly well for RCR star Austin Dillon. With just 93 points, the No. 3 Chevy Camaro ZL1 driver sits in 31st place. What's more, not only has he not won a race yet, he hasn't even been able to lead a lap so far this season. Richard Childress' grandson had no stage results, no pole positions and did not finish in the top 5 or top 10.

Dillon spoke live from Martinsville after the race about his bad luck so far in the season and expressed a glimmer of hope on his social media.

When will Austin Dillon be back to winning ways?

Austin Dillon has a history of winning. He won the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship and the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship. After a disappointing 34th place finish at Martinsville by just 3 points, Dillon shared his views on Instagram.

Dillon said: “A long day after the Bass Road Shop Chevy we had an issue with the left front tire locking up. I think the power steering was broken for most of the race. And when it failed, there were about 200 laps left. I fought hard and can at least say that I finished the race without power steering. Tomorrow it will hurt a bit but we keep fighting, obviously not what we want. We want to go to Texas and try to get some momentum back.”

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However, his teammate, #8 Kyle Busch, had a better run, finishing 16th at the Virginia track. The two-time champion also has yet to win a Cup Series race this season. He came very close in Atlanta but lost to Daniel Suarez. It seems like there is a problem that RCR needs to solve as a team.

Can changing crew chiefs do the magic?

Before the Martinsville race, Austin Dillon's crew chief saw a change as Keith Rodden was replaced by Justin Alexander. Austin Dillon reflected on his successful partnership with Justin Alexander and expressed optimism for their future endeavors with the No. 3 team.

He mentioned that Alexander's effective communication skills are crucial during races and provide him with the necessary information. “We had my best year in the series with the Next Gen cars the first year, and then we just lost momentum and could never get it going again.” Dillon said earlier. “I think it's a big morale boost for our team, like I said, and getting Justin back on board to travel and go to the track, that's been the biggest thing.”

Dillon believes effective communication is a key factor once the race begins. He believes it can influence strategy and vehicle adjustments and lead to better racing results. He acknowledged that both Keith Rodden (their former crew chief) and Alexander have their strengths. But the long-standing communication between him and Justin was crucial to their successes.

However, it looks like we'll have to wait a little longer until they get their old touch back together and start winning races again.

Austin Dillon reveals why RCR went for a mid-season crew overhaul amid a miserable Next Gen series