The 2020 NASCAR Silly Season climate has been one of the craziest and most cutthroat in recent memory, with competent free agents like Erik Jones, Corey LaJoie and Daniel Suarez still being without solitified rides for the 2021 season.
Through the closure of long-time NASCAR National Series team Germain Racing – predominantly due to the departure of sponsor GEICO — Ty Dillon has joined the market as a free agent for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series. While some think his destination next season is a no-brainer because of his family ties to Richard Childress Racing, the 28-year-old says that isn’t necessarily that easy and explained why in an interview on SiruisXM NASCAR Radio.
“I would never say never, but they have two drivers that are under contract, and the odds of that happening going into 2021 don’t look really good,” Dillon said, when asked about the possibility of moving to RCR in 2021. “It would take some financial backing to be able to come over there and start a third team if that were even an option.”
Like many others throughout NASCAR’s National Series that are looking for opportunities, the most important aspect of the equation for Dillon is the financial aspect of the situation, a piece of the puzzle that has yet to come together for the Lewisville, North Carolina-native.
“I’m certainly looking for some sponsorship help. It takes some dollars behind you, even at Richard Childress Racing for me to get an opportunity. I’m working really hard, and my grandfather [RC] is working with me and doing what we can to make something happen, but it’s taking money right now to make an opportunity come forward.”
“I know I can provide a lot of value for companies with not only what I can do on the track, but what i can do off the track as well.”
In terms of what’s availible for Dillon in 2021, teams like JTG-Daugherty Racing, GoFas Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports are looking for drivers to fill vacancies in their lineup, while drivers like Erik Jones, Daniel Suarez and Corey LaJoie are still looking for rides, all of which seem to be in a better financial situations.
ICYMI: @tydillon joined @BradGillie & @BradDaugherty43 on tonight's Late Shift and talked about his options for 2021, including the possibility of joining @RCRracing pic.twitter.com/CTyccxVgXR
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 7, 2020