Austin Dillon competed through severe pain in the 2025 Cup Series season, astonishing fans and competitors alike by racing with a broken rib—most notably during his crucial win at Richmond Raceway, which pushed him into the playoffs. The NASCAR community took notice of this act of resilience, making the “Austin Dillon broken rib racing” story one of the year’s most compelling narratives.
A Season Marked by Grit and Determination
When the 2025 Cup Series wrapped up at Phoenix Raceway with Kyle Larson crowned champion, several stories of perseverance emerged, but Dillon’s stood apart. Racing under the banner of Richard Childress Racing, Dillon managed to finish the year with a single win—a breakthrough that came at Richmond after a consistent season marked by four top-10 finishes. This victory came without any controversy, unlike his previous year at the same track, and it vaulted Dillon from 28th to a spot in the playoffs.
It was only during his post-race interview at Richmond that the gravity of his achievement became clear. Dillon revealed that he had raced while nursing a broken rib, an injury sustained off the track before key events.
“I don’t like to talk about it, but I fell off a ladder pulling my bow case off, getting ready for hunting season. Fell on top of the bow case. It knocked the breath out of me. I knew it was pretty bad. Went ahead and raced Iowa. I got it X-rayed. The seventh one on my right (side) is broken. I’ve been racing with it. It’s been pretty painful. I raced at Watkins Glen, Iowa, then here.”
– Austin Dillon, Driver
Outstanding Results Despite Physical Setbacks
Even with his injury, Dillon secured a tenth-place finish at Iowa Speedway and crossed the line in fifteenth at Watkins Glen the following week. These circuits are known for their taxing brake zones, which put extra strain on a driver’s upper body and especially challenge anyone racing through pain. Dillon’s ability to maintain composure and deliver results under these circumstances is a testament to his mental fortitude and physical conditioning, a fact recognized by teammates and fans throughout the Cup Series.
The Influence of the Carolina Cowboys on Dillon’s Mindset
Dillon credited his experience as general manager for the Carolina Cowboys, a professional bull riding team, as a major influence on his resilience. His exposure to athletes in a demanding sport helped him develop a stronger mindset, as he learned from their toughness and approach to pain management.
“I love working with them. I’ve learned a lot about people in general. Those guys are one tough customer, all those Cowboys. I think it makes me tougher.”
– Austin Dillon, General Manager/Driver
“If I would have complained about my rib before now, the Cowboys would have been like, That’s nothing. Get over it. Move on.”
– Austin Dillon, General Manager/Driver
Richmond Win and Season Finish Cement Reputation
At Richmond, Dillon impressively led 107 of the 400 laps, marking a personal milestone and ensuring his passage into the Round of 16 in the playoffs. Even though he wrapped up the season 15th in the driver standings, his determination became one of the defining stories of 2025.
Dillon’s ordeal and success underscore the importance of endurance in motorsports, while his connection to the Carolina Cowboys highlighted a mindset shaped by both racing and rodeo. As the NASCAR community reflects on the 2025 Cup Series, Dillon’s resilience sets a new benchmark for perseverance and competitive spirit.
