Richard Childress Proves, Again, that NASCAR is Built on Family

So I know it's been a while since something has come out of the fryer, but there have been a lot of other things on my mind lately. Family is something incredibly important and when you lose a piece of that it's a wound that Neosporin and a Band-aid won't easily fix. That being said, here is your newest deep-fried musing; centered around family.

In February of 2001 at Daytona International Speedway, race fans saw one of the greatest things in the sport happen. Dale Earnhardt, Sr., in his patented black #3 Cheverloet, was blocking the other drivers from passing him on the final lap of the Daytona 500. More amazing was that in front of him were his teammate and good friend Michael Waltrip and his son, Dale Jr. The man was giving up himself to let his friend and family fight for the greatest prize in NASCAR. Ultimately, the Intimidator gave up everything in a horrific crash in turn 3 on the final lap that claimed his life.

Still one of the saddest moments in history, it was only appropriate that the #3 be retired from the sport even it was only ceremoniously.

On Friday, Richard Childress (owner of Richard Childress Racing, a powerhouse in NASCAR) announced the #3 car would be back full-time on the Nationwide circuit for the first time since that fateful February evening next season with his grandson, Austin Dillon behind the wheel. Now before you go claiming Richard is using his stature in the sport to unearth the most well-known figure in NASCAR, or that the #3 should never be driven again, check this out.

In an ESPN article, Childress explained that his grandson has been racing in the Craftsman Truck Series (and dominating it) with the #3 plastered on the side and Dillon intends on moving up to NASCAR's "minor leagues" next season. He also made it a point to speak with Junior about seeing someone else drive a car with his fathers number.

"He has used the 3 predominantly throughout his career, and I for one am excited to know he'll be running it at the next level," said Earnhardt. "He's a sharp kid with a lot of potential. The respect he shows the sport and his competitors is a reflection of the family values that has molded him into the person he is today."


Family is something that runs deeper in NASCAR than any other sport in the country. It's such an important fiber in every racer, whether blood is shared or not. As evidenced by the reaction to Dan Wheldon's tragic death at Las Vegas a couple weeks ago.

It should also be noted that Childress drove the #3 for five seasons before Dale, Sr. made it famous. And has he notes towards the end of the piece, "I know (Earnhardt) would be proud."

He absolutely would. Not because of who is driving the #3, but because of why. It's a family thing. They said blood is thicker than water. In NASCAR, it's thicker than oil too. So go get 'em Dillon. Do that #3, and your family proud, like we know you all will.



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