Bristol Dirt Nationals Winner Austin Dillon Aims to Carry Momentum Into NASCAR Cup Race on Bristol Dirt
Follow Us
The likes of Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Tyler Reddick are some of the favorites for the first NASCAR Cup Series race on dirt in 50 years. However, on current form and confidence, Austin Dillon can certainly spring a surprise come Sunday’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The biggest confidence-booster for Dillon is his impressive showing in the Bristol Dirt Nationals this past weekend. Dillon was one of the few NASCAR drivers who participated in the event to get some dirt racing experience under their belt.
He was a man on a mission this past weekend, as he won races throughout the weekend at Bristol Dirt Nationals, eventually winning the main event as well.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dillon drove a no. 3 Late Model on the dirt, dominating the main race to win the title. He was quite pleased with his first race on dirt in half a decade.
Austin Dillon aims to carry momentum into NASCAR Bristol dirt race
He also felt that Saturday’s win at Bristol gave him a lot of confidence going into the Cup race at Atlanta. Dillon was visibly pumped up during the Atlanta race and finished in 6th place.
“It was five or six years I think since I’d been in a dirt car,” Dillon said ahead of Sunday’s NASCAR race.
Exclusive Invite for NASCAR Community
EssentiallySports gives you the power to decide who drives the #14 on 20th AprilAustin Dillon won the 604 late model main event last night at Bristol …. https://t.co/tu6ErtVk53
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 21, 2021
“Definitely, a little nervous when I started but felt at home as we were able to win the heat race. We won in the feature and then go into the main event and win. That was a fun, fun time. I think it kind of brought confidence into Atlanta, I really do,” he added.
The Dirt Nationals win is just one of the reasons why Dillon is a driver to watch out for this Sunday. Back in 2013, the former NASCAR Truck champion also won a Truck Series race on the dirt at Eldora. He was the first NASCAR winner on dirt in over 40 years.
The Richard Childress Racing star hopes to use that experience as well for the first Cup race on dirt in 51 years.
Dillon looks back on his famous NASCAR Trucks win at Eldora
Trending
‘Fu*in Clowns’: Martin Truex Jr Urges Joe Gibbs to ‘Find a New Fu*in Driver’ in Fiery COTA Rant
March 27, 2024 06:09 PM EDT
Chase Elliott Under Fire as His Entitled Career Sees Him Sway Away From Responsibilities to NASCAR
March 26, 2024 07:11 AM EDT
Uncertain Chase Elliott Drops ‘Too Small’ Verdict as Bowman Gray Rumors Intensify
March 24, 2024 05:40 PM EDT
RCR Ace’s “Bunch of Sissies” Rant at SVG Backfires Miserably
March 24, 2024 08:11 PM EDT
Tony Stewart Submits His NHRA Team’s Reins to Wife Leah Pruett in 4 Words After Opening Struggles
March 25, 2024 10:22 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NASCAR stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“It’s different for sure. I’m gonna try and lean on the Truck experience we had at Eldora. We were the first ones to win on dirt when we brought it back,” Dillon said further.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dillon then reminisced about his 2013 win. He received a shovel as a memento for the victory and was pictured with NASCAR legend Richard Petty as he held his trophy. Dillon called it ‘one of his favorite pictures.’ Petty won the race the last time the Cup Series raced on dirt, back in 1970.
Dillon looks forward to winning the return race. “To win the inaugural race would mean a lot. Just pumped to see what it brings for the sport and our fans,” he expressed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
If he wins this Sunday, the no.3 RCR driver will become the seventh different winner in the first seven races of the 2021 Cup season.