On Saturday, May 11, 2019 I had the pleasure of interviewing Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver, Austin Dillon, from inside his hauler at the infield of the Kansas Speedway. Just hours before the Digitally Ally 400 race, Dillon took the time to chat with me about paint schemes, team status as well as answer hard-hitting questions about backyard games.
Austin Dillon Bio
Austin Dillon is the son of former NASCAR driver and Richard Childress Racing general manager, Mike Dillon. He is also the older brother to fellow NASCAR driver, Ty Dillon, and grandson of Richard Childress, RCR team owner. Driving the iconic No. 3 Chevy Camaro, Dillon has won 2 Monster Energy Cup Series races at Charlotte and the Daytona 500. Prior to joining the cup series full-time, he won back-to-back Rookie of the Year awards as well as back-to-back Championships in the Truck Series, in 2010 and 2011. Dillon also won the Xfinity Series twice, in 2012 and 2013.
Interview
Q: First, I want to start out by saying you are my favorite driver. So, I have to keep my personal bias out of this line of question. First question, is it ever difficult to be so awesome at every single thing you ever do?
You know it is hard out here for a guy like me. It’s hard to find things that I’m not good at.
Well that’s the thing, you drive a car for a living and I do a podcast yet on the side you still have a better podcast than me. So, it’s kind of embarrassing for me.
“Well I will say, my podcast, I haven’t done one in like a year so you might have me beat in that area right now. I got to get it back going.”
It’s been seven months exactly.
Seven months exactly? Holy cow. Well, I guess we need to get back on the horse here is what you’re saying.
Yeah, I am more than willing to help you for a small amount. You have to pay me, obviously. I’m not going to do it for free.
Q: In an era with so many weird paint schemes we got going, like obviously Kevin Harvick’s is coming out, I got to give you props for always having very, very cool paint schemes and cool diecasts. Like, you have your American Ethanol paint scheme you’re running today. Is that just because you have good sponsors or good people designing your cars; how does that work?
Well you know, I feel like we have a really good team at RCR and I try to give a little input on the cars from time to time; what they look like. We like to be on the edgy side of what our cars look like and make them look good. My grandfather always likes to make the cars look good and I think our throwback cars have been some of the best out of any of the teams so far in our sport. I think it’s good to have different paint schemes, it gets everybody excited. Kids love to see paint scheme changes and I do too.
Yeah, definitely. I loved your car at Darlington this last year. I’m going to be there again this year so I’ll see it there as well.
Q: Little bit more of a series question; you’re a young driver but now you’re kind of like the veteran of RCR. How does that feel; is there any more stress and responsibility or is it same-old, same-old?
I think there is more responsibility but it’s mostly just because you want to lead the company in the right direction. Give good input to put us the right way moving forward in the process of getting better each and every week. So, that pressure is always there and responsibility is there but probably a little more than ever now that we are the elder statesmen of the group. Which is kind of hard for me to say. I’m just 29 years old but I am looked at for a little more leadership at this point in my career.
Q: Ok, last question, cornhole or horseshoes?
A: Um, I’m cornhole. I like cornhole, it’s a fun game. Got a couple boards back at the house.
Q: If you are throwing, are you on the right side or the left side of the board because that’s very important information.
A: Oh wow, that’s a good question. You know, I really don’t care. I feel like I’m good from either but I think I’d rather be on the left side of the board.
Well, it sounds like I would embarrass you if we played. So, lucky for you we probably won’t. But thank you once again for having me on. This has been great Austin, thank you and good luck. I’ll be rooting for you.
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