Austin Dillon appreciates his journey and growth as a NASCAR Cup Series racer. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)
While Austin Dillon starts his ninth full time NASCAR Cup Series season at the still young age of 31, perhaps he’s gained more than wins and experience.
Certainly, the Lewisville, North Carolina native has been around racing for most of his life. From his grandfather, Richard Childress, owning one of the most successful NASCAR teams since 1969, to his father Mike, a respectable Xfinity Series competitor, Dillon understands and appreciates his opportunities in racing.
When Dillon worked his way into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Xfinity Series, he was something of a 21st century cowboy. Despite having that new era energy and attitude, he possessed some old school swagger, particularly with his cowboy hat.
Earning the Truck championship in 2011 and Xfinity title in 2013, Dillon’s image evolved as much as his competitive level in Cup.
Although Dillon has yet to achieve his goal of winning a Cup championship, he’s still got some feathers in his cap, namely the 2017 Coca-Cola 600, 2018 Daytona 500 and a Texas win in 2020.
Dillon, a four-time NASCAR Playoffs competitor, appreciates his evolution as a racer. Ahead of Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the amiable racer chimed in with his thoughts about his journey in Cup.
Dillon enjoys his growth and evolution over the past few years. (Photo: Jonathan Huff | The Podium Finish
“I definitely feel like I’ve gotten more experienced,” Dillon said. “Obviously, we’ve been doing this for a while now and I’m starting to grow as a human, in general; from the time I came into the sport to now.
“I think experience pays off in certain situations. Some of things that when I was younger – I don’t know, I feel pretty good where I’m at right now.”
From the self-assured, outspoken driver with fans and press to a thoughtful, driven Cup contender, Dillon seems content with his learning lessons from his early years.
“I don’t think I would go back in time, for sure,” he shared. “Maybe some of the unknowing aspect of it would be nice; the first couple of years. But experience-wise, I would not trade a minute of what I’ve gained since. Still willing to go run at 200 mph into the corner, flip into a catch-fence and go race the next weekend.”
Surely, Dillon makes it known that he’s still tenacious, passionate and motivated when it comes to being a frontrunning Cup driver. That zeal for success goes beyond walking away from his breathtaking crash at Daytona on July 6, 2015.
By all means, life as a family man with wife Whitney and son Ace has given Dillon that added bounce to his steps.
Likewise, his experiences, the good and tough times, serve Dillon well as he continues to build upon Richard Childress Racing’s progress as a consistent Cup powerhouse team.
No doubt, Austin Dillon cherishes moments with his son, Ace, as seen at Daytona. (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish)
“I haven’t lost any of the drive and I’m enjoying where I’m at,” Dillon said. “I think I have some good years ahead with the experience I’ve gained over all these years. All these changes with cars and different things; seeing different guys leave the sport and come into the sport. So, I love where I’m at.”
Coming off a solid runner up result at Auto Club Speedway last Sunday at Fontana, California, Dillon looks to improve upon his performances at Las Vegas last year of 12th and 13th.
As expressed, Dillon, whose best Las Vegas finish is fourth on Feb. 23, 2020, may have a minor aerodynamic advantage, mainly with his shorter hairdo.
“I’ve got a little something back there,” Dillon said with a chuckle as he showed his trimmed mullet. “But, it’s a little thinner on the side. I got rid some of that stuff on the back. My head was starting to hurt in my helmet.”