Austin Dillon Reveals His True Intentions if He Fails to Make the Playoffs at Daytona

This weekend, many drivers are heading to the Daytona International Speedway with a purpose. The track is playing host to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 which is the final race in the regular season. With just one Playoff berth left, this race is all the more important for all the drivers. Among the Playoff hopefuls is Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon. For the #3 driver, his only chance of qualifying is to either outscore Bubba Wallace and others or win the race.

Since he had won the Coke Zero Sugar 400 last year, he could be a favorite. However, Dillon will be aware that his path to Playoff qualification will not be easy. There are a lot of strong rivals who could pip him to that position. In light of that, he also has to consider what the game plan is, if he fails to make the Playoffs. In a recent interview, the #3 driver outlined his Plan B.

Austin Dillon plans to play the role of a solid teammate

He told Fox Sports, “Being as aggressive as we can be trying to win a race, trying to make sure that Keith [Rodden] and I are on the same page each and every week. This is our first year together, and we’ve got to make sure that we do our jobs out there and try and get a win for RCR.

“The #8 team was able to bring home three so far this season, and we also want to be as supportive as we can for them — we want to be aggressive for them, if we’re not in the playoffs, to help get to a championship no matter what. That’s the goal for RCR: Get to a championship.”

In essence, he is suggesting that if he does not make the cut, the team’s priorities will change. To be precise, he and the team will be focused on trying to help teammate Kyle Busch.

READ MORE: Richard Childress Racing Driver Offers Sneak Peek Into the Anatomy of an SRX Car

Busch has already qualified with three wins under his best. This means that Dillon has the capability to win at the Daytona International Speedway. However, if he cannot win, he will instantly switch to teammate mode, but until then, it is every man for himself.

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Where does the Richard Childress Racing driver sit in the standings?

Currently, the #3 driver occupies 29th place in the 2023 Cup Series standings. Dillon has 369 points, which is not enough to threaten the likes of Martin Truex Jr. However, a race win could catapult him up the order and put him in the Playoffs along with his teammate Kyle Busch.

It could break the hearts of Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace, especially the latter, who occupies the 16th position in the standings. Safe to say, this weekend’s race will be very fiercely contested.

Chase Briscoe starts on pole position and will have a massive target on his back. As one of the drivers without a win, he would dearly love to steal the final Playoff berth. Behind him are Aric Almirola, Harrison Burton, and Bubba Wallace, all of whom are vying for the final spot.

WATCH THIS STORY: “The Biggest Thing Is…”—Austin Dillon Highlights the Change Kyle Busch Has Brought to Richard Childress Racing as He Takes the Team to Victory Lane for the First Time in 2023