The entire NASCAR community has been preparing itself for Kevin Harvick’s retirement. Richard Childress Racing is leading the build-up to it, with team owner Mr. Childress leading the grid at Atlanta. Amidst everyone’s focus on the upcoming tribute to Dale Sr., Austin Dillon’s current 28th position in the point standings seems to show no concern for his father.

In a recent press conference, Austin spilled the beans about his dad’s concerns about Richard Childress’s on-track appearance.

Is Austin Dillon’s father nervous about him starting 33rd in Atlanta?

Harvick’s first victory in his Cup Series career came with Richard Childress at Atlanta. With 2001 being a challenging year for the team already mourning the loss of the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr, Harvick’s win came as a ray of hope. Austin Dillon, now driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for RCR, has yet not been able to emulate these two drivers and their successes. Still, the grandson of the team boss was seen confessing that his dad and general manager of the team, Mike Dillon, has a more significant issue at hand.

When he was asked, “Your grandfather was testing the Harvick 2001 car earlier this morning. How cool will that be to see you tomorrow?” He replied, “Yeah, it’s very cool.” But there was more to his statement.

Highlighting the special emphasis on this project in the garage, he added, “My dad said he’s more nervous about the #29 car going around this weekend than our Cup car.”

“So he wants to make sure that that car makes his laps, and then he’ll be relaxed for the rest of the race because our whole shop has dug in on that car and put in a lot of work to get it running.”

Dillon currently sits in the 28th position in the point standings and has not had much success in the qualifying race either. He will be starting as the 33rd car on the grid on Sunday at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. However, with only a single top 5 this season to show for his performances, the need for an hour is a good outing.

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Why is Austin Dillon’s family paying this tribute?

In the 39th edition of NASCAR’s All-Star Race in North Carolina this year, Kevin Harvick decided to run it again in his #29 on May 21. And for the second time, it will be run on a Cup track this year, but by Mr. Childress.

In February 2001, Dale Earnhardt’s death shook the NASCAR world. A seven-time champion’s death creates an unimaginable void in the industry in all aspects. Having to tough it out, Harvick was the man chosen for the task of replacing him. Earnhardt’s #3 was rebranded to #29, and he resented Harvick, a 26-year-old youngster with a huge burden.

Coming from Xfinity, Harvick’s first job was to take on the most revered seat in NASCAR. But what unfolded for Harvick is there for everyone to see. In an enthralling fight with Jeff Gordon to the finish line, the California native edged the Hendrick Motorsports ace to clinch his first win.

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