Richard Childress Racing’s reveal of Austin Dillon’s 2026 Bass Pro Shops livery immediately launched a spirited Kevin Harvick paint scheme comparison among NASCAR fans. The debut of the new design, showcased on the No.3 Chevrolet, drew significant attention as supporters saw striking resemblances to Harvick’s iconic 2005 Goodwrench livery with RCR.
A New Livery Ignites Conversation Online
Richard Childress Racing announced its latest paint scheme with a social media post featuring an image of the No.3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet and the statement:
“A spotlight on conservation: Bass Pro Shops, Winchester Ammunition and Richard Childress Racing continue successful partnership in 2026.”
— Richard Childress Racing
The outdoor retailer, Bass Pro Shops, has sponsored Austin Dillon since his early racing days in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and began sharing primary sponsorship with Winchester Ammunition in 2025. For 2026, both brands return as main partners, underpinning the paint scheme’s focus on outdoor heritage and conservation.
Fans quickly pointed out the familiar aesthetic and took to social media to draw comparisons to Kevin Harvick’s 2005 No.29 Chevrolet with RCR. One user contributed a side-by-side photo and shared:
“Every masterpiece has its cheap copy”
— X user
The conversation fueled more feedback from the fan base, creating a lively debate:
“Close enough, welcome back Kevin Harvick,” a fan wrote.
“That car actually looks badass. Now if only it’ll perform as what Kevin Harvick did two decades ago,” another commented.
“RCR this is the best freaking thing you’ve done since bringing the 3 back to the cup series,” an X user said.
“I hope Austin Dillon cooks this year. I wouldn’t mind seeing this car in victory lane once or twice,” a fan penned.
Austin Dillon’s Recent Performance and the Numbers Behind the Hype
Austin Dillon concluded his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign sitting 15th in the final rankings. His single win at Richmond Raceway stood out—not only as his season’s only top-five finish—but also due to controversy in 2024, when a prior Richmond win was stripped due to aggressive tactics. The new livery arrives as Dillon aims to build on this momentum, and many hope its bold look can offer a psychological edge during the 2026 season.
Longstanding Sponsor Relationships and Team Leadership Perspectives
Richard Childress, serving as chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, offered insight into the enduring relationships that define the team’s partnerships. Bass Pro Shops has a history with RCR that dates back to the 1998 NASCAR season, when Dale Earnhardt drove for the team. Speaking to the shared vision and commitment between the company, Austin Dillon, and Winchester Ammunition, Childress said:
“Johnny Morris is one of the most influential conservation leaders of our time. 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 of Richard Childress Racing
This partnership underscores the No.3 team’s emphasis on conservation and outdoorsmanship, with team leadership eager to spotlight these values both on and off the track. The alliance between Richard Childress Racing, Bass Pro Shops, and Winchester Ammunition remains central to the identity and public persona of Austin Dillon’s team.
Off-Track Headlines: Sponsor Solidarity and NASCAR Leadership Tensions
Outside of the paint scheme discussion, sponsorship and team alliances have intersected with broader NASCAR controversies. Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, publicly defended Richard Childress after offensive messages from NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps appeared during an antitrust trial. This intervention from a key sponsor’s executive shifted conversation throughout the NASCAR community and cast new light on the importance of team-sponsor relationships amid ongoing organizational tensions.
As attention on the 2026 paint scheme continues to grow, the debate over its similarity to Kevin Harvick’s Goodwrench livery connects both current fans and NASCAR’s long-standing followers to the sport’s layered history. Richard Childress Racing, backed by steadfast sponsors and vocal supporters, enters the next season carrying both high expectations and a design already at the center of passionate discussion.
NEWS: A spotlight on conservation: Bass Pro Shops, Winchester Ammunition and Richard Childress Racing continue successful partnership in 2026.
Read more at https://t.co/F2BXAqYT7i pic.twitter.com/B2WwvDRJ52
— RCR (@RCRracing) January 27, 2026
every masterpiece has its cheap copy pic.twitter.com/mFyhNG5Mfx
— Kellan 🇺🇦🇵🇸 (@Kellan_MCR) January 27, 2026
close enough, welcome back kevin harvick
— DennyDeliversYT 📦 (@DennyDelivers2) January 27, 2026
That car actually looks badass. Now if only it’ll perform as what Kevin Harvick did two decades ago
— 2Centz (Official) (@the2centz) January 28, 2026
RCR this is the best freaking thing you’ve done since bringing the 3 back to the cup series.
— Cade Ferguson (@cadeferg15) January 27, 2026
I hope Austin Dillon cooks this year. I wouldn't mind seeing this car in victory lane once or twice.
— Husker (@HuskerHardware) January 27, 2026
