For a fair number of years, Formula 1 drivers have been competing with permanent racing numbers. The same also applies to NASCAR, though that scenario is a little different. When one driver is associated with a particular number for so long, it is hard to see anyone else with that number. Case in point, Kyle Busch in the #18, Jimmie Johnson in the #48, and the late great Dale Earnhardt in. the #3.

Recently, William F1 newcomer Logan Sargeant confessed that he was quite fond of the #3 number. Unfortunately, he cannot use it, even though Daniel Ricciardo is not racing in F1 next season. This is because there is a two-year embargo on a departed F1 driver’s racing number. Sargeant revealed that he used it in one of his racing seasons. However, Ricciardo fans were not appreciative of that, stating that the #3 number was the Australian driver’s.

Dale Earnhardt Jr Issues Open Challenge to NASCAR Community: “I’d Like to See It”

NASCAR fans were angry about the Dale Earnhardt snub

Of course, NASCAR fans could not sit back idly, and staked their own claim. They all declared that the #3 originally belonged to the late, great Dale Earnhardt. Fans also revealed that Ricciardo openly acknowledged his admiration for the 7-time NASCAR Cup champion. Additionally, the Australian driver admitted that he chose the number #3 as a tribute to his idol.

In any case, the consensus is that the #3 number was synonymous with the NASCAR legend. Having raced with the number emblazoned on his car for nearly 19 years, it was pretty much his number. In fact, Dale Earnhardt used that iconic number all the way until his untimely passing in 2001. Ricciardo hasn’t really used the #3 for as long as Dale Sr, so there isn’t as big a connection.

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In all, people were just mad about the disrespect towards Dale Earnhardt. Others took a dig at Ricciardo, wondering who he was, as they only knew who Earnhardt was. Interestingly, even after Dale Sr’s passing, the #3 has still been in use. This is primarily because the number is actually owned by Richard Childress Racing.

WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Ricciardo Wouldn’t Be Too Happy With a New No. 3 on the Grid as Logan Sargeant Eyes “All-Time American Hero” Dale Earnhardt’s Lucky Digit