Richard Childress Racing has revealed its renewed partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Winchester for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, a move that sparked strong reactions from fans and insiders. This Richard Childress Racing partnership announcement features a historic livery tribute on Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet, underscoring the team’s heritage and ongoing significance within NASCAR.
Historic No. 3 Car Gets a Classic Redesign
The famed NASCAR organization is set to celebrate its legacy by reimagining the No. 3 Chevrolet ZL1, driven by Austin Dillon, with a paint scheme reminiscent of Kevin Harvick’s legendary silver, black, and red No. 29 Goodwrench Chevrolet. This design honors a celebrated era in the Cup Series, linking past champions with today’s racers.
This throwback move comes alongside confirmation that Bass Pro Shops and arms manufacturer Winchester will remain as primary sponsors for Dillon throughout the 2026 season. The partnership renewal follows recent legal controversies affecting NASCAR, which put relationships between sponsors, teams, and the league under scrutiny.
Fan and Driver Reactions to the Announcement
Supporters responded passionately to the new car livery and ongoing partnerships. One fan called it,
“Perfection, and a great throwback to the Harvick Goodwrench car,”
celebrating the iconic tie-in with racing history. Another chimed in,
“I hope Austin Dillon cooks this year. I wouldn’t mind seeing this car in victory lane once or twice.”
– Fan
Another supporter referenced Harvick’s mid-2000s dominance, and a third fan expressed,
“close enough, welcome back Kevin Harvick,”
highlighting the deep nostalgia invoked by the reveal. Even NASCAR competitor Corey LaJoie showed approval online, joining other voices in recognizing the significance of this moment for RCR and its fanbase.
Bass Pro Shops and Winchester Voice Support
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris reinforced the company’s commitment to the team and the sport, praising both Childress and Dillon’s contributions to conservation and outdoor sportsmanship. In his official statement, he said,
“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, Bass Pro Shops founder
Winchester President Brett Flaugher also spoke highly of the renewed partnership, highlighting the shared values connecting all parties. He offered,
“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, Winchester President
Temporary Turmoil Amid Ongoing Legal Dispute
This Richard Childress Racing partnership announcement came as fallout continued from a public legal battle involving NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports. Details about Bass Pro Shops owner Johnny Morris’s scathing letter emerged during legal proceedings, criticizing comments made by then-commissioner Steve Phelps.
According to statements released, Phelps had referred to Childress with a series of offensive labels, including,
“needs to be taken out back and flogged.”
– Steve Phelps, then-Commissioner of NASCAR
Morris publicly denounced the remarks, stating,
“We are extremely upset by the recent disclosure of shockingly offensive and false criticisms of Richard by the Commissioner of NASCAR Steve Phelps,”
and went on to argue for Childress’s status as a “pillar” of motorsports. He emphasized,
“The fact is Richard Childress has done as much to build and promote NASCAR as anyone in the history of the sport! The commissioner, in all his rant, has only managed to bring discredit to himself and the sport.”
– Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops founder
End of Lawsuit and Path Forward for NASCAR
The dispute ended after an eight-day trial, with NASCAR granting evergreen charters to 36 teams on pit road, allowing sponsors and teams to stabilize their arrangements. Looking ahead, both Bass Pro Shops and Winchester have doubled down on their alliance with Childress and Dillon as RCR gears up for the 2026 campaign.
This new chapter arrives at a charged moment for NASCAR, as stakeholders aim to shift focus away from recent controversies. The partnership is expected to strengthen ties with the sport’s enthusiastic fanbase and signal confidence in RCR’s enduring legacy. The redesigned No. 3 Chevrolet, adorned in classic colors and riding a wave of nostalgic support, will serve as a prominent symbol of tradition and unity in the Cup Series as the next season approaches.
