Austin Dillon, the driver of the iconic No. 3 car for Richard Childress Racing, has opened up about the challenging yet meaningful bond he shares with his grandfather, Richard Childress. In the demanding world of NASCAR, Dillon revealed how their relationship combines tough love and honest feedback, playing a crucial role in his development both on and off the track.
During a candid discussion on SpeedFreaks, Dillon described the sincerity that shapes their connection. He explained,
“I think your best friends in life are the ones that tell you sometimes what you need to hear, not what you want to hear,”
highlighting the straightforwardness Childress brings to their interactions. Dillon admitted he is aware when he crosses boundaries but views every correction as a push toward improvement. As he stated,
“I know his feelings when I go too far and overstep, but it’s all for just trying to be better. And, I love it when he jumps in my butt and tells me, ‘Hey, you got to do better,’”
emphasizing the tough-love approach that fuels his motivation.
Mutual Respect and Accountability Fuel Their Family Ties
This relationship between Dillon and Childress goes beyond racing; it is grounded in mutual respect and accountability. Austin shared,
“When you ask, you’re probably going to receive some, too,”
underscoring how feedback flows both ways and ultimately strengthens their family bond. Despite the pressures of competition, Dillon cherishes the moments spent with his grandfather, especially as Childress grows older. This connection is more than a career advantage; it is a deeply valued personal relationship.
Moreover, the lessons imparted by Childress reach beyond the race track. On Corey LaJoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast, Dillon discussed how his grandfather encourages not only professional success but also a balanced personal life. Dillon revealed,
“He doesn’t want us to sacrifice family or personal lives in the process,”
showcasing Childress’s desire for his grandsons to prioritize their well-being alongside their racing ambitions. This guidance reflects Childress’s own experiences and the fulfillment he finds in seeing his grandsons together, compensating for what he missed in his own youth.
Austin Dillon’s 2023 Season and Performance Overview
As the 2023 NASCAR season progresses, Dillon has demonstrated moments of strength, including a victory at Richmond where he successfully defended his title with a clean race. Despite this win, his overall playoff showing has been disappointing. He exited after the Round of 16 and currently ranks 15th in the standings. One highlight was at New Hampshire Speedway, where he made a significant advance from 28th starting position to finish 13th, providing a hopeful glimpse in a tough postseason.
The Significance of Their Bond in the World of NASCAR
In the intense and often unforgiving environment of NASCAR, Austin Dillon’s openness about his relationship with Richard Childress sheds light on the emotional and familial dynamics behind the sport’s top competitors. Their connection demonstrates that beyond racing results, the personal lessons, love, and perseverance shared between grandfather and grandson are vital forces driving their pursuit of excellence.
