The Memorial Day weekend is a special occasion for all the NASCAR drivers and teams. The longest event on the NASCAR calendar, the Coca-Cola 600, isn’t just a race; it’s a platform for the drivers to honor the legacy of fallen heroes. This is done by etching the names of those brave men and women on their windshields, reminding them about the sacrifices they’ve made for the country. And while every team has a special tribute, Richard Childress Racing stands out with its special gesture, one that started in 2014.

Heading into the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, the veteran team owner, Richard Childress and his team will continue this tradition. And for the 11th consecutive year, Dow will be sponsoring the No. 3 Chevy to celebrate the real heroes and their sacrifices.

A Star-Spangled Machine for All Stars Weekend

Dow and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) are teaming up to make the All Stars weekend unforgettable, rolling out a special paint scheme on Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet that’s more than just a pretty picture. As the Instagram post puts it, “For the 11th consecutive year, Dow and @rcrracing(RCR) are honoring those who served in the United States Military on the NASCAR track with a special design on @austindillon3’s No. 3 Chevrolet. Embedded in the Dow Salutes Veterans paint scheme are the signatures of over 1,600 people who dedicated themselves to serving in the military. Our support of veterans goes beyond the racetrack.”

Interestingly, Dillon has made this partnership with Dow count. He has earned the Daytona 500 pole driving the Dow Chevy as a rookie, and he has taken them to victory lane in the Coca-Cola 600 in 2017, followed by another crown jewel win at the 2018 Daytona 500. So this partnership has indeed fared well for the sponsor and the driver.

Back in 2023, they went even bigger, with a record 2,131 U.S. Military Veterans “riding” with Austin Dillon at Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 9, their names etched into a patriotic No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet. That car was unveiled at a Veterans Coffee event in Welcome, North Carolina. A gathering that celebrated Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s 248th birthday, a moment that brought together veterans and racing fans alike.

Beyond the tribute and the prestige of the Coca-Cola 600 race, another big story could be scripting itself behind the scenes. It is about Dillon and his role within the RCR. Although he has bagged some marquee wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, he hasn’t been competitive, and for many, he is unworthy of driving Dale Earnhardt’s iconic #3 ride. Apart from his stint as a driver, Dillon acknowledges the greater responsibility he will have in the future, and he is ready for it.

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Austin Dillon’s Next Chapter: Steering RCR’s Future

In an interview with Jeff Gluck, Dillon spoke about his next career role. “When I have exhausted all efforts and the success hasn’t come with it and the right person is there to pick up the weight and I can successfully help the company in a better way at RCR. When that time comes, I’ll be ready for it, and I’ll try and make us as competitive as I can, always.” It’s a promise that feels weighty, a commitment to carry forward the legacy his grandfather has built, both on and off the track.

The start to the 2025 NASCAR  season hasn’t been bad, up until the Kansas weekend, the #3 team were headed in the right direction with three consecutive top 10s. Although his teammate, Kyle Busch, has been vocal about the troubles he’s having with the car, Dillon feels the entire organization is in a better spot compared to last year.

“I was really excited after Vegas. We went to Vegas and we had a car. It’s probably the most cars I’ve passed in a mile and a half in the NextG car. Those three top 10s obviously put us back in a pretty good place. I still feel like we have the speed, but we really haven’t hit the balance.” He said this on the Door Bumper Clear podcast.

With 14 races left in the regular season, the #3 team will be hoping to repeat their Coca-Cola 600 heroics from the past and secure their spot in the playoffs. RCR has made big changes in the off-season, and if the speed or the results don’t change for good, questions will be raised. And there’s a possibility we hear about Rowdy’s silly season move away from RCR beyond 2025.