JOLIET, Ill. – The Dillon brothers were in full standby mode Friday at Chicagoland Speedway.
Ty Dillon will be practicing the No. 7 Chevrolet in Sprint Cup practice Friday for Regan Smith, who was returning to North Carolina because his wife was on the verge of giving birth to their second child.
With rain scrubbing qualifying and an earlier practice, Smith’s No. 7 Chevrolet of Tommy Baldwin Racing was slated to start 33rd Sunday.
#NASCAR ... @MikeMassaroNBC reports that @tydillon filling in for @ReganSmith, who is heading back to NC for birth of child.@NASCARonNBC
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) September 16, 2016
In Xfinity Series practice on the 1.5-mile oval, Austin Dillon substituted in the No. 62 Chevy for Richard Childress Racing teammate Brendan Gaughan, who was ill. He was 17th fastest in the final session.
Back on the ground in NC, big thanks to everybody who helped get me back and those who offered, esp the Hendrick aviation department.
— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) September 16, 2016
And a big thanks to @tydillon for being able to step in and help out last second. I'll keep all updated.
— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) September 16, 2016
It was unclear if either of the Dillons would be needed as substitutes beyond Friday.