Richard Childress Racing has announced that Bass Pro Shops and Winchester will continue as anchor partners for Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet team in the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2026 season. The renewal ensures two of North America’s major outdoor brands remain integral to the team’s ongoing pursuits, reaffirming their longstanding support for racing, outdoor sports, and conservation.
Longstanding Relationships Power a Legendary NASCAR Team
By maintaining their alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Bass Pro Shops and Winchester unite premier outdoor retail with a leader in small-caliber ammunition for hunting, recreational shooting, and law enforcement. This relationship continues to bolster one of motorsport’s most storied organizations, with Bass Pro Shops, led by conservationist and founder Johnny Morris, celebrating decades of partnership with both Childress and Austin Dillon. Their collaboration began in 1998 with the iconic No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet, formerly driven by seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt. Bass Pro Shops has been Austin Dillon’s steady backer throughout his entire racing journey, including his memorable win at Richmond Raceway last year.
“Bass Pro Shops is thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with our friends and passionate outdoorsmen Richard Childress and Austin Dillon,”
said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder.
“They have been steadfast supporters of hunting, fishing and conservation in America. We’re proud to work with the Winchester team to salute the sportsmen and women in America and highlight our passion for American patriotism and conservation efforts on the legendary No. 3 RCR car.”
– Johnny Morris, Founder, Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops Heritage and Expansion
With over half a century as North America’s top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Bass Pro Shops has established its reputation through conservation efforts and commitment to serving hunting and fishing communities. The company has grown to nearly 200 retail destinations and boat centers scattered across the United States and Canada, each offering immersive shopping experiences that cater to adventurers of all ages.
Winchester’s Legacy and Continued Collaboration
The partnership deepened further in 2025, when Bass Pro Shops and Winchester, known as the American Legend, jointly sponsored Dillon and the No. 3 Chevrolet. This collaboration is set to continue in 2026, spotlighting both brands’ shared dedication to conservation causes and the preservation of natural habitats for upcoming generations. Their mission remains focused on celebrating American outdoor traditions and patriotism through their involvement in motorsports.
“For more than a century, Winchester has stood as an enduring symbol of American craftsmanship, freedom, and responsibility,”
said Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester Ammunition.
“Our legacy is rooted in supporting the shooting sports, responsible hunting, and conservation efforts that protect our nation’s outdoor traditions for future generations, while proudly supplying small-caliber ammunition in service of the U.S. military. Our partnership on the No. 3 car reflects our shared commitment to patriotism and conservation. We’re proud to work once again alongside Bass Pro Shops and Richard Childress Racing to promote our rich heritage to race fans.”
– Brett Flaugher, President, Winchester Ammunition
Winchester’s 159-year history as America’s leading supplier of small-caliber ammunition for both recreational shooters and the U.S. military is rooted in a dedication to integrity and commitment to customers. Their ongoing work with RCR and Bass Pro Shops aligns perfectly with efforts to protect outdoor traditions and inspire future sportsmen and women.
Mutual Dedication to Conservation and Outdoor Heritage
“Johnny Morris is one of the most influential conservation leaders of our time,”
said Richard Childress, chairman and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing.
“Bass Pro Shops has been a valued friend and partner of RCR and Austin for many years, and we are proud to continue to work with them to highlight our shared values. We’re excited also to continue building on the strong foundation that began last year with Winchester. This is a natural pairing rooted in a mutual dedication to conservation efforts and promoting our outdoor heritage for future generations.”
– Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO, Richard Childress Racing
This continued partnership is anchored by a mutual vision of advocating for responsible hunting, fishing, and outdoor conservation, echoing the values upheld by leaders like Johnny Morris. Together with Austin Dillon, RCR, Bass Pro Shops, and Winchester, the commitment to outdoor stewardship and heritage remains at the forefront of their racing and business strategies.
Key 2026 NASCAR Events Featuring the Partnership
Bass Pro Shops and Winchester will again headline as primary sponsors on Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet starting in the 2026 NASCAR season. The partnership’s debut event will be the NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 1, airing live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET. Dillon will also compete in the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet throughout all Speedweeks events, including the important Duels at Daytona on Thursday, February 12 at 7 p.m. ET (broadcast on FOX Sports 1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) and the prestigious Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Following these marquee races, the team will appear in numerous additional contests throughout the 2026 racing calendar, keeping Bass Pro Shops and Winchester at the forefront of the NASCAR Cup Series.
The extension of this high-profile partnership between Richard Childress Racing, Bass Pro Shops, Winchester, and Austin Dillon underscores their unwavering commitment to the racing community, American traditions, and conservation. As the 2026 season approaches, fans can look forward to the enduring presence of these industry leaders on and off the track, further solidifying their legacy in the world of motorsports and the outdoor industry.
