A former NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion is returning to the circuit for a one-off race.
Wheeling the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, it was announced on Monday, April 13 that Austin Dillon will compete in the O’Reilly Series race at Texas. Dillon competes full-time for RCR in the Cup Series, piloting the No. 3 car.
On Saturday, May 2, Dillon will attempt to tack on his 10th career O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win in the Andy’s Frozen Custard 340 at the Texas Motor Speedway.
Austin Dillon excited to partner with Boot Barn at Texas
In his one-off 2026 appearance in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Dillon will have the backing of Boot Barn.
Boot Barn, a western and workwear retailer company, will be on the hood of Dillon’s RCR Chevrolet at Texas.
Stephen Loscko, VP of Marketing and Media at Boot Barn, expressed enthusiasm about continuing their partnership with RCR and Dillon.
In a statement released by the team, Loscko said the Texas race allows them to connect with fans of both western lifestyle and motorsports.
“We’re excited to enter our third year with RCR, and look forward to building on our relationship in new and innovative ways that allow us to strengthen our bond with the western and country community,” Loskco said.
In the same team statement released on Monday, Dillon expressed pride in being sponsored by Boot Barn. The former Daytona 500 champion said the company appeals to his everyday life and interests.
Together, they will seek a victory at Texas next month.
“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,” Dillon said.
Dillon has nine career O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victories in 156 starts.
However, the six-time Cup Series winner did not need a victory the year he won the series championship in 2013. Dillon became the first and only driver in series history to win the title without winning a race that season.
After winning the O’Reilly Series title, Dillon moved up to the Cup Series full-time in 2014. In 452 starts, the North Carolina native has earned six career victories, most notably the Daytona 500 in 2018.
A look at Austin Dillon’s 2026 Cup season so far
While he will be searching for a win in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Texas, Dillon will also seek better results on the Cup side.
The 2026 season has not been much to write home about for the 35-year-old driver. After eight races, Dillon has posted an average finish of 22.6. He has suffered two DNFs and his best finish of the campaign is 12th at Las Vegas.
Dillon is currently 27th in the Cup Series points standings with 18 races remaining until The Chase. His RCR teammate, Kyle Busch, ranks 24th in the standings after eight races.
Entering Kansas this Sunday, Dillon is without a top-10 finish this season. He has finished top 10 at Kansas six times, but has failed to do so since May 2023.
NASCAR Cup Driver Returning to O’Reilly Series For Texas Race