Back in 2019, former driver and current team owner, Richard Childress, had the time of his life. He and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris had a go in the iconic #3 car of Dale Earnhardt at Talladega Superspeedway. All this took place before the green flag waved at the Talladega 500, and it was Dale Sr’s final race-winning car.

Apparently, it was the first time the iconic black and red No. 3 car broke cover and hit the racetrack. Incredibly, the car still had the same engine that powered Earnhardt to his final victory in 2000.

“Dale Earnhardt was a true champion, not only in racing but also in life. As a fan and later as a close friend, I came to deeply respect Dale’s passion and enduring spirit, which will undoubtedly be with us this Sunday,” Morris said. “I’m deeply humbled and darn excited to be joining my good friend and conservation partner Richard Childress at such a legendary place inside The Intimidator’s No. 3.”

What made driving the car special for Richard Childress at Talladega Superspeedway?

Apparently, it was the 50th anniversary of the Richard Childress Racing team. Naturally, the former NASCAR drivers wanted to celebrate the milestone.

It is also worth noting that Bass Pro Shops began sponsoring Earnhardt’s No. 3 with Richard Childress Racing in 1998. Their partnership began at that year’s All-Star Race, and they have never looked back since then.

It was safe to say that Richard Childress had plenty of fun inside the car. It has been 20 years since the late driver won his last ever NASCAR race.

What stood out in everyone’s mind was the manner in which he clinched the victory. As it turned out, he started the race, all the way down in 17th place and facing an uphill task. In the final few laps, he got a slipstream behind Kenny Wallace and got dragged along for the ride.