 Webster’s Dictionary defines the word excellence in this manner - the quality of being excellent; state of possessing good qualities in an eminent degree; exalted merit; superiority in virtue.
Over the last 35 years, Richard Childress Racing has defined the word excellence. Six NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championships, two Busch Series titles along with a Truck Series crown is proof positive that RCR will accept nothing short of the best.
But what sets RCR apart from the others? What has propelled Childress’ teams to succeed?
The answer is simple. People.
Very few employees of Richard Childress Racing go back as far as assistant engine department manager Danny Lawrence. He’s played a role in almost every one of RCR’s more than 125 victories. Check out what the man behind the horsepower has to say about his memories at RCR.
RCRN: When did you start working at RCR?
DL:"I officially started here on August 7, 1985. Before then, I worked at Modern Chevrolet. I started in the new car preparation department and eventually worked my way to a line mechanic’s position. While I was working at the dealership, my friend, Bobby Moody worked at Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in the body shop and at night I would help him. In 1985, RCR blew up around 13 engines in 15 races, so the engine department pretty much got cleaned out and rebuilt. There were five of us then that worked in the engine shop, including Lou LaRosa and they brought in Spenny Clendenen, now RCR’s Engine Shop Manager, too. We did everything in the engine shop, from assembly to tearing down the engine after races, milling parts; we did everything. We won two races with Earnhardt in 1985 and then we won the first championship in 1986."
RCRN: What is the best part of your job?
DL: "The best part of my job is when the engines are running well and we are winning. When we are leading races and the driver is saying that the engine is really fast, then it is a good day."
RCRN: What is the worst part of your job?
DL: "When I hear the drivers say that the engines aren’t fast enough. That is the worst thing ever. You never want to hear that."
RCRN: What are your best memories of working at RCR? What stands out in your mind?
DL: "There are so many memories that stand out. My best memory was winning the Daytona 500 with Dale Earnhardt in 1998. It is the coolest thing when you win that race. The engine is inspected so heavily, more so than anyone ever writes or talks about. After a team wins the Daytona 500, there are about 20 NASCAR inspectors that surround the car in victory lane. They literally take the engine apart, x-ray the cylinder heads, vacuum check the motor and then they make you put the engine back together. When NASCAR is done checking out the car, it goes in Daytona USA for one year."
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