Catchfence

2010 NCWTS Austin Dillon – Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images for NASCAR

Race Notes and Quotes:

• This Weekend’s Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Silverado at Atlanta Motor Speedway … Austin Dillon will pilot Chassis No. 002 from Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable. Built new in 2010, this Chevrolet Silverado will be put through its first paces this weekend.
• Daytona Rewind … Austin Dillon made his third NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in the season opener event at Daytona International Speedway last month where he was involved in a multi-truck mishap on the first lap. The Danny Stockman-led crew spent the next 51 laps in the garage areas, repairing the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Silverado, and the yeoman effort afforded them with a 26^th-place finish.
• Nice Shot, Man … Austin Dillon will participate in the Atlanta chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities’ third annual Single Source Clay Shoot on Thursday, March 4, at Cherokee Rose Sporting Resort in Griffin, Ga. Registration begins at noon Eastern Standard Time and the shotgun start is at 1:00 p.m. EST.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES

What are your thoughts going into Atlanta for the first time?

“I’m really excited. Every driver I’ve spoken to tells me how much fun Atlanta is to drive. They say that dirt track drivers do well there because of how loose you are in the corners, which fits my driving style well. The team’s prepared a great truck for us and I’m ready to get back to racing after the little break we had. I’m hoping to gain some experience in the opening practice session and do the best we can in the race.”

How do you think you and the No. 3 team will rebound coming off a less-than-desired finish at Daytona?

“Honestly, I’m proud of the job the guys did in Daytona. We were able to qualify towards the front and following the accident, they never gave up. Everyone just sprang into action to get us back out there and that drive to never quit gives me a lot confidence when I’m behind the wheel. Our team is compiled of strong individuals who’ve been around the garage for a while. I know they’re building me cars that will run well. So, once I get the experience under my belt, I think we can be a contender in the Truck Series.”

How are you managing school and racing, at the same time?

“It’s been busy, that’s for sure. I’ve had lots of tests and projects over at High Point University, but I’m managing my time well. I have a good balance when it comes to keeping things situated and, in the long run, I think it will help as I move up the ranks in NASCAR with all that goes into being a driver in this sport. The few weeks we’ve had off has made my school life a priority. Now that we’re back to racing this weekend, I’m excited. Racing, believe it or not, relaxes me. Once I’m buckled it, I feel right at home and can’t wait to have fun.”

- Richard Childress Racing, Press Release