Austin Dillon Brands 2024 Richmond Win As “His Favorite” Overlooking Controversy

RCR veteran Austin Dillon dismissed past controversies as he aimed to grab a Playoff spot at Richmond Raceway.

Austin Dillon Brands 2024 Richmond Win As “His Favorite” Overlooking Controversy

Austin Dillon

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Austin Dillon has bittersweet memories of the Richmond Raceway. The RCR driver clinched the fifth Cup win of his career at the track last year. However, controversies surrounded his victory due to his on-track antics. Nevertheless, the No. 3 driver has made it clear that he still cherishes last year’s race.

At Richmond Raceway last year, Austin Dillon went on to win the race. However, in the final lap, the RCR driver caused havoc in the field. On Turn 3, Dillon wrecked race-leader Joey Logano, ending the chances of the latter to take victory.

That wasn’t all either. The Chevrolet driver intentionally collided with Denny Hamlin, pushing the JGR star back in the field. While Austin Dillon managed to make his way to Victory Lane, NASCAR was not happy. He was stripped away of chances for fighting in the Playoffs.

Yet, Austin Dillon made it clear that the Richmond race still remains important for him as one of his favorite wins of his career. The 35-year-old was glad to get the trophy for triumphing over the weekend. Though, Dillon admitted that he felt bad for not getting a spot in the Playoffs for RCR.

This year, the No. 3 driver has a bigger target. Not only does he want to take victory yet again but also ensure that he gets to compete in the business end of the tournament this time around.

It was still a big day, and I’ll always remember it as one of my favorite wins. We got the trophy, just not the NASCAR Playoffs spot. That part was a struggle, and I hate it for RCR, but this year, going back, I definitely want to go out there and try to win again, but this time lock ourselves into the Playoffs.

Austin Dillon told Motorsport.com.

Austin Dillon running out of time for NASCAR Playoffs

NASCAR has a controversial Playoff system. A driver needs to win one race to automatically qualify for the Top-16 shootout. If 16 drivers do not win races, then a points cut-off is used to determine the last few positions. So far, Austin Dillon is yet to win a race and thus is in a desperate position.

Richard Childress and Austin Dillon
Richard Childress and Austin Dillon (Via sportscasting.com)

The 35-year-old made it clear that he was excited to be back at Richmond for RCR this weekend, something that he has looked forward to since last season. Austin Dillon revealed that he has been working hard on the sim to better understand the car ahead of the weekend. So much so, the No. 3 driver will push himself to the limit to finally make it to the Playoff with only two regular season races remaining.

I’m pumped to get to Richmond Raceway in the No. 3 Chevrolet. I’ve been excited about that one all year. I just want to get there and see if we can be as successful as last year… Unfortunately, an untimely caution put us in a difficult position…We will go there and give it our best shot. Feel like it could be a good opportunity to put us into the NASCAR Playoffs with just two races remaining until the cutoff.

Austin Dillon added.

Certainly, Austin Dillon could emerge as a star for RCR this season if he can indeed secure a Playoff spot. The Chevrolet driver’s campaign has otherwise been rather than mediocre this year. Though, fans would be hoping that Dillon manages to take victory without wrecking havoc in the field like last year.

Read More: Kyle Petty Stays Adamant and Declares Poor Cup Races Isn’t “Next Gen Car’s Fault”