 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.
The Richard Childress Racing Network was able to catch up with RCR Executive Vice-President Bill Patterson to talk about his years with RCR, his accomplishments, and how the racing business has changed over the year
RCRN: How did you meet Richard? Where were you? When was it?
BP:"I met Richard about 36 years ago, under an unusual circumstance. I passed Richard’s race shop early one morning. I saw the lights were on and I knew he had a race car and I was curious to see it. I stopped by and started looking through the window and I actually interrupted a break-in. The criminals saw me and ran out the back door." "I knew who Richard was and where he lived, but I didn’t know him personally. At about 2:30 a.m., I knocked on his door and told him his shop had been broken into. He and I went back to the shop and I helped him take an inventory of what was missing. We have been friends ever since."
RCRN: Did you ever think NASCAR racing would be what it is today when you first started working with Richard?
BP: "No, I think both he and I had visions of the sport getting bigger, but I don’t think that we anticipated it reaching the level that it has today."
RCRN: What are your best memories while you have been at RCR?
BP: "My best memories are being able to work with Dale Earnhardt all of those years. I have also enjoyed the championships we won and watching the company grow and being a part of it. The company started with just a handful of people and now it has grown to over 310 individuals."
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