Family Ties Win It at Daytona

by
posted on February 19, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
nascar_2.jpg
Twenty years after the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. captured his only Daytona 500 victory, Austin Dillon—grandson of Richard Childress—added a stirring chapter to one of the great family stories in all of sports, making racing history as he earned the checkered flag in 2018's "Great American Race" driving the RCR No. 3 Chevrolet—the same RCR number driven by Earnhardt. Richard Childress currently serves as 1st Vice President of NRA and is co-chairman of NRA's Hunters Leadership Forum



In all respects, the race was a throwback to the brand of old-school racing diehard fans love, as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ season-opening event featured eight cautions and three massive wrecks that eliminated several of the 40 cars in the field. Dillon sealed his victory after turning race leader Aric Almirola in the third corner of the final lap.


 
"This is so awesome to take the No. 3 car back to Victory Lane," said Dillon. "This one is for Dale Earnhardt Sr., and all those (Dale) Sr. fans. I love you guys. We are going to keep kicking butt the rest of the year!"



"I said (after) my first win I couldn’t beat it, but this does. My grandfather has done everything for me. Everybody knows it. There is a lot of pressure on me to perform, because I’ve had a little bit of everything. But I like that pressure. The same with the No. 3. There is a lot of pressure behind that.
 
"But I’m willing to take that and go with it," said Dillon. "I’m just thankful for all the people that support us along the way—Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his family for letting us bring this number back. It comes full circle. I just can’t thank the Lord enough for this opportunity." 

Richard Childress said, “What a great special night to see the number 3 back in Winner Circle 20 years later from Dale Earnhardt's great win and I have my grandson Austin Dillon do it that is special.” (image courtesy rcracing.com

Latest

Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main
Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main

Guns Of The U.S. Tankers In World War II

Since the end of World War II, debates have raged about the effectiveness of American armored fighting vehicles in that conflict. Despite all the Monday morning armored quarterbacking, American AFVs were war-winners, driven to victory by some the finest fighting men our nation has ever produced.

MidwayUSA Foundation Awards Over $14 Million In Cash Grants In 2025

In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025.

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.