Dillon signs contract extension with Germain

Ty Dillon's name can be taken out of the silly season conversation.

Announced Tuesday, Dillon and sponsor GEICO have signed contract extensions to remain continue with the No. 13 team. Dillon is a rookie in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series this season. He joined Germain Racing, which has a technical alliance with his grandfather's team, Richard Childress Racing, after three full seasons in the Xfinity Series.

"Being able to partner with GEICO all these years has been a source of great pride for our race team and for me personally. They're an incredible company and they support our sport in so many different ways," said team owner Bob Germain of a partnership that started in 2008. "We're very fortunate to be the team that gets to represent GEICO on the race track. I appreciate their support and I look forward to working with them in the years to come."

Dillon is 24th in points after 25 races with 16 top-20 finishes. A 13th-place finish last weekend in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is Dillon's best result to date this season.

"GEICO is an amazing sponsorship partner and a great supporter of NASCAR as a whole," said Dillon. "I love having the chance to represent them and be a part of their widespread footprint in the sport, along with their long-standing relationship with Germain Racing. We've experienced success together during my rookie season and I'm excited for what the future holds for our No. 13 GEICO team."

Paddock consensus has been that Dillon, the grandson of Richard Childress, will eventually make his way into the RCR camp. Last month the news Paul Menard was leaving the organization ramped up the speculation, with Dillon being mentioned as the possible next driver of the No. 27 Chevrolet.

Dillon has flourished on his own at Germain under the guidance of NASCAR veteran Bootie Barker. The duo has run within the top 10 in various races this season, compiling 40 laps led, and have been on the verge of finishing among the front-runners as well. RCR will continue to supply support and ECR engines to the single-car team next season.

"Ty Dillon has given us some very exciting races in his rookie season," continued Germain. "We have extended Ty's contract and look forward to crew chief Bootie Barker and Ty leading the team to more success. They will be supported by all of the same great team members who have helped build Germain Racing."