Austin Dillon

Austin Reed Dillon, born April 27, 1990, in Welcome, North Carolina, is a seasoned American professional stock car racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the iconic No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), a team with deep family ties and historic significance in NASCAR. Dillon is a two-time NASCAR national series champion, known for his aggressive racing style and ability to uphold the legacy of the No. 3 car.

Early Life and Background

Born into the renowned Childress racing family, Austin is the grandson of legendary NASCAR team owner Richard Childress and son of Mike Dillon, former driver and general manager at RCR. Growing up in North Carolina’s motorsport heartland, Austin’s passion for racing was fostered from an early age. He began his racing career in Bandolero and Legends cars before advancing to dirt late model racing under the tutelage of notable racer Dale McDowell. His early success paved the way for his entry into NASCAR’s developmental series, gradually climbing the ranks within the family-run organization.

Career

Austin Dillon debuted in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series full-time in 2010, winning Rookie of the Year honors and securing two wins that season. He claimed the 2011 Truck Series championship and continued his ascent by moving into the Xfinity Series, where he earned Rookie of the Year in 2012 and won the championship in 2013. Dillon made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2011 and became full-time in 2014, notably returning the No. 3 car—a number emblematic of Dale Earnhardt’s legacy—to the Cup Series after more than a decade. Over his Cup Series career, he has multiple victories, including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 in 2017 and the iconic Daytona 500 in 2018, the latter accomplished with a dramatic last-lap pass. Dillon has qualified for the NASCAR Cup Playoffs multiple times and consistently ranks among the series’ competitive drivers.

Off-Track Ventures

Outside of racing, Austin Dillon enjoys a private personal life centered on family and outdoor activities. He engages in hobbies like hunting, fishing, basketball, and fantasy and e-sports. While public information on business ventures is limited, Dillon’s endorsements and sponsorships, notably from Bass Pro Shops and American Ethanol, highlight his strong brand presence. He resides on a renovated barn property in Welcome, NC, with his wife Whitney and their pets, soon expecting their first child.

Net Worth

Austin Dillon has an estimated net worth of $12 million, earned through race winnings, sponsorship deals, and his salary as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver for a top team. His longevity, championships, and consistent performances in NASCAR’s national series contribute significantly to his professional valuation.

Personal Life

Austin Dillon comes from a deeply rooted racing family. His grandfather, Richard Childress, is a NASCAR legend and influential team owner, while his father, Mike Dillon, has been both a driver and team leader at RCR. Austin married Whitney Dillon on December 9, 2017, at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, North Carolina. The couple has two children: son Ace RC Dillon and newborn daughter Blaize Austin Dillon. They maintain a mostly private family life, balancing his demanding racing schedule with time at home.

Recent Controversies

No major recent controversies have been publicly reported regarding Austin Dillon. He is known within NASCAR circles for professionalism and sportsmanship on and off the track.

Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 2025

In 2024, Dillon experienced a challenging season marked by a large points penalty that dropped his No. 3 team to 29th in final standings. Nevertheless, the year featured key highlights including a second-place finish at the non-points LA Clash, a third-place on Bristol’s dirt track, and seven top-10 finishes. His last Cup Series win was in August 2022 at Daytona, a critical victory securing his spot in the playoffs. In his personal life, 2023 marked the birth of his daughter, adding joy off-track. Looking ahead to 2025, Dillon aims to build on past successes and overcome competitive challenges with Richard Childress Racing, continuing to compete at NASCAR’s highest level.