The Daytona 500 has a rich history, especially when it comes to the number 3. The number 3 in Nascar has become synonymous with Dale Earnhardt Sr, also known as The Intimidator. Earnhardt Sr was one of the most beloved racers in Nascar history and his tragic death on turn 4 of the 2001 Daytona 500 shocked the Nascar world. Daytona was always a trademark race in Earnhardt’s career even before his death, as one of his most crowning achievements in his career was when he was finally able to win “The Great American Race” in 1998. No driver had driven the #3 car since his death, until the emergence of Austin Dillon, the grandson of  racing legend Richard Childress who owns Richard Childress Racing. Richard Childress Racing sponsored both the Intimidator and now Austin Dillon. Dillon, a young racer with a bright future, took a huge step to both establishing himself as a racer and gave Nascar fans a sight that they had not seen for 20 years, the #3 car in victory lane at the Daytona 500.

While many fans feel that the #3 car should remain retired in honor of The Intimidator, that is not what Dale would have wanted. It is well documented that both the Earnhardt and the Childress families have been heavily involved in the sport, but it is not as well known that Dillon and Earnhardt have a personal connection. Austin Dillon is one of a few people to experience Victory Lane at the Daytona 500 with the number three car more then once. He celebrated Earnhardt’s win when he was only seven years old and even remembers being yelled at by his mother to stop climbing on the trophy. Dillon was quoted after his victory saying “Now, I am going to go up there and climb all over it myself. It’s mine now, right? I don’t think anyone will yell at me now, will they?” The 27 year old certainly brings his own personality to the #3 car, which can be seen by his new “Champ” tattoo that he got in a sensitive area as a celebration of his victory, but he also can bring greatness back to the #3. Richard Childress believes that this is how Dale would have wanted it. Childress said of the late great Earnhardt “He would thank him for getting his car back into Victory Lane at Daytona. He would thank him for getting all of us back into Victory Lane. Dale would thank him for tonight.”

Austin Dillon has officially raised his status from rookie phenom to respected contender. While this is only his second career win, he now finds himself atop the leader board after winning the opener at Daytona. With 2 championships in the lower series, he now finds himself a true threat to come away with a championship in the coming years. He leads the next generation in their quest to to take over Nascar, and this victory at the Daytona 500 is a great step in the right direction. He leads a new crop of drivers that includes the next generation of other big time racing names such as Ryan Blaney, son of Dave Blaney, and Chase Elliott, son of Bill Elliott.  Rookie “Bubba” Wallace Jr. is also another exciting driver to watch in the coming years. He is a rookie and is the first black driver since 1969 and finished second only to Austin Dillon in this year’s Daytona 500. He raced in the #43 car that was was made great by “The King” Richard Petty. Dillon’s victory, as well as Wallace Jr’s runner up finish show the Nascar world that the new generation is here to stay.

Seeing the #3 back in victory lane at Daytona brought out many emotions for long-time race fans. The Nascar community took notice and Dillon let the world know that the new generation is here to stay. This years Daytona 500 ushered in the new generation, while paying homage to the greats. Seeing the numbers 3 and 43 atop the leader board brought back memories of past greatness. It only seemed fitting for the race to end with the #3 sitting in victory lane. While the Daytona 500 is always a special race, this race seemed to mark a changing of the guard for the top racers. It showed the new generation taking over, but also honored the past greats that inspired them to become racers. This Daytona 500 was definitely a special race.