Black No. 3 returned to Victory Lane Sunday
Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing rookie, drove the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Silverado to his career-first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win in dominant fashion only one week after Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the famed yellow-and-blue Wrangler No. 3 to victory in the Nationwide race at Daytona.
Dillon, grandson of Childress and son of Mike Dillon, former driver and RCR VP of Competition, started the race from the pole position, his third-consecutive pole effort, and led the majority of the race. Iowa marked Dillon’s 12th Truck Series start.
SPEED on-air personalities weigh in on the significance of the black No. 3’s return to Victory Lane:
“It's really been a special time in recent weeks seeing the No. 3 not only race but win twice. I think watching and helping Austin compete fulltime in NASCAR has put a real bounce in Richard Childress’ step. I can only imagine his satisfaction watching his grandson win in the 3 truck. At a time when there seems to be a great deal of negativity in our sport regarding attendance and ratings, it's refreshing to have a feel-good story with a young driver who has a tremendously bright future. I think this will lay a nice foundation for the future of many, including the old No. 3."
–Adam Alexander, SPEED reporter
“Austin Dillon’s win was extremely significant not only for the 20-year-old but also for NASCAR fans around the world. Seeing the black No. 3 that RCR made so famous with Dale Earnhardt Sr. back in Victory Lane is emotional not just for Austin and Richard Childress, but for fans across the country. The 3 is near and dear to so many people’s hearts."
–Rick Allen, SPEED NCWTS play-by-play announcer
“Being in Victory Lane with Austin and Richard and Judy Childress was so cool. We all knew it was just a matter of time until Austin got his first win but the question was when it would come. The No. 3 team and Austin today proved they are the real deal. I am just as happy for Danny Stockman and the entire team as I am for Austin, his family and race fans across the country. The No. 3 team is a fantastic bunch of guys and they have earned their moment."
–Ray Dunlap, SPEED reporter