Austin Dillon, who has already claimed two out of NASCAR’s four most prestigious race victories, prepares to chase another milestone at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as he targets a third crown jewel win at the Brickyard 400. This weekend, all eyes are on Dillon and his pursuit, as the phrase
“Austin Dillon chasing third NASCAR crown jewel”
echoes within the paddock and among fans.
Pursuing Another Historic Victory at Indianapolis
Despite achieving only five Cup Series wins over 14 seasons and 408 career starts, Dillon stands out among NASCAR’s top competitors. He earned significant recognition with victories at the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2018 Daytona 500, cementing his place in elite company. Now, Dillon sets his focus on adding the Brickyard 400 to his achievements, which would strengthen his legacy in the sport.
Challenges Facing Dillon and His Team
The challenge for Dillon is the sheer pace required to contend at Indianapolis. Although Richard Childress Racing (RCR) cars have displayed respectable balance throughout the current season, their raw speed hasn’t quite matched the frontrunners. Teammate Kyle Busch candidly recognized this gap, pointing out that while the cars do not lack in effort or balance, improvements are still needed in speed to compete at the very highest level.
Dillon’s Optimism and Strategy
Dillon remains confident heading into the Brickyard 400, drawing on past successes at the famed track and believing in the capabilities of his #3 Get Bioethanol team. In his own words,
“Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been good for our #3 Get Bioethanol team. We’ve been able to have solid races in the past. Last year, we had a pretty good qualifying effort starting 11th. I’m excited to get there. Speed is something I like.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
A central element of Dillon’s approach involves navigating the unique demands of Indianapolis. The track is known for being sensitive to racing lines, with little margin for error in car placement, especially around the white lines. For Dillon and his team, precision and a well-prepared Chevrolet with ECR engines will play a crucial role, particularly since the straights at Indianapolis reward teams with the best engine performance.
The Emotional and Career Stakes
Capturing another crown jewel would represent a huge moment not just for Dillon himself but for the entire Richard Childress Racing operation. Dillon expressed what a win would mean, stating,
“It would be huge for me and everyone at Richard Childress Racing to win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s been a few years since Paul Menard won in 2011. I think only four or five drivers have won all four in the past, and it would be special to add one more to that list.”
—Austin Dillon, NASCAR Driver
Currently, the stakes remain high as Dillon sits 28th in the driver standings with 353 points after 21 starts. Despite notching three top-10 finishes, he has also suffered two DNFs this season. Team owner Richard Childress has been vocal about his frustration with the cars’ performance, adding more pressure for both the No. 3 and No. 8 RCR Chevrolets as they head into Indianapolis.
What Lies Ahead for Dillon and RCR
With his sights firmly set on a third jewel and expectations riding high, Austin Dillon faces a defining challenge at the Brickyard 400. As media and fans watch to see if he can join the handful of drivers who have captured all four of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, Dillon’s performance this weekend could shape both his future and the direction of Richard Childress Racing’s season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Austin Dillon lose his appeal?
A. Bill Mullis, the appeals officer, decided against Dillon and Richard Childress Racing’s appeal.
Q. Was Austin Dillon punished?
A. Dillon deliberately caused a crash involving Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano as they exited the last turn, securing his first win in two years.
