Richard Childress Racing sparks big reaction with | Sports News

Legendary NASCAR crew Richard Childress Racing is paying homage to at least one of the Cup Series’ most iconic liveries in 2026, courtesy of Austin Dillon within the No. 3 Chevrolet.

RCR introduced on Tuesday that it will be extending its longstanding partnership with each outside retail company Bass Pro Shops and arms producer Winchester in 2026, with the 2 manufacturers set to stay Dillon’s anchor sponsors all through the season. It comes after it emerged within the current lawsuit that Bass Pro Shops proprietor Johnny Morris despatched a scorching letter to NASCAR over texts despatched to Childress. 

Along with the announcement, RCR launched a rendering of Dillon’s new look No. 3 Chevrolet ZL1, which has been redesigned for this upcoming season with clear hints to former Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick’s iconic silver, black, and purple No. 29 Goodwrench Chevrolet.

One fan labeled the design, “Perfection, and a great throwback to the Harvick Goodwrench car,” whereas a second stated, “Welcome back Harvick 2005.” A 3rd added, close enough, welcome back Kevin Harvick,” as one other commented, “I hope Austin Dillon cooks this year. I wouldn’t mind seeing this car in victory lane once or twice.”

Even NASCAR star Corey LaJoie, who’s set to compete within the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in reduction of the injured Brad Keselowski within the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse, commented with a gif of Nick Offerman in ‘Parks and Recreation’ slowly nodding his head in approval.

Sign up to our NASCAR publication right here.

Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris, launched an accompanying assertion, which reads, “Bass Pro Shops is thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with our friends and passionate outdoorsmen Richard Childress and Austin Dillon. 

“They have been steadfast supporters of hunting, fishing and conservation in America. We’re proud to work with the Winchester team to salute the sportsmen and women in America and highlight our passion for American patriotism and conservation efforts on the legendary No. 3 RCR car.”

Morris has already performed a main function in shaping how this NASCAR offseason has gone, releasing a scathing letter aimed toward NASCAR in response to criticism of Childress, which emerged during the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports antitrust lawsuit towards NASCAR.

Then commissioner Steve Phelps, who not too long ago resigned, was revealed to have known as Childress “an idiot” in addition to a “stupid redneck,” claiming the Hall of Famer “needs to be taken out back and flogged.”

“We are extremely upset by the recent disclosure of shockingly offensive and false criticisms of Richard by the Commissioner of NASCAR Steve Phelps,” Morris wrote. 

“For the Commissioner and his allies, to attack one of the pillars of the sport is incredibly irresponsible and a disservice to everyone involved in NASCAR and its partners, sponsors and fans.

“What Mr. Phelps may or may not be aware of is the fact that in attacking Richard Childress, the racing legend, he is also attacking one of the most respected leaders in America’s conservation community. The commissioner has repeatedly labeled Richard as ‘an idiot,’ a ‘dinosaur,’ ‘a stupid redneck’ and a ‘clown.’

“The fact is Richard Childress has done as much to build and promote NASCAR as anyone in the history of the sport! The commissioner, in all his rant, has only managed to bring discredit to himself and the sport.”

NASCAR went on to settle with 23XI and FRM after eight days in courtroom, granting evergreen charters to the 36 at the moment on pit highway as half of the settlement.

Now, with NASCAR and RCR seeking to flip the web page on the entire lawsuit debacle, each Bass Pro Shops and Winchester have caught by Childress and Dillon heading into the 2026 season.

In a assertion, Winchester President Brett Flaugher wrote, “For more than a century, Winchester has stood as an enduring symbol of American craftsmanship, freedom, and responsibility. 

“Our legacy is rooted in supporting the shooting sports, responsible hunting, and conservation efforts that protect our nation’s outdoor traditions for future generations, while proudly supplying small-caliber ammunition in service of the U.S. military. 

“Our partnership on the No. 3 car reflects our shared commitment to patriotism and conservation. We’re proud to work once again alongside Bass Pro Shops and Richard Childress Racing to promote our rich heritage to race fans.”