When Richard Childress Racing brought back the legendary No. 3 car to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2014, the decision carried enormous weight. The number wasn’t just a decal—it was a symbol, forever tied to Dale Earnhardt Sr. and the legacy he left behind. And so, Childress handed the iconic ride to his eldest grandson, Austin Dillon. It was a family move, one rooted in history and emotion.

Childress made it clear: “I wouldn’t let anyone else other than an Earnhardt or a Dillon drive the No. 3.” Many wondered—what about Ty? The younger Dillon had also shown promise. But Childress saw Austin as the better fit at the time. Ty, ever respectful, didn’t complain. “I want people to know me for me. At the beginning stages, we needed to be grouped together… but now I feel like I can branch off,” he said in 2018.

Nearly a decade later, that quiet detour is becoming the loudest storyline in the garage. And now, even Dale Earnhardt Jr. is changing his tune. The forgotten grandson, Ty Dillon, is starting to outshine the one who got the golden ticket. His recent performances are forcing Dale Jr to eat up his own comments and laud the Kaulig Racing driver.

Austin Dillon has had the best equipment the team could offer. Despite some big wins, like the 2018 Daytona 500 and the 2020 race at Texas, his performances have been inconsistent. His 2025 campaign is flat. Only one top 10 and top 5 finish. Zero laps led. One DNF. At Phoenix, his best result, 12th place, only happened thanks to a risky tire call by his crew chief. On the other hand, Ty Dillon is gaining traction.

On the other side of the track, Ty Dillon, the so-called “forgotten” grandson, is building momentum with Kaulig Racing. His equipment isn’t top-tier. His car doesn’t carry a legacy number. But his results? They’re getting noticed. Even Dale Earnhardt Jr., who’s long been skeptical of Ty’s impact, is eating his words. “I didn’t know how that was going to work out. Ty’s kind of been MIA for a while… but damn, the dude is stubborn. He believes he belongs, and he’s proving it. He is ahead of Brad Keselowski, Noah Gragson, SVG, Riley Herbst… When he’s behind the wheel, he’s a damn stubborn a–,” he said on the latest episode of his Dale Jr download podcast.

And the numbers back it up. Through the first nine races of 2025, Ty has earned 11 stage points, led laps, and avoided DNFs altogether. Austin? Just four stage points, no laps led, and one race-ending crash. Ty hasn’t cracked the top 10 yet either, but his steady rhythm is turning heads. Kaulig Racing wasn’t expected to shake up the standings. Even Dale Jr. said, “Last year, they were abysmal.” But things changed fast.

With A.J. Allmendinger and Ty behind the wheel, Kaulig has found consistency. They’re not beating Hendrick or JGR, but they’re right behind them. Richard Childress Racing itself is facing a storm of questions. If Ty is outperforming with lesser gear, what does that say about the direction of the main team? Even Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion, can’t find his footing. His 67-race winless streak stretches back to June 4, 2023.

The two-time Cup Series champion has 63 Cup wins, which is more than anyone active. But in 2025, his best finish is fifth at COTA. His frustration is visible. His performance, flat. And the shine of RCR is fading. This raises the uncomfortable question: Is RCR losing out on its legacy? While Austin remains the face of RCR, Ty is becoming the story fans are following. And through it all, Ty hasn’t complained. He hasn’t begged for the No. 3. He’s said before, “I’ve always wanted to be more than just the other Dillon.” Now, he is. On the track, in the standings, and—perhaps most telling—in the eyes of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Ty Dillon spreads happiness off the track!

Away from the roar of engines and the grind of race weekends, Ty Dillon is quietly winning in another lane—off the track, with heart. This past week, Ty traded his Kaulig Racing Chevy for a soft-sided red wagon filled with plush toys, toy cars, and big smiles. He visited the Niswonger Children’s Hospital ahead of the Food City 500 at Bristol, spreading joy one room at a time.

Wearing a gentle smile and carrying stuffed animals, Ty introduced himself with the same energy he brings to the track: “Hi, I’m Ty Dillon, and I’m a race car driver.” Each stop brought a moment of joy, not just for the children, but for their parents. One mother, Angela Powers, teared up after meeting Ty. Her family had suffered the tragic loss of her brother in an ATV accident just days before. “These are tears of joy. It was great… She wants to be a NASCAR driver,” she said.

Ty’s visit reminded everyone that racing isn’t just about finishes and stage points. It’s about people. It’s about presence. And Ty delivered. He didn’t stop at the hospital. Later, he visited families in Unicoi County still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene’s flooding. “It gives you perspective,” he said. “To be here and brighten their day a little… that’s special.” Notably, as a father of three, Ty felt each encounter deeply. He is no longer just Richard Childress’s “other” grandson. He’s his own man. A steady racer. A compassionate human. And maybe, just maybe, the better driver of the two.