who's driving the number 3 car in nascar

[DiColeman]

As of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, the driver of the iconic No. 3 car for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is Austin Dillon. The number, famously associated with the late Dale Earnhardt, carries immense historical weight in the sport. Dillon, the grandson of team owner Richard Childress, has been piloting the No. 3 Chevrolet full-time in the Cup Series since 2014.

The return of the No. 3 to the Cup Series was a significant moment. After Dale Earnhardt's tragic death in 2001, the number was retired from RCR's Cup roster out of respect for over a decade. It was Austin Dillon, who had used the number throughout his developmental series career, who brought it back to the premier circuit. His tenure in the car has been marked by notable successes, including wins in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2018 Daytona 500, proving the number remains competitive.

Dillon's role extends beyond driving; he is a key part of the RCR legacy. The team fields two cars, with the No. 3 being one of their flagship entries. While the number evokes past glory, the current focus is on building its modern legacy with Dillon, who combines the team's rich history with a drive for future championships.

Aspect	Details
Current Driver	Austin Dillon
Team	Richard Childress Racing (RCR)
Manufacturer	Chevrolet
NASCAR Cup Series Debut (No. 3)	2014
Notable Wins (in No. 3)	2018 Daytona 500, 2017 Coca-Cola 600
Team Owner	Richard Childress
Driver's Relationship to Owner	Grandson
Number's Historical Driver	Dale Earnhardt (1984-2001)

[VonPreston]

That's Austin Dillon. He's been driving the 3 car for his grandpa's team, Richard Childress Racing, for years now. It's a big deal because of Dale Earnhardt, but Austin has made his own mark with it. He even won the Daytona 500 back in 2018. So when you see that black number 3 on a Chevy, it's him behind the wheel.

[Leilani]

You're looking at Austin Dillon. It's fascinating because he's not just any driver; he's continuing a family legacy. His grandfather, Richard Childress, owned the team when Dale Earnhardt made the number legendary. After Earnhardt's passing, the number was respectfully set aside until Austin, who grew up with it, was ready for the Cup Series. He's stewarding the number's history while writing his own chapters, which adds a deep layer of meaning to every race he runs in that car.

[OElaina]

The driver is Austin Dillon for Richard Childress Racing. From a team perspective, it's a strategic choice that blends heritage with a long-term vision. Dillon is a known quantity, a loyal driver developed within the RCR system. His connection to the team owner ensures stability. While fans will always associate the number with its past, the organization is focused on building a winning program around Dillon for the future, making the No. 3 a cornerstone of their two-car effort.

[HadleyMarie]

Seeing the number 3 on track always gives me chills. Today, it’s Austin Dillon carrying that weight. He knows what it represents to the fans, and he respects it. He’s won big races in that car, proving it’s still a threat. It’s cool to see a modern driver honor the past while competing hard every week. For me, it connects the sport's greatest history with its present-day competition in a really powerful way.