History of Austin Dillon in Timeline
Austin Reed Dillon is a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver for Richard Childress Racing, driving the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. He comes from a racing family, being the grandson of team owner Richard Childress, son of former driver and current RCR general manager Mike Dillon, and older brother of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Ty Dillon.
April 27, 1990: Birth of Austin Dillon
Austin Reed Dillon was born on April 27, 1990. He is a professional stock car racing driver, and the grandson of Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing.
October 15, 2000: Dale Earnhardt's Victory at Talladega
On October 15, 2000, Dale Earnhardt secured a victory at Talladega, marking the last win for a No. 3 car in the Cup Series until Austin Dillon's win.
2000: Bryan Reffner Wins Truck Series Race with No. 3
Bryan Reffner won a Truck Series race driving the No. 3 for Team Menard in 2000 at Texas Motor Speedway. This was the last time someone won a Truck Series race using this number until Austin Dillon's win at Iowa Speedway in 2010.
2002: Dillon Plays in Little League World Series
In 2002, Austin Dillon participated in the Little League World Series held in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
2002: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Uses No. 3 in Busch Series
Dale Earnhardt Jr. used the No. 3 in the Busch Series in 2002. This was the last time the number was used in one of NASCAR's three major series until Austin Dillon raced in Iowa.
2008: Austin Dillon Wins Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Camping World East Series
In 2008, Austin Dillon won Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Camping World East Series. He raced a No. 3 Chevrolet, initially driving for Andy Santerre Motorsports. After four races, he moved to Richard Childress Racing.
2009: Austin Dillon Fails to Qualify in Mountain Dew 250
Austin Dillon was meant to race in the Mountain Dew 250 at Talladega Superspeedway during the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. However, the truck failed inspection, and he was unable to race.
2010: Austin Dillon Races No. 3 Truck Full-Time
In 2010, Austin Dillon drove the No. 3 truck full-time, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops.
2010: Austin Dillon Wins Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
In 2010, Austin Dillon was awarded Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
October 9, 2011: Austin Dillon's First NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race
On October 9, 2011, Austin Dillon participated in his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, driving the No. 98 Camping World Curb/Agajanian Racing Chevrolet Impala at Kansas Speedway, finishing in 26th place.
November 4, 2011: Austin Dillon to Drive No. 3 in Nationwide Series
On November 4, 2011, Richard Childress Racing announced Austin Dillon would drive the No. 3 car in the Nationwide Series.
2011: Austin Dillon Wins NASCAR Championship
Austin Dillon won the NASCAR Championship in 2011, with Danny Stockman as his crew chief.
2011: Austin Dillon Wins at Nashville Superspeedway, Chicagoland Speedway, and the 2011 CWTS Most Popular Driver Award
In 2011, Austin Dillon won races at Nashville Superspeedway and Chicagoland Speedway, and was awarded the 2011 CWTS Most Popular Driver Award.
2011: Austin Dillon Wins 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship
In 2011, Austin Dillon won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.
2011: RCR 1-2 finish at the 2011 Good Sam Club 500
The 2011 Good Sam Club 500 saw an RCR 1-2 finish. This marked the first time since then that an RCR 1-2 finish occurred, until Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick in 2020 at Texas.
June 29, 2012: Austin Dillon's First Nationwide Series Win and Subsequent Disqualification
On June 29, 2012, Austin Dillon won his first Nationwide Series race at Kentucky Speedway. He led for all but eight laps. However, officials announced the car failed post-race inspection, disqualifying Dillon.
August 2012: Austin Dillon Announces Continued Participation in 2013 Nationwide Series
In August 2012, Austin Dillon shared he would continue driving in the Nationwide Series in 2013 with AdvoCare as his primary sponsor.
August 2012: Austin Dillon Races in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
In August 2012, Austin Dillon drove the No. 4 car for Fitzpatrick Motorsports at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal for the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, finishing in 7th place.
2012: Austin Dillon Wins Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Nationwide Series
Austin Dillon won Rookie of the Year for the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide Series.
2012: Austin Dillon Moves Up to the Nationwide Series
In 2012, Austin Dillon began driving in the Nationwide Series full-time in the No. 3 Chevrolet for RCR.
2012: Austin Dillon Competes in Sprint Cup Series on Limited Basis
Austin Dillon competed in some Sprint Cup races during 2012, beginning at Michigan International Speedway in June, where he drove the No. 33 Chevrolet and finished in 24th place.
2012: Austin Dillon Begins Driving No. 3 Car in Nationwide Series
Austin Dillon began driving the No. 3 car, previously driven by Dale Earnhardt, in the 2012 Nationwide Series. The car was sponsored by AdvoCare, American Ethanol, and Bass Pro Shops.
January 2013: Austin Dillon to Race in Phoenix Racing's No. 51 Chevrolet
In January 2013, it was announced Austin Dillon would drive Phoenix Racing's No. 51 Chevrolet for some of his Sprint Cup races.
August 2013: Austin Dillon to Substitute for Tony Stewart
Austin Dillon substituted for Tony Stewart in the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet at Michigan due to Stewart's leg injury. He also drove the car at Talladega Superspeedway in October.
November 16, 2013: Austin Dillon Wins 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship
On November 16, 2013, Austin Dillon won the NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship, despite not winning any races during the season. This was the first time this had happened in any of NASCAR's three national series.
December 11, 2013: Austin Dillon to Drive No. 3 Chevrolet in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
On December 11, 2013, RCR announced Austin Dillon would drive the No. 3 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. His sponsors would be Cheerios and Dow Chemical Company.
2013: Austin Dillon Wins NASCAR Championship
Austin Dillon won the NASCAR Championship in 2013, with Danny Stockman as his crew chief.
2013: Austin Dillon Wins 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship
In 2013, Austin Dillon won the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship, despite not winning any races during the season.
2014: Austin Dillon Clinches Pole Position at Daytona 500
Austin Dillon won the pole position during qualifying for the 2014 Daytona 500, marking the fourth time the No. 3 car was on the pole for this event.
2014: Austin Dillon's Performance in the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
In 2014, Austin Dillon came in second to Kyle Larson in the rookie of the year standings. He and Jeff Gordon were the only two drivers to be running at the finish of every race.
2015: Austin Dillon's Mixed Season in NASCAR
In 2015, Austin Dillon had a mixed season in NASCAR. He struggled in the Cup Series with only one top-10 finish. However, he performed well in the Xfinity Series, winning two races at Las Vegas and Charlotte.
2015: Austin Dillon's Challenging 2019 NASCAR Season
Austin Dillon experienced a difficult 2019 NASCAR season, failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015. He concluded the season 21st in points, his lowest ranking in a full-time season, and did not achieve any top-five finishes.
2015: Austin Dillon's 2015 Sprint Cup Series Performance
Despite a challenging 2015 Sprint Cup Series season with only one top-five and five top-ten finishes, Austin Dillon finished 21st in the standings. He found success in the Xfinity Series, securing four wins despite a part-time schedule.
August 9, 2016: Dillon Gets Engaged to Whitney Ward
Austin Dillon announced his engagement to former NFL cheerleader Whitney Ward on August 9, 2016.
2016: Austin Dillon's Strong Performance and Playoff Run in 2020
Austin Dillon showcased his resilience and determination in the 2020 NASCAR season. Despite facing setbacks at the Southern 500, he rallied to finish second. He followed this with a fourth-place finish at Richmond, marking his first consecutive top-five finishes in the Cup Series. These performances propelled him to the Round of 12 for the first time since 2016. Though ultimately eliminated after the Charlotte Roval race, Dillon finished a respectable 11th in the points standings.
2016: Austin Dillon's Xfinity Series Milestones and Team Success
During the 2016 Xfinity Series, Austin Dillon reached a milestone with his 100th career top-ten finish. He also secured a win at Michigan, marking the first Xfinity Series win for both himself and RCR's Xfinity team since their respective wins in 2016.
2016: Austin Dillon's Success in the 2016 Xfinity Series
While competing part-time in the 2016 Xfinity Series, Austin Dillon secured victories at Fontana and Bristol. Notably, his Fontana win involved a close battle with Kyle Busch, whose car suffered a tire issue.
December 9, 2017: Dillon Marries Whitney Ward at Childress Vineyards
Austin Dillon and Whitney Ward were married on December 9, 2017, at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, North Carolina.
2017: Austin Dillon's 2017 NASCAR Season: Highs and Lows
Austin Dillon's 2017 NASCAR season was marked by both achievements and setbacks. He achieved his first top-five finish of the season at Martinsville. However, a broken track bar in Texas forced him to start at the back, resulting in a 33rd-place finish.
2017: Justin Alexander Serves as Crew Chief
Justin Alexander served as the No. 3 team's crew chief in 2017.
2018: Austin Dillon's Top-Five Finish at the 2018 Consumers Energy 400
Austin Dillon achieved a top-five finish at the 2018 Consumers Energy 400. This was his last top-five finish until 2020.
2018: Austin Dillon Wins the 2018 Daytona 500
Austin Dillon won the 2018 Daytona 500.
2018: Austin Dillon's Triumph and Challenges in the 2018 NASCAR Season
In 2018, Austin Dillon achieved a significant victory at the Daytona 500, 20 years after Dale Earnhardt's win at the same event. Despite securing a playoff spot, Dillon faced consistency issues throughout the season and was eliminated in the Round of 16, finishing 13th in points.
2018: Justin Alexander Serves as Crew Chief
Justin Alexander served as the No. 3 team's crew chief in 2018.
October 28, 2019: Danny Stockman Steps Down, Justin Alexander Returns
On October 28, 2019, Danny Stockman announced his resignation as the crew chief of the No. 3 team, effective at the end of the 2019 season. Justin Alexander, who previously held the position in 2017 and 2018, returned as the crew chief for the No. 3 team in 2020.
December 2019: Dillon Films for "SEAL Team" at Auto Club Speedway
In December 2019, Austin Dillon participated in the filming of "SEAL Team" at Auto Club Speedway, where he played a NASCAR driving instructor.
2019: Austin Dillon Reunites with Danny Stockman for the Cup Series
In 2019, Austin Dillon partnered with Danny Stockman as his crew chief for the Cup Series. Stockman had previously worked with Dillon in the Truck and Nationwide Series, leading him to championships in 2011 and 2013.
2019: Dillon Appears in Movie "Stuber"
Austin Dillon, along with his brother Ty and fellow driver Daniel Suárez, made a cameo appearance in the 2019 movie "Stuber".
March 11, 2020: Dillon Guest Stars in "SEAL Team"
Austin Dillon appeared as a NASCAR driving instructor in Season 3, Episode 14 ("Objects in Mirror") of the television series "SEAL Team". The episode premiered on March 11, 2020, after filming at Auto Club Speedway in December 2019.
June 14, 2020: Dillon and Ward Welcome Their Son
Austin Dillon and his wife Whitney Ward welcomed their son on June 14, 2020.
2020: Austin Dillon Achieves First Top-Five Finish Since 2018
Austin Dillon ended his top-five drought at Las Vegas in 2020, securing a fourth-place finish, his first since the 2018 Consumers Energy 400.
2020: Justin Alexander Returns as Crew Chief
Justin Alexander returned as the No. 3 team's crew chief in 2020, after having served in that position in 2017 and 2018.
2020: Austin Dillon's Victory at the 2020 O'Reilly Auto Parts 500
On July 19, 2020, Austin Dillon emerged victorious at the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, ending an 88-race winless streak. This victory, his third career win, was notable for being his first where he led for more than the final two laps. RCR teammate Tyler Reddick finished second.
2021: Austin Dillon's Strong Start to the 2021 Season
Austin Dillon kicked off the 2021 season on a high note, securing a win in his Duel for the Daytona 500 against Bubba Wallace. This victory earned him a fourth-place starting position in the Daytona 500, where he led for seven laps and finished third, even taking the lead in the point standings for the first time in his career.
2021: Dillon Makes Cameo Appearance in Netflix's "The Crew"
Austin Dillon, alongside Ryan Blaney and Cole Custer, made a cameo appearance in the 2021 NASCAR-themed Netflix series "The Crew".
2021: Dillon Makes 24 Hours of Daytona Debut
In 2021, Austin Dillon made his debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona, driving an LMP2 car for RWR-Eurasia Motorsport alongside Cody Ware and Salih Yoluç.
October 28, 2022: Keith Rodden Announced as Dillon's Crew Chief for 2023
On October 28, 2022, Richard Childress Racing (RCR) revealed that Keith Rodden would be Austin Dillon's crew chief starting in the 2023 season.
2022: Austin Dillon's 2022 NASCAR Season: Triumphs and Setbacks
Austin Dillon's 2022 NASCAR season was a mix of notable achievements and unfortunate setbacks. He began the season with a 25th-place finish at the Daytona 500 but followed it with three top-three finishes at Fontana, Martinsville, and Talladega. Dillon achieved his first top-10 finish in a road course race at the Circuit of the Americas. He also secured a win at the Coke Zero Sugar 400, his second Daytona victory, securing his playoff position. Despite this success, he was eliminated in the Round of 16 following a crash at Bristol. Although he faced challenges, Dillon concluded the season with positive momentum, achieving a career-first by scoring three consecutive top-10 finishes, ultimately finishing 11th in the points standings.
2022: Dillon Drives for Young's Motorsports at Bristol Dirt Race
In 2022, Austin Dillon participated in the Pinty's Truck Race on Dirt at Bristol Motor Speedway, driving the No. 20 truck for Young's Motorsports.
2023: Dillon Receives Penalties, Finishes Career-Low in Standings
Austin Dillon's 2023 season was marked by challenges, including a 33rd place DNF at the Daytona 500 and an L1 penalty for an unapproved underwing assembly at Martinsville. These setbacks, along with a series of poor finishes, resulted in Dillon finishing 29th in the standings, his lowest points finish in his career.
2024: Dillon Wins at Richmond, Ending Winless Streak
The 2024 season saw Austin Dillon end a 68-race winless drought with a victory at the Richmond summer race. The win came after Dillon spun out Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final lap.