Austin Dillon will return to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in the No. 3 for Richard Childress Racing, RCR announced April 13.
Dillon will run the Boot Barn-sponsored No. 3 in his and the car’s first start of the 2026 season.
“It’s incredible to be partnered with a brand that appeals so authentically to my everyday life and interests,” Dillon said in a team release. “It’s an honor to be able to continue RCR’s partnership with Boot Barn and even better to be able to represent Boot Barn in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Texas Motor Speedway, a track where I’ve had success in the past and always enjoy visiting, both as a racer and as a fan of all things western.”
“Boot Barn has done a phenomenal job showcasing their cowboy boots and western wear through authentic influencer-driven content and cross collaboration opportunities with their ambassadors,” Mike Verlander, RCR president, added. “We welcome the opportunity to continue to build on that success for their third consecutive year of partnership with RCR and look forward to welcoming Austin Dillon back to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Texas Motor Speedway.”
While Texas marks the No. 3’s first O’Reilly appearance of the season, RCR has previously fielded a third car this year, the No. 33, for Cleetus McFarland.
Dillon made two O’Reilly starts in 2025, one of which came in the No. 3. His best finish of 13th came at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He has nine wins in the series since 2008 and was the 2013 champion.
Dillon is currently 27th in NASCAR Cup Series points entering Kansas Speedway with a top result of 12th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.