ASM - Driver Development
Today, the business of racing demands that teams prepare for the future through the hottest trend of driver development. One of NASCAR’s most prominent teams, Richard Childress Racing (RCR), has partnered with ASM Motorsports to place Austin Dillon into the NASCAR Camping World Series East for 2008. ASM Motorsports will provide an extensive program for the 17-year-old driver where he can hone his skills before stepping onto NASCAR’s big stage.
Some of today’s best and most recognizable drivers followed a driver development system: Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Reed Sorenson, and Martin Truex, Jr. to name a few. RCR Driver Development alumni include Clint Bowyer, Kerry Earnhardt, Peyton Sellers, Sarah Fisher and Peter Hernandez.
RCR, now in its fourth year of driver development, routinely works with an established organization in a mid-level racing series to help achieve their goals without detracting from their current SPRINT Cup and Nationwide Series operations. RCR has worked with Golden Gate Racing on the west coast for several years and has since aligned themselves with ASM Motorsports for their east coast ventures.
Andy Santerre (far right) and Austin Dillon (second from right) are part of the strong RCR Development program with the Andy Santerre Motorsports team.
Through these programs, a driver gets groomed for his future. The team provides the driver with experience, both in the car and with a crew, media training, and an outlet to showcase their talent.
Austin Dillon is the grandson of NASCAR’s legendary Championship car-owner Richard Childress and son of Mike and Tina Dillon. Mike competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for several years before being named to vice president of competition at RCR Enterprises while his mother, Tina, has moved on from RCR Racing to oversee the day-to-day operations at Childress Vineyards. Though surrounded by the sport his entire life, Austin’s passion didn’t ignite until just a couple of years ago.
While watching television, Austin and his brother Ty saw a Bandelero car for the first time. That instant sparked an interest in the sport like never before, and it wasn’t long before the two had Bandelero’s of their own. Austin’s first year behind the wheel was instant success, and he advanced quickly to the Legends Semi-Pro division before the 2005 season was complete. In his first full season of Legends competition, Dillon won the Young Lions National Championship race after finishing second in the season points. The success continued in 2007 and Dillon moved on to Dirt Late Models where he posted three wins, 12 top-five, and 25 top-10 finishes in only 34 starts. That year, Dillon also competed in the UMP Modified’s and started his first asphalt Late Model race where he posted a sixth place finish.
RCR officially made Austin, and his brother Ty, a part of the organization when they named them to the development team for 2008. It was only natural for RCR to turn to ASM Motorsports for the venture.
ASM Motorsports defined themselves in the youth movement first with Sean Caisse and then with DEI’s Jeffrey Earnhardt. Under the guidance of team manager and four-time Champion Andy Santerre, Caisse not only earned his first career NASCAR Camping World Series East win, but he earned a total of seven victories throughout the two seasons and was a championship contender in 2006 before finishing second to Mike Olsen. In 2007, Caisse backed up his stellar performance by closing the point season second to Joey Logano. Earnhardt finished fifth in the 2007 NASCAR Camping World Series East point standings with four top-five and five top-10 finishes.
ASM Motorsports is committed to providing young drivers the best opportunity available to showcase their talent, fuel their desire, and experience the thrill of victory lane.
