History of the #3 Car in NASCAR
1,462
Starts
100
Wins
73
Poles
383
Top-5s
662
Top-10s
There may not be a more revered number in the history of stock car racing than the #3. With 100 trips to victory lane across 1,462 starts, this number carries a legacy that echoes through every grandstand in America. Dale Earnhardt made it immortal with 67 wins, but the lineage runs deep. 6 championships were won behind the wheel of the #3. Today, Austin Dillon carries that weight, and every time that car rolls off pit road, the ghosts of champions ride along.
2026 Driver: Austin Dillon Richard Childress Racing · Chevy
Championship pedigree: Dale Earnhardt (1986), Dale Earnhardt (1987), Dale Earnhardt (1990), Dale Earnhardt (1991), Dale Earnhardt (1993), Dale Earnhardt (1994) — See all champions
All-Time Driver History
Cup Series stats from 1949-2026. Sorted by starts.
| Driver | Starts | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Dale Earnhardt | 529 | 67 |
| Buddy Baker | 60 | 2 |
| Ricky Rudd | 60 | 0 |
| Junior Johnson | 49 | 0 |
| Dick Rathmann | 45 | 0 |
| Cotton Owens | 10 | 0 |
| Fireball Roberts | 4 | 1 |
| Cale Yarborough | 4 | 0 |
| Danny Letner | 2 | 1 |
| Earl Balmer | 2 | 1 |
Team Chart (1998-2026)
| Year | Driver | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2025 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2024 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2023 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2022 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2021 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2020 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2019 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2018 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2017 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2016 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2015 | Austin Dillon | Chevy |
| 2000 | Dale Earnhardt | Chevy |
| 1999 | Dale Earnhardt | Chevy |
| 1998 | Dale Earnhardt | Chevy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who drove the #3 car in NASCAR?
The #3 has been driven by 2 different drivers in our database (1998-2026). Austin Dillon held the number the longest with 12 seasons. All-time, 10 drivers made at least one start in the #3.
Who was the most successful driver of the #3 car?
Dale Earnhardt is the most successful driver of the #3 with 67 wins and 529 starts.
Who drives the #3 car in 2026?
Yes, Austin Dillon drives the #3 for Richard Childress Racing in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, driving a Chevy.
How many wins does the #3 car have in NASCAR history?
The #3 car has 100 wins, 73 poles, 383 top-5 finishes, and 662 top-10 finishes across 1,462 starts in NASCAR Cup Series history (1949-2026).
What is the complete history of the #3 car?
This page shows the complete history of the #3 in two sections: the all-time driver history (1949-2026) with aggregate stats from the full Cup Series era, and a detailed team chart (1998-2026) showing team, manufacturer, and sponsor information for each season.