UPDATE: Austin Dillon was asked about the departure of Alexander Saturday morning at his media availability at Darlington:
IT CAME OUT THIS WEEK THAT YOUR CREW CHIEF, JUSTIN ALEXANDER, IS LEAVING AT THE END OF THE YEAR. DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENT ON THAT?
“This sport is a grind. Speaking with Justin (Alexander, crew chief), it was about having some more time. Him and I actually – on the one off weekend we had this year – we spent it together in the Bahamas for our vacation. He just realizes to him what’s important and that’s family, and you have to respect and love that. At RCR, we want him to stay on in any capacity and I think we have a good shot of having him around. He’s a great person to have; as a crew chief, as a friend, as an engineer. All the great qualities that Justin brings to a team.
We’re going to do our best to keep him on at some sort of a capacity moving forward. I think he can help RCR for a long time. But for right now, he’s focused on his two babies and that’s where he should be focused.”
— Team Chevy —
ORIGINAL POST 9-2-2022: Austin Dillon’s crew chief, Justin Alexander, won’t return to the No. 3 team for the 2023 season, according to Bob Pockrass from Fox Sports.
The No. 3 team is coming off winning its way into the NASCAR Playoffs at Daytona International Speedway last weekend. All four of Dillon’s Cup Series wins have come with Alexander calling the shots.
Alexander said it was decision to step down as crew chief, and hasn’t made a decision on his 2023 plans.
Crew chief news: Justin Alexander tells me he won't return as Austin Dillon's crew chief next year. Alexander said it was his decision and he hasn't made a decision on what he will do in 2023.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 2, 2022