[Quality88]

At first glance, it looks like the genuine article -- a racecar, mostly black, with a white No. 3 on the side written in that all-too-familiar script. But upon further inspection, the sponsor is different. Streaks of red and gray paint radiate from the front end. And the series decal just under the driver's side window is not that of NASCAR's premier division, but the Camping World East regional tour.
Still, the similarities are impossible to miss. The vehicle looks very much like the one driven by seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt during the peak of his career at Richard Childress Racing. Yet the sponsor isn't Goodwrench, but Garage Equipment Supply. The owner isn't Childress, but former Busch driver Andy Santerre. And the driver isn't the Intimidator, but Austin Dillon, Childress' bright-eyed, 17-year-old grandson.
The No. 3 has been placed into a reverent semi-retirement in the seven years since Earnhardt's death in 2001. It's made sparing public appearances -- most notably, in two Busch races driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2002, in a 2003 program at Lowe's Motor Speedway honoring past Cup champions, and at this year's Daytona 500 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Earnhardt's victory. It's been absent from regular NASCAR competition, something that will change April 19 when Dillon opens the Camping World East (formerly Busch East) season at Greenville-Pickens Speedway.
"I've run it since I started [racing]," Dillon, a junior at Forsyth Country Day School in North Carolina, said of the number. "My grandfather and I talked about it when I started, and we knew it was going to be a big thing as long as I progressed with it and kept on with it. It was my grandfather's number at one point in time, but I know the man who made it famous was Dale. I'm going to appreciate that, too. We're hoping we get good feedback from the fans, and we'll keep it if the fans like it."

NASCAR.COM - Childress' grandson driving No. 3 car back to NASCAR - Mar 20, 2008

[loco4pablo]

I say they should run the 3

[3fanforever]

I've been reading about this all day, and thought when Austin starts driving in the Camping World East series, he'll be racing against Jeffrey Earnhardt. I also read today the Speed Channel and HDNet are gonna broadcast the Camping World East on TV. No doubt I'll be watching to see how these two young men progress this year.


I also think the paint scheme is great. Well done!



Related links:

TEAM DILLON RACING

NASCAR Announces Comprehensive 2008 Coverage On HDNet And SPEED | NASCAR Home Tracks

http://www.andysanterremotorsports.c...ndering_08.jpg

http://www.andysanterremotorsports.c..._rendering.jpg

[loco4pablo]

Yeah that's a good looking car. I'm sure there isn't anyone out there with more mixed emotions about seeing the 3 car out there then Richard Childers. If he's good with it then I hope he continues to run it.