2024 had been a tough year for Richard Childress Racing. The team struggled to get results on the track, with Kyle Busch going the entire season winless for the first time in two decades. The same can’t be said for Austin Dillon though, as the North Carolina native secured a win at Richmond Raceway albeit in very controversial circumstances. Driving his No. 3 Chevy, Richard Childress’ grandson wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin in the last lap to finish first when the checkered flag was waved at the ‘Action Track’.

While NASCAR let him keep the race win, they took away the playoff eligibility that came with it. The decision wasn’t received well at Richard Childress Racing, who lost millions after failing to make the postseason last year. However, there might be a way to recoup some of that loss.

NASCAR’s decision paves the way for Austin Dillon’s redemption

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Austin Dillon resorted to playing dirty at the 2024 Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, securing his first NASCAR Cup Series win since his 2022 triumph at Daytona International Speedway. Despite his team struggling for speed all year, the No. 3 Chevy appeared to have made a breakthrough, finishing sixth in qualifying and finishing inside the top 10 in the opening two stages. With victory in sight, Richard Childress’ grandson made a desperate dash to the finish line, even if it came at the expense of Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin.

The verdict cost Richard Childress Racing millions, as the North Carolina native failed to make the postseason for the second year in a row. However, there might be a way for the team to recoup some of that loss in 2025, as Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass revealed, “In our rules briefing, NASCAR confirmed Austin Dillon’s win at Richmond does count for eligibility for the all-star race.”

While the All-Star race may not contribute points to NASCAR Cup Series drivers, there are significant financial benefits to competing in the North Wilkesboro race. For the last 21 years, the prize money for the fixture has been $1 million and it’s expected to be the same in 2025. With Austin Dillon getting the chance to compete at the iconic event, the No. 3 Chevy racer has the chance to get back some of the money lost after failing to make the playoffs in 2024.

Well, if Dillon wants to make amends, the opportunity is right in front of him. However, how is his record in the All-Star race? Since Austin Dillon made the full-time switch to Cup Racing in 2014, the All-Star race has seen four different venues. Charlotte Motor Speedway (1987-2019), Bristol Motor Speedway (2020), Texas Motor Speedway (2021-2022), and North Wilkesboro Speedway (2023-). Dillon had an astounding average finish of 7.83 in six All-Star races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. However, North Wilkesboro has not been as kind.

After a strong performance at Bristol in 2020 with a third-place finish, the move to Texas didn’t suit Dillon as he stooped to a 19th-place finish after starting fifth in 2021. His second outing in Texas was more fruitful with a second-place finish, but despite consistent results, he could not manage that elusive All-Star win. Dillon finished a dismal 17th in 2023 at North Wilkesboro and followed it up with a ninth-place finish in 2024. Dillon will need to channel his Charlotte era of racing at this year’s All-Star race if he wants to recoup RCR’s losses. The bottom line, however, is making the playoffs, as that is what pays the most.

Going into the race in Richmond, the No. 3 Chevy team was 32nd in owner’s points, but if Austin Dillon had qualified for the playoffs, he wouldn’t have finished worse than 16th in the driver standings. According to Denny Hamlin, the financial difference was “probably 2 million bucks” while JTG Daugherty co-owner Brad Daugherty said, “I think it’s a little bit more, maybe $2.5 million, so that’s huge.” NASCAR’s verdict hit Richard Childress Racing substantially in the pocketbook, and they will be eying the prize money in the All-Star race as a path to redemption.

Austin Dillon to have a new primary sponsor for 2025

Trending

1

Kyle Busch Handed “Final Warning” by NASCAR as Internal Friction Erupts at Chevrolet

2

Justice for NASCAR Legend as FBI Takes Down Elite Car Thieves in Shocking Undercover Operation

3

Chase Elliott Branded NASCAR’s “Last Big Hope” as ‘Loudmouth’ Denny Hamlin Earns Controversial Veteran’s Respect

4

Denny Hamlin Pushed Around at Bowman Gray by Roger Penske’s New Short Track Master

5

Richard Childress & Co Blamed for Kyle Busch’s Failures as NASCAR Veteran Exposes Rowdy’s Career Blunder

It’s not all doom and gloom for Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team. Recently, Bass Pro Shops and Winchester announced they would sponsor the NASCAR Cup Series driver for 17 events during the 2025 season. While Bass Pro is a long-term associate of RCR and Dillon, Winchester is a new addition to the family and the firearms and ammunition firm is hopeful that the partnership will allow them to connect with the common NASCAR fan.

Sharing his thoughts about the two brands being Austin Dillon’s primary sponsors, Richard Childress candidly said, “Bass Pro Shops has been a longtime supporter of RCR and Austin, and we are excited to have Winchester join the fold this season on the No. 3 car. Everyone in this great country has the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, making memories that you’ll never forget. Together we will continue to spread the mission of conservation to ensure future generations have that same ability.”

Despite having made the playoff five times from 2016 to 2022, Austin Dillon has struggled with performances on the racetrack in recent years. However, the North Carolina native is determined to turn his circumstances around in the upcoming NASCAR campaign, going on to say, “The work starts now!”. Richard Childress Racing has made plenty of changes behind the scenes to bolster their team, with Richard Boswell joining in as Dillon’s new crew chief for 2025. Could the duo work together well and achieve success in the Cup Series? Time will tell.