RCR Back On Track With Black No. 3

After years of absence, Richard Childress Racing is poised to bring the black No. 3 back into action. Climbing behind the wheel of one of the most famous color/number combination in NASCAR history will be 19 year-old Austin Dillon, grandson of team owner Richard Childress.

RCR announced today a partnership with Bass Pro Shops that will allow Dillon to make a run at the Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2010. The exact number of races Bass Pro Shops will be the primary sponsor has not been announced, but an official with the team explained it will be for the majority of the 25-race season.

“I’m very excited about welcoming Bass Pro Shops back to RCR,” said Dillon. “Hunting and racing have always been two of my family’s biggest passions and to be able to bring them together through Bass Pro Shops is truly special. This great partnership will create more awareness to hunting and wildlife conservation.”

As the third-generation driver described, this partnership between RCR and Bass Pro Shops is nothing new. The two first came together when Bass Pro Shop came on as an associate sponsor on Dale Earnhardt’s No. 3 in 1998. Bass Pro Shop continued the partnership with RCR with current driver Kevin Harvick, and served as the primary sponsor for Kerry Earnhardt – Dale’s oldest son – when he competed in six Cup races in 2004.

“All of us at Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats are tickled to death to once again partner with Richard Childress and the RCR team,” Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris added. “Austin is a promising young driver with a great future ahead of him,” continued Morris. “He also has a passion for hunting, fishing, and conservation just like his grandpa.”

While Dillon ran made two previous starts in the black No. 3 in the Camping World Truck Series in 2009, this season will mark his first attempt at the full season with the famous number.

“It’s great to see the black No. 3 Chevy Silverado back on the track, especially with Bass Pro Shops on board with the program,” said Richard Childress “I’m proud to have personally endorsed Bass Pro Shops since 1998 and I look forward to this exciting new chapter of our partnership. The great things Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops do for wildlife and outdoor conservation is very important. Austin and I are proud to spread the word about conservation as well as making the youth of America more aware of the importance and fun of hunting and fishing and conserving the great outdoors.”