Austin Dillon Preps For RCR Future As General Manager Of Professional Bull Riding Team

Austin Dillon is taking on an entirely new role in a completely different competition. The NASCAR driver and reality star is now the general manager of the Carolina Cowboys Professional Bull Riding (PBR) team and there’s more at stake for him than meets the eye.

Dillon recently got started with the inaugural team-based PBR league season in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Thus, in addition to racing in the NASCAR Cup Series and starring in USA Network's “Life In The Fast Lane,” he’s got the all-important job of crafting a winning team and leading them to victory in a whole new league. Fortunately, NASCAR.com reports the day of bull riding worked out for Dillon, whose team took home its first win. 

While Austin has previously said he lives for any and all competition, he’s got more on the line with his manager duties than simply satisfying his competitive spirit. PBR team-based competition is the brainchild of Dillon’s grandfather, legendary racer and team manager Richard Childress. He collaborated with PBR CEO Sean Gleason for some 15 years to finally get the league off the ground, according to the outlet.

Dillon is the heir apparent to take over the massively successful NASCAR team when Childress retires. He’s been the figurehead of RCR since 1969 and everyone knows he can’t do it forever. While Austin has proven himself as a driver with multiple championships under his belt, does he have what it takes to be a full franchise team leader? 

Well, that appears to be what’s at stake with his involvement in professional bull riding. Fortunately, the win in Wyoming proved he’s on the right track both on the field and behind the scenes. Speaking to Fox 8, Dillon exhibited one of the most important qualities in a team leader: Giving credit where it’s due. 

“It’s been a blast, you know. Hanging around these cowboys, getting to know each one of them. I’m having fun and tapping into their mentality,” he said of the riders he’s working with on the team. “These guys are on a whole other level. When you get on a bull that has all that strength and power and your job is to ride it for eight seconds, these guys are crazy. But I love their mentality.” 

He added: “We’ve got the guys we want on our team. We’re proud of everyone on our team.” 

Fans can get an even deeper look inside Austin Dillon’s personal life by tuning into “Life In The Fast Lane” every Thursday at 9:30/8:30c on USA Network. You can watch more NASCAR coverage on Peacock.