[2418jk]

Childress' grandson set to make Nationwide debut

Dillon plans to drive either No. 21 or 33 car at Richmond

By Raygan Swan, NASCAR.COM
August 18, 2008
01:46 PM EDT


type size: + -
var clickExpire = "-1";Austin Dillon, grandson of championship-winning team owner Richard Childress, will make his Nationwide Series debut Sept. 5 at Richmond International Raceway.
The 18-year-old is competing for a championship in NASCAR's Camping World Series East Series and sits third in the point standings. His progression and victory earlier this year, however, prompted Richard Childress Racing to give Dillon a shot at making a Nationwide Series race.


“
It's going to be a tough race to make, but I think we'll have some of the best equipment out there and my grandpa is 100 percent behind me on this.

”
AUSTIN DILLON




"It's going to be a tough race to make, but I think we'll have some of the best equipment out there and my grandpa is 100 percent behind me on this," said Dillon, who in his Camping World debut won the season-opening event at Greenville Pickens Speedway.
In starts nine starts this season, Dillon has four top-five and six top-10 finishes.
"With the success we've had this year and how fast we've progressed, I'm ready for the next step and this will help us get prepared for next year and getting [NASCAR's] approval to run on certain tracks," Dillon said.
In the 2009 season, he expects to run a partial Nationwide Series slate along with a partial schedule of Camping World Series events.
Dillon currently drives the No. 3 in the NCWS East Series. As of right now, Dillon said he plans to run the RCR No. 21 or 33 in the Nationwide Series, but his permanent number could be the storied No. 3 -- the number piloted by the late Dale Earnhardt and the number that has created an immortal fan-following since the legendary driver's death in 2001.
Not since then has the No. 3 been on the track with any regularity; the number was placed into retirement and has only made a few public appearances, such as the time his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove the number in a 2002 Nationwide race and in a 2003 program at Lowe's Motor Speedway honoring past Cup champions.
It's uncertain what kind of fan reaction could come from returning the number to the track, but Dillon said he is sensitive to the subject.


What would you all think about The possibility of him driving the three car?

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by 2418jk

What would you all think about The possibility of him driving the three car?

no way no how .... i wouldnt want to see anyone in the 3 right now not named Earnhardt .... just too soon imo .... i wouldnt mind if Jr or Kerry got in it .. that would seem fitting to me

[2418jk]

It is really a tough question for me. It is hard to say because childress drove the #3 before Dale and it is his grandson. At the same time, the number was made famous by dale and he died in it so I don't know. If anyone else was going to drive it, it should be junior. I do a lot of Junior bashing, but even I will admit that it is his father's number and it would at least end up in victory lane every now and then.

[DodgeFB]

I am not in favor of "anyone" driving that 3 car right now. I think even an "Earnhardt" should pay their dues first. Anyone driving that car will be expected to win.

Just one of my many opinions.

[2418jk]

Originally Posted by DodgeFB

I am not in favor of "anyone" driving that 3 car right now. I think even an "Earnhardt" should pay their dues first. Anyone driving that car will be expected to win.

Just one of my many opinions.

I think that is what we are all doing. Giving opinions. I have a feeling we will have some interesting ones.

[Mindwarp]

How can it be 'too soon'? It's been over 7 years! How much time does the nashun need? Geez, let it go already people.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by Mindwarp

How can it be 'too soon'?

because i said so thats how ..... its called an opinion .... i have mine and apparently you have yours ..... they may differ .. doesnt automatically make you right

[2418jk]

Alright everyone calm down. I want opinions, not to get this thread closed.

[883dalesrjr]

Ok im the biggest Earnhardt sr fans or one of the biggest. He has been my hero my whole life. I f i knew ANYTHING about dale he would want someone to drive that number. I love the idea of it coming back. I miss sr and wouldn't want anyone to drive that number but him or jr but he would want it this way please just buy Childresses grandson's merchandise so that RCR can finally get some money and eqiupment so his grandson can start winning and bring back that beutiful number. Miss ya dale

[883dalesrjr]

When is the Debut?

[883dalesrjr]

Originally Posted by 2418jk

Childress' grandson set to make Nationwide debut

Dillon plans to drive either No. 21 or 33 car at Richmond

By Raygan Swan, NASCAR.COM
August 18, 2008
01:46 PM EDT


type size: + -
var clickExpire = "-1";Austin Dillon, grandson of championship-winning team owner Richard Childress, will make his Nationwide Series debut Sept. 5 at Richmond International Raceway.
The 18-year-old is competing for a championship in NASCAR's Camping World Series East Series and sits third in the point standings. His progression and victory earlier this year, however, prompted Richard Childress Racing to give Dillon a shot at making a Nationwide Series race.


“
It's going to be a tough race to make, but I think we'll have some of the best equipment out there and my grandpa is 100 percent behind me on this.

”
AUSTIN DILLON




"It's going to be a tough race to make, but I think we'll have some of the best equipment out there and my grandpa is 100 percent behind me on this," said Dillon, who in his Camping World debut won the season-opening event at Greenville Pickens Speedway.
In starts nine starts this season, Dillon has four top-five and six top-10 finishes.
"With the success we've had this year and how fast we've progressed, I'm ready for the next step and this will help us get prepared for next year and getting [NASCAR's] approval to run on certain tracks," Dillon said.
In the 2009 season, he expects to run a partial Nationwide Series slate along with a partial schedule of Camping World Series events.
Dillon currently drives the No. 3 in the NCWS East Series. As of right now, Dillon said he plans to run the RCR No. 21 or 33 in the Nationwide Series, but his permanent number could be the storied No. 3 -- the number piloted by the late Dale Earnhardt and the number that has created an immortal fan-following since the legendary driver's death in 2001.
Not since then has the No. 3 been on the track with any regularity; the number was placed into retirement and has only made a few public appearances, such as the time his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove the number in a 2002 Nationwide race and in a 2003 program at Lowe's Motor Speedway honoring past Cup champions.
It's uncertain what kind of fan reaction could come from returning the number to the track, but Dillon said he is sensitive to the subject.


What would you all think about The possibility of him driving the three car?

Nevermind, I actually read this and found out.

[Mindwarp]

Originally Posted by simple simon

because i said so thats how ..... its called an opinion .... i have mine and apparently you have yours ..... they may differ .. doesnt automatically make you right

What the hell? First, I never said I was right about anything in this thread. Second, I simply asked a question!

NOTE TO SELF: Ignore all threads about Saint Dale of Earnhardt.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by Mindwarp

What the hell? First, I never said I was right about anything in this thread. Second, I simply asked a question!

NOTE TO SELF: Ignore all threads about Saint Dale of Earnhardt.

im the one that said i thought it was 'too soon' ... you asked me how that could possibly be .... then proceeded to tell me to "get over it" .... i never knew you were the authority on these things

[jks812]

I don't want to see it, not even with an Earnhardt driving it. But I guess it wouldn't be so bad as long as it's not a black goodwrench #3.

[2418jk]

Originally Posted by jks812

I don't want to see it, not even with an Earnhardt driving it. But I guess it wouldn't be so bad as long as it's not a black goodwrench #3.

It isnt goodwrench, but the won that austin dillon normally drives is black