The Cup Series haulers are finding their way into Los Angeles today. Anticipation is building for The Clash. Meanwhile, today marks only 12 Days to Daytona where the regular season will officially kick off. For the #3 Richard Childress Racing team, their 2023 season might have improved if it ended at The Clash. After finishing on the podium in LA, the season took a severe downhill turn. Austin Dillon and company will look to rebound in 2024.
#3 Richard Childress Racing
Driver: Austin Dillon
Crew Chief: Keith Rodden
Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, BetMGM, DOW, BioEthanol, BREZTRI
2024 Season Preview
Only One Way to Go
2023 could not have gone much worse for Austin Dillon and the 3 Richard Childress Racing team. It was the lowest Dillon has finished in points, fewest Top-10s since 2019, and the team led the Cup Series in DNFs. Meanwhile, RCR’s other team looked to be a championship contender throughout most of the season and racked up 3 wins. Flipping the calendar to 2024 was the best thing that happened for the team last year. There is only one direction to go for this team. Despite his critics, Austin Dillon is a competent Cup Series driver. 2024 should see the team get back on track.
Cue the Win
Since winning the Daytona 500 in 2018, Austin Dillon has alternated seasons where he wins a race or not. Last year, Dillon obviously went winless. If the pattern holds true, then expect Austin Dillon to pick up a win at some point in 2024. Most would point to a superspeedway for Dillon’s best chance for a win. However, Dillon’s only superspeedway wins have come at Daytona. The other half of his wins have come at Texas and Charlotte. With two crown jewel events won, could Dillon add a third in the Southern 500 or Brickyard 400?
Any Heat on the Seat?
Especially after last year, there has been a vocal portion of the fanbase that wants to see Austin Dillon removed from the 3 car. Due to the familial relationship with the team owner, there are no expectations that Dillon will be fired from his ride. Essentially, it seems that Dillon will drive the 3 car until he is ready to retire. Now, that is with the understanding that Dillon continues to run as he has prior to 2023. If Dillon starts rattling off 2023-esque seasons, then there could be some serious heat under that seat.
Daytona 500 Chances
Austin Dillon is a former Daytona 500 winner. In 2020, Dillon could have drag raced Chase Elliott to the checkered flag if the caution was not thrown. Dillon also has picked up a summer Daytona win in his career. Last year’s Daytona 500 saw Dillon and Kyle Busch work well together to have the lead upon hitting 500 miles. The questionable call to split the front row on the final restart might have cost the organization the 500 win. Still, Dillon always seems to run well in Daytona.
Speedweeks Outlook
Prior to the NextGen car, Austin Dillon could be relied upon for a somewhat strong qualifying run for the Daytona 500. Back in 2014, Dillon qualified on the pole for the race. However, his average qualifying run in the NextGen is 26.5. If Dillon has the right help in his Bluegreen Vacations Duel race, he could significantly improve a poor qualifying effort. Dillon won his duel race in 2021. No matter his starting position, expect Dillon to find his teammate during the Daytona 500. The tandem work well drafting together. If last year’s race is anything to go off of, expect either RCR car to be battling for the lead late in the Daytona 500.
Previous Days
40-36 Days: 40 – #12, 39 – #5, 38 – #24, 37 – #20, & 36 – #11
35-31 Days: 35 – #45, 34 – #17, 33 – #6, 32 – #1, & #31 – #9
30-26 Days:Â 30 – #19, 29 – #22, 28 – #4, 27 – #8, & 26 – #34
25-21 Days: 25 – #34, 24 – #23, 23 – #54, 22 – #99, & 21 – #48
20-16 Days: 20 – #16, 19 – #10, 18 – #41, 17 – #2, & 16 – #31
