Richard Childress Racing announced several key personnel moves this week aimed at strengthening the organization’s NASCAR Cup Series program. The most notable change is Justin Alexander being appointed as the new crew chief for Austin Dillon and the No. 3 team.

Alexander replaces Keith Rodden, who had been atop the pit box for Dillon since the start of the 2023 season. Rodden will transition to a new role providing leadership, coordination and support across RCR’s Cup program to help maximize the team’s Chevrolet entries.

“The organizational changes were made to help Richard Childress Racing’s overall NASCAR Cup Series program as we prepare for the rest of the season and locking two teams into the NASCAR Playoffs,” said Andy Petree, RCR’s executive vice president.

In addition to the crew chief swap, Joel Keller has been named the new lead engineer for the No. 3 team working under Alexander.

This move represents a reunion for Alexander and Dillon, who partnered together from 2017-2018 and 2020-2022. During that span, they scored all four of Dillon’s career Cup wins, including two of NASCAR’s crown jewel events – the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2018 Daytona 500.

“Justin Alexander and Austin Dillon share a unique chemistry that has proven effective in the past,” Petree stated. “We want to thank Keith Rodden for his leadership of the No. 3 team and know his contributions in this new role will be valuable.”

The changes took effect immediately as RCR looks to get both its Cup teams into the playoffs in the second half of the season. Alexander had been serving as RCR’s competition director before returning to his former crew chief role.