Back on April 21st, I had the privilege of meeting and getting the autograph of Austin Dillon at
Bass Pro Shops in
Nashville. Austin drives The
Richard Childress owned Black
#3 Chevrolet truck in
NASCAR's Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS). The truck is sponsored by Bass Pro,
Realtree, and Tracker Boats. It bears a strong resemblance to the Black #3 Chevrolet once driven by
Dale Earnhardt which was also owned by Richard Childress. The only differences are the Realtree camo around the bottom of the truck (versus a silver stripe on Dale's car) and the primary sponsors (Bass Pro / Tracker Boats versus
Goodwrench Service on Dale's car).
Austin won two races in 2010, finished fifth in points, and won the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award. He is currently sixth in the 2011 standings. He's a nice guy who enjoys what he's doing, and I couldn't resist the temptation to ask him about what it's like having Richard Childress as a grandfather. He simply said, "I couldn't ask for a better one." Childress is a guy I hope to get a chance to meet some day, too. I'd really like to ask him about Earnhardt since I never got to meet him.
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| Ausitn Dillon's Black #3 at Bass Pro Shops |
Today would be Dale Earnhardt's 60th birthday if he were still with us. He loved racing and the outdoors, so I think he would approve of the look and sponsorship of Austin's truck. I think it would generate one of those big Earnhardt grins as he peered at it through his trademark mirrored sunglasses.
Dale was the biggest ambassador the sport he loved ever had. He believed in doing what was best for NASCAR and it's fans. So, I think he would also be glad that the #3 is back on the track. It's good for the sport.
Happy 60th Dale. We miss ya, dude.
Image via by Darryl Moran on Wikipedia
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