In his playoff-clinching victory at Richmond Raceway, Austin Dillon shared some NASCAR history on the venerable short track with the most famous driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet. Dale Earnhardt, the late seven-time champion who amassed 76 Cup Series victories in a Hall of Fame career, was the last Richard Childress Racing driver to win consecutive Cup races at the 0.75-mile oval in Richmond, Virginia. The comparisons to Earnhardt and charges of nepotism have dogged Dillon since the grandson of team owner Richard Childress was tabbed 11 years ago to drive the car number synonymous with a NASCAR icon.
FILE - Austin Dillon waves during driver introductions before two NASCAR Daytona 500 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway, Feb. 13, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, file)
Labeling statistics as “kind of an American thing,” Shane van Gisbergen avoids dwelling on his record-setting rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Shane van Gisbergen, top, celebrates with his team in Victory Lane after finishing first during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y., Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Shane van Gisbergen (88) is introduced before the start of a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y., Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Shane van Gisbergen (88) drives during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y., Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Shane van Gisbergen (88) reacts after finishing first during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y., Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Shane van Gisbergen (88) drives through the Esses during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Watkins Glen, N.Y., Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) — Shane van Gisbergen continued his march into NASCAR history Sunday and set a Cup Series record with his fourth victo…
FILE - Connor Zilisch smiles prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, file)