Austin Dillon stood at the start-finish line at Daytona International Speedway, looking at the pole-winning car he had just driven. It was February 2014, and the No. 3 Chevrolet had returned to the Cup Series for the first time since Dale Earnhardt’s tragic passing in the 2001 Daytona 500. Fans in the stands felt a mix of emotions—pride, nostalgia, and perhaps a little unease. That was a moment of pride for Richard Childress’ grandson.

The No. 3 had returned, but it wasn’t Earnhardt behind the wheel. Dillon, aware of the legacy, embraced the challenge. “The legend of Dale has lived on for a long time and is going to continue to live on forever,” Dillon said before the race. The moment marked the beginning of a new era for the No. 3. It wasn’t about replacing Earnhardt—it was about honoring him. Fast forward to 2025, and another young Cup driver is making waves by bringing back the spirit of The Intimidator. This time, it’s not on the track—but in a tribute vehicle that has fans buzzing.

The 2024 Cup Series Rookie of the Year, Carson Hocevar, had some intense moments at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Spire Motorsports driver displayed his aggressive moves as he passed Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, and Kyle Larson to finish a career-best second. However, his moves didn’t go well with Busch and Chastain, as they called him out publicly. But fans liked his aggressive nature as NASCAR has thrived on the aggression of drivers like Busch, Dale Earnhardt, Kevin Harvick, and others.

Now, weeks later, Hocevar sent NASCAR X into a frenzy with a special announcement. He posted a simple message announcing, “Just bought a truck on Facebook Marketplace.” That alone wouldn’t have raised eyebrows. But the accompanying image left fans speechless. Sitting outside his home was a Dale Earnhardt-inspired truck, complete with the iconic black Goodwrench paint scheme.

It looked like it had rolled straight out of the 1990s NASCAR garage. While Hocevar didn’t share much detail about his newest possession, it was reported that the truck carried a powerful 5.0L V8. It runs and drives like a stock truck, but with its race-ready look, it turns heads everywhere it goes. And the moment Hocevar posted the images, fans went wild. The truck instantly drew comparisons to YouTuber Cleetus McFarland’s famous “Dale Truck,” a street-legal NASCAR build that has become an internet sensation.

Fans were stunned that Hocevar had managed to find a similar piece of history. “Where are these things coming from? First Cleetus, now you,” one fan joked. To understand why this moment is so significant, you have to look back at what made the No. 3 legendary. Dale Earnhardt didn’t just race—he dominated. He won 67 of his 76 career Cup Series victories in the No. 3 Richard Childress Chevrolet. He was aggressive, tough, and willing to do whatever it took to win. Fans called him The Intimidator for a reason.

After his tragic passing in 2001, Richard Childress chose to hold onto the number. NASCAR doesn’t retire numbers, but Childress refused to let anyone else use it—until he felt the time was right. That time came in 2014 when he put his grandson, Austin Dillon, in the car. The decision sparked controversy, but Childress stood firm. “I always planned to bring it back, but it had to be at the right time and with the right person,” Childress said. Notably, he had promised Earnhardt they would keep racing the No. 3, and that’s exactly what he did.

Fans react to Carson Hocevar’s bold move

The NASCAR world erupted with reactions to Hocevar’s new ride. Fans had plenty to say about the young driver’s tribute to Dale Earnhardt, and most of them loved it. Hocevar has been making headlines, both on and off the track. Whether it’s his aggressive driving style or his latest tribute to NASCAR history, fans can’t get enough. His ability to keep fans engaged beyond race weekends is a big reason why he’s becoming one of the sport’s most talked-about drivers.

A user said, “Your content the past two weeks has been hot fire.” Another user echoed the sentiments and said, “S— like this is why you’re my new favorite driver.” However, the truck itself is a dream for any Earnhardt fan. With its sleek black paint, Goodwrench logos, and raw power, it’s a perfect throwback to The Intimidator’s glory days. One fan wrote, “Dude 😍.” Fans who grew up watching Earnhardt dominate in the No. 3 couldn’t help but wish they had one of their own. A user said, “I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t jealous.”

Notably, Carson Hocevar has never been afraid to ruffle feathers, and this move proves it once again. While some drivers avoid controversy, he leans into it. His Earnhardt-inspired truck isn’t just a cool ride—it’s a statement. He respects the past, but he’s not afraid to shake things up. As the NASCAR Caravan reaches Martinsville, fans would expect him to see the victory lane for the first time.