Black Number 3 Returning to NASCAR

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Filed under: Dale Earnhardt 

 

Dale Jr & Girlfriend Amy Reinman | Photo

 

Richard Childress Bringing Back the Black No. 3

A black No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet will race in NASCAR this weekend for the first time since Dale Earnhardt ran his last Daytona 500 in 2001.3car

Austin Dillon – Grandson of Richard Childress – will drive a black No. 3 Chevy Truck in Saturday’s Camping World Truck Series race at Iowa Speedway.

If Dillon’s career takes him to the Sprint Cup Series I fully expect him to be behind the wheel of the No. 3 car then, too.

Some Earnhardt fans will be unhappy about this decision  — but the No. 3 was Richard Childress’ number before it was Dale Earnhardt’s.

Childress had 285 NASCAR starts before he stepped out of the No. 3 car and put Earnhardt behind the wheel. But it took Earnhardt to drive the car to 6 championships.

Are you happy to see the No. 3 back on the track even though someone whose last name is not Earnhardt is behind the wheel of it?

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Comments

142 Comments on Black Number 3 Returning to NASCAR

  1. Al on

    2. Its cool with me if Austin gets seat time in it, other than an Earnhardt, he should get the honor,,, go for it Austin !!

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  2. June B. on

    3. It will be great to see the #3 back on the track

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  3. Racemaster on

    4. I really wish it could be an Earnhardt behind the wheel but whoever wheels the #3 better be damn good!!!!

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  4. sari b. on

    5. I am probably one of the biggest Dale Earnhardt, Sr. fans there are and I am proud to see the black #3 back on the track. Hopefully Dillon will be as good as the Man in Black…

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    Dawn Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    Ditto Sari b.

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    Randy K. Reply:
    September 4th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    as a Dale Sr, I’m not looking forward seeing the #3 back on the track.. NASCAR should retire the 3 forever..

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    george n Reply:
    September 5th, 2009 at 1:11 am

    i dont think its right to bring back the black it should be retired for life that was dales car not dillons car rcr should not ever bring it back its not right for dales fans and i am one of them please rcr no dont do it make it the 03 car not black may be blue or gold or my old colors whin i raced at columbus motor speedway red white and blue that was in the street stock back in the late 80s i am 44 now i was racing whin i was 21 i was from commercial point ohio long before sahar fisher started racing

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    wayne thomas Reply:
    October 30th, 2009 at 11:52 pm

    i totally agree with you even though childress owns the # 3 he should RESPECT DALE SR AND RETIRE THE # 3 FOR GOOD and not cause confusion with the TRUE DALE SR FANS

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  5. Randy on

    6. I would really love to see Dale Jr. in the black 3, but I think Richard’s grandson is a great choice to bring it back. It will just be great to see that black 3 back on the track.

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  6. SCOTT GIBB on

    7. HE HAD BETTER BE GOOD FOR SURE

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  7. jeff on

    8. I’d like to see Dale Jr’s signature of approval regarding this matter.. as said preciously, whomever drives this number bedtter be good, otherwise, change the color of everything..

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    Celia McCulty Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    What does this have to do with Dale Jr? It is and has always been Childress’s car. Dale Sr. just drove it.

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    Richard Curtis Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 5:41 pm

    There are very few owner drivers, but it is the driver who makes the number famous. And it is for the driver that the number was retired this long to honor. I dont have a problem with him running the number 3 in the truck series but he will have to earn that number and especially the black #3 in a cup car.

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    Tom Reply:
    September 5th, 2009 at 4:01 am

    The #3 was never “retired”. As curent holder of the number, Childress had the option to buy the number back year after year. He chose to do so so that no one else could use it. He did this to honor Earnhardt Sr. If he had chosen not to, anyone else could have bought the number and put it back on the track at any time.

    Jane Evans Reply:
    October 17th, 2009 at 4:23 pm

    I think that the only one who should drive the BLACK #3 is a Dale Earnhardt. The memories are still too fresh.

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    i agree wit jeff

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    Kaye Pinkston Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 pm

    I agree with jeff totally seeing it on the track will bring back alot of memories, but if hes gonna drive the 3 car he better be as good as Dale Sr. was. He’s got some BIG shoes to fill driving the 3 car.

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  8. Grampa Bob on

    9. As a grampa, no better choice!!!

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  9. Dawn on

    10. The black #3 was my very first car crush. it will be weird for me to see #3 with another driver but Austin is a good choice to take it over. so long as it’s approved by Dale Jr.

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    Paul Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    Richard does not need jrs. approval, jr. said he did not want to drive the #3 a long time ago.

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:05 pm

    jr didnt want 2 drive it cause it was his fathers car and his father died in it!!how can u b so mean!!u should think of other ppls feelin first and i think the #3 car should b retired til jr agrees wit bringin it out so i m not goin 2 support this and there r a few others who dont agree either!!

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    BadBob Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    This person must be real slow and obviously does not know how to spell in the English language. This just shows how ignorant some people are and that they are to lazy to spell out their words. This is part of the problem with this country, stupidity and ignorance.

    Olesarge Reply:
    September 4th, 2009 at 8:34 am

    We are talking about the #3 and not about how a person types his response. Personally, that number should be retired. Big “E” was the greatest driver and is ranked number 1 I believe. Retire the number. Only person to drive the 3 car should be Junior if brought out again.

    ray Reply:
    September 4th, 2009 at 10:02 pm

    DALE JR DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO OR SAY ABOUT IT GET OVER IT IT IS CHILDRESS # TO DO WITH WHAT HE WANTS. AS FAR AS BEING GOOD DALE JR CANT FILL SR SHOES!

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  10. Twitted by Joe_Pugh on

    11. [...] This post was Twitted by Joe_Pugh [...]

  11. Janie on

    12. The Black car no.3 is a special car. I hope to see it in the winner circle .Richard can do what he wants to do with it. Dale Sr will never drive again why not let someone else drive it. I love that car. We have lots of Dale Sr. all over my house.

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  12. Regan on

    13. EVEN THOUGH IT IS A TRUCK I STILL THINK IT STINKS!!!!!! I REMEMBER CHILDRESS SAYING THAT ONLY AN EARNHARDT WOULD EVER BE BEHIND A BLACK #3 HOWEVER ITS NUMBER SO HE DO WHAT EVER!

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    i agree wit ya childress should change the colors at least or sumthin cause its not goin 2 b rite!!

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  13. Larry on

    14. It’s about time Richard put it back on the track. Dale Sr. was just a driver and Dale Jr. should not have anything to do with it. Go Austin, hope you take it all the way to cup.

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    Olesarge Reply:
    September 4th, 2009 at 8:37 am

    Dale senior was not just a driver. He was the best. Retire the number.

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    Darlene Reply:
    October 28th, 2009 at 10:31 am

    I agree that the number 3 should be retired as far as Cup racing goes in honor of Dale & his fans. It was my impression that Richard promised to keep the number in retirement until Dale Jr. or an Earnhardt was ready to drive it. Is Richard reneging on that? I hope not because it would adversely affect HIS fan base.

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  14. David Rutledge on

    15. I think it would be great to see a blck no3 on the track again and with it being richards grandson i think dale sr and the Earnhardts would approve

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  15. Vinny on

    16. I am not a fan of bring the #3 back without at least Dale Jr driving it. I would rather NASCAR retire the number and honor it.

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  16. Skip on

    17. Hell yes , NASCAR needs somthing to give it a boot in the pants, it hasn,t been the same since we lost Dale Sr. But its time to bring that famous # 3 back, and who cares what Jr. thinks. If he respected the Earnhardt name he would still be driving for DEI !

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 pm

    y would he still b drivin 4 dei theresa didnt give him wat he needed 2 race and he got sick of it so he left and i agreed wit wat he did and as far as the black #3 bin bac on the track its stupid!!the black #3 should only b drivin by an earnhardt!!

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    Randy K. Reply:
    September 4th, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    i agree skid.. jr should of stayed @ dei..

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    Mark Witt Reply:
    September 4th, 2009 at 11:54 pm

    You havent delt with his step mom.

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  17. JOHN MCCLAIN on

    18. NO NO NO

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    misscatfish Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 10:51 pm

    I agree,NO!

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  18. david D on

    19. I think it is great to see the number 3 back on the track.

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  19. Jackie from Daytona Beach on

    20. It will be wonderful to see the #3 again, But I wish Dale Jr was driving it.

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  20. Mavis on

    21. True, it is RCR’s number and he can do what he wants with it. In my opinion it should have been retired. Dale Jr had no interest in driving it, except maybe after he retires (an odd race just for fun).

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    Pat Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    Reply to Mavis. It’s not RCR’s number. Numbers belong to NASCAR and are assigned to the teams.

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    Jason Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 6:53 pm

    That number IS RCR’s! Richard pays good money to keep that number! NASCAR just dont give teams numbers at random.

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    tattoo50 Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    the teams rebuy there # every year

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  21. Bev H on

    22. I’ve been waiting a couple of years for Austin to hit the track.How awesome that Richard is putting him in the #3. Remember we mourned a MAN not a #.

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  22. harry kimmey on

    23. I REALLY DON’T CARE ABOUT THE NUMBER, I JUST WANT JR. TO WIN A RACE. THE PAST IS THE PAST, THE FUTURE AND NOW COUNT, QUIT LIVING IN THE PAST. I DON’T CARE IF KYLE DRIVES THE TRUCK, HE WOULD PROBALLY WIN IF HE DID.

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    u dont even act like any earnhardt fan!!jr or sr wats rong wit u!!

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  23. Jerm on

    24. Indeed I support this move by RCR. However, I am not sure if Richard realizes what the expectations are of anyone who gets behind the wheel of the #3. There will be a certain type of pressure by the fans to see the black #3 do well. It was expected then and it will be expected now. Best of luck to Austin.

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  24. lvujake on

    25. No I think it should be retired when Dale SR. is inducted into Nascar’s Hall of Fame, That is coming up soon . No one else should drive the black # 3 truck or car. Wrong move….

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    i agree!!

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    nascargirl88 Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    I to agree, number should be retired and Austin will just be under alot of pressure and he’s not that good anyway. Watched him race some and he is not to good yet and that number should be retired for good

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  25. John Gee on

    26. I don’t mind the 3 being back on the track as long as a Childress or Earnhardt driving it!

    It would be great to see it again…..

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  26. DOREY on

    27. I think would be an Honor to have it back on track to keep it going as is his Legacy. Its been long time. Miss him. He was great driver. And I am sure next driver will think of as honor as well.

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  27. Erin on

    28. I think it’s great and I think Dale would be glad to see Richard’s grandson carrying it on. Austin is a very nice young man and he shows a lot of talent. It would be cool if Jeffrey Earnhardt could drive it too. Junior drove his grandpa’s number 8 so maybe Jeff can some day drive his grandpa’s 3.

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  28. crh motorsprots on

    29. i dont think austin should drive the black number 3 car or truck let austin get a nother nuber besides the number 3

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 pm

    o gosh get a life John Gee y dos it matter how its spelled they can say wat they want and i agree wit them austin shouldnt drive #3!!

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  29. LINDA S on

    30. I CAN’T IMAGINE THAT CAR BACK ON THE TRACK. IT BREAKS MY HEART

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  30. Reno3 on

    31. I do not like the fact that it is not an Earnhardt behind the wheel! But as long as it is not in a cup car I guess it will be good to see the black number 3 on the track.

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  31. Tom Gleason on

    32. Cried like hell the last day a black 3 was on the track, cried like hell when the white 29 won at atlanta and will cry like hell when the black 3 truck takes the green flag again….

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  32. Mick on

    33. The grieving period has passed. I think it’s time to honor Dale, and Richard, by bringing a black #3 back onto the track. I wish Austin the best of luck in his endeavor, and I hope his career is successful. As a die hard Earnhardt fan from WAY back, I can’t say seeing the number again won’t bring mixed emotions…but I have my memories – maybe it’s time to make some new ones.

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    Alicia Reply:
    September 4th, 2009 at 12:10 am

    I agree with you Mick!! There has been plenty of time to mourn and it is time to move on. They let if go for 8 years. New memories will be nice. Dale Sr. wouldn’t want that number 3 car or truck just sit in memory of him. He was a racer and he would want it to be on the track racing!!! Good luck Austin!!

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    nancy Reply:
    September 7th, 2009 at 10:55 am

    i agree with Mike!!

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  33. Richard Curtis on

    34. As Dale would say, Hope he dont have feathers on his butt!!!!!

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  34. juniorsbaby48 on

    35. Has anyone stopped to think of Juniors feelings his daddy died in that car, it was a horrendous loss for that kid. not to mention Seniors fans how do you think there gonna feel, Give us a break god. please dont bring it back please please

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    i agree and i dont want jr 2 b sad hes still not completely bac in his groove but hes gettin there and i think ppl need 2 give him and us a break!!

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  35. juniorsbaby48 on

    36. I cant either, nobody stopped to think of the kids feelings to heck with poor junior, that poor kid lost his father in that car i dont care if its 90 years ago it still will hurt that kid to see that. leave it rest in peace please

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  36. Timmie on

    37. The way I see it is that Dale himself would want that number used. Myself for a year all I saw was that car hit the wall and knowing that was Dale’s last breath, it will make me unconfortable to start with. I agree though with the one that says it is the driver we miss not the number. I also agree with the one that said either an Earnhardt or a Dillon, should drive that car number. I think I remember David Pearson starting out with that number one time with Ray Fox?? Hope I am right.

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    John Gee Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    I don’t mind the 3 being back on the track as long as a Childress or Earnhardt driving it!

    It would be great to see it again…..

    [Reply]

  37. AUPHLL on

    38. IF AUSTIN GETS IT TO THECUP RACES HOW DO YOU THINK DALE JR. WILL FELL?

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    i agree and its a possibility but obviously a lot of ppl dont care!!

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  38. Jo Ann on

    39. I can’t imagine seeing a black #3 on any race track. Please hope it is never used on a car!! I know Richard pays to have that #3. It would hurt so bad to see it again. How would Jr feel having to race against that car? It would be bad!!!! That #3 is so famous because Dale Sr drove,won and died with it! Richard,please keep it special,forever, and all the good memories of Dale Sr driving right up on a driver’s tail. That driver in front knew he was coming around or mess with him. Please NO NO NO NO!!!

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  39. Jay Ray on

    40. I have a sentimental feeling about the #3
    was hoping it would be retired in Honor of Dale sr. But as most of you say it’s Richards number and he can do with it whatever he wants.

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  40. 3 in Black on

    41. As s hard core Dale fan, I can understand the tough decision Richard made and I am behind him 100%!!!! Awesome to see the 3 again. I can’t promise no tears though!!

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  41. Danny on

    42. I think that it is nice to see the number 3 back on the track but an Earnhardt should be behind the wheel, whenever the number 3 comes up in a conversation, people think of Dale Sr. Why not let Dale Jr. take the 3. After all he is an Earnhardt, plus it was his Busch series number when he first started racing. It only makes sense.

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  42. John Gee on

    43. Your comment don’t count until you learn how to spell motorsports.

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  43. Danny on

    44. and plus, it would break a lot of hearts because the last time we saw the number 3, Dale Sr. died in that car, it is just too sad to see the car after that tragedy. Either let Jr. drive it or keep it retired.

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  44. John Gee on

    45. Richard is Dales best friend, they did just about everything together, I am sure he would know more than anyone else what Dale would want, and he would want the number 3 back out…

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  45. PegiChase on

    46. THIS IS ALL WRONG! NO..NO..NO! RETIRE THE NUMBER 3 IN DALE’S HONOR!

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm

    i agree!!!!chidress has lost all my respect now!!

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    nascargirl88 Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    Childers is looking for a win no matter what, hard times over there and this will get alot of news time so he’s just using this to his good not to honor Dale, shame on him

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    Randy K. Reply:
    September 4th, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    i love childress, but i agree, this is wrong..

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  46. BadBob on

    47. I have been a Nascar fan for 60 years. I saw Dale come up and go down. As far as I am concerned, the number 3 died with Dale Sr. and there is no more to say about it.

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  47. BadBob on

    48. I have the same feeling with the number 24. When Jeff decides to step aside from driving a race car, I would hope that the number 24 would stop being used and DuPont will forever be accociated with Jeff Gordon and the #24.

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  48. Marie on

    49. No. Dale Jr’s feelings need to be considered. His dad died in that car. I feel that it would be hurtful for him to have to see it on the track again. The number should be retired, should be in NASCAR Hall of Fame as a tribute to Dale Earnhardt, the best there’s ever been, the best yet to be.

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    ;) Reply:
    September 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    I AGREE I M A LIL MAD BOUT THIS AND POOR JR!!

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  49. NASCAR FAN? on

    50. MONEY TALKS AND B— S— WALKS

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  50. Chriss on

    51. I think they should retire the # 3 I will always remember dale Earnhardt driving that car. I don’t care who owns it dale got the camphionships. I think it does how jr. and his family feel about it. Lets remember their feelings to

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  51. goldie on

    52. I would truly hope that #3 is retired in respect for Dale Sr. who did so much for NASCAR racing. Why can’t numbers in racing be retired like football, baseball, etc. I agree with all you race fans who would like to see this number go down in history as the first retired number.

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  52. 88theway!! on

    53. THIS IS BS!!#3 SHOULD NEVER B BAC ON THE TRACK UNLESS JR OR ANOTHER EARNHARDT IS BEHIND THE WHEEL CAUSE ITS BIN RETIRED THIS LONG AND IM PRETTY SURE THE EARNHARDTS WANT IT 2 STAY IN RETIREMENT OR ELSE IT WOULD HAVE BIN DROVE B4 NOW!!

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  53. Andrew B. on

    54. It would be nice to see the #3 back on the track but yet i dont want to see anyone racing it.

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  54. helenjohnson on

    55. RETIRE IT IN HONOR OF DALE I thought R. C. was going to keep it retired, I don’t want to see it on the track it would hurt to much.
    Helen

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    kathlena Reply:
    September 5th, 2009 at 2:16 pm

    i so agree.. retire his number as he said he would. that was dale sr number. he lived and died for!!!

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  55. kathy cichorz on

    56. hey everybody, i think dale sr is looking down on all of us and listening to what we all have to say, but we only give our options, so who has the say at all????????????? we all loved dale. let god deside, what do you think?

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  56. Carla C on

    57. I guess I’m just a die hard Ernhardt fan. I think it should stay “retired”

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  57. Brian G on

    58. For me its mixed emotions, I have a lot of #3 gear that I still wear and thats to show I am a Dale Earnhardt fan forever. There is still hats and shirts still sold out there new and old. If Austin starts riding around in a 3 car I don’t think I would wear my 3 gear around, I’m not a big Austin fan..Yet! nice kid though. Dale Sr. drove quite a few different numbers but come on we all must agree when we see the #3 who comes to mind. Retire the number, let Austin have a chance to make another number be his, you did it for Harvick. Baseball, Football, Basketball and other sports teams retire numbers this is one that forever should be and so stated in the new NASCAR hall of Fame. I love the RC team but remember it is NASCARS Number and NASCAR should do the right thing and retire it. Brian

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  58. DEE 'LIL BIT' WILLIAMS on

    59. OOPS HERE COMES TROUBLE: HOLD ON THERE SKIP. YOUR RUNNING OFF AT THE MOUTH AGAIN. YOU SAY IF HE HAD ANY RESPECT FOR THE EARNHARDT NAME??NO ONE HAS MORE RESPECT FOR THE EARNHARDT NAME THAN JR. AFTER HE LEFT DEI HE AGAIN HAD THE GUTS (FOR THE LACK OF A BETTER WORD I WOULD LIKE TO USE)TO TAKE UP FOR HER WHEN THE MEDIA AND FANS(I WAS ONE TOO)WERE RIPPING HER APART FOR NOT LETTING HIM USE THE 8. HE ALSO EMPLOYS EARNHARDTS AT J R MOTORSPORTS. SO DON’T SAY ANY DEROGATORY REMARKS ABOUT DALE JR. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO THE RESPECT OF THE EARNHARDT NAME.

    “LIL BIT”

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  59. michael on

    60. Im pretty sure dale sr is watching whats going on and is happy with the decision that childress is making and would fully approve of it.

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  60. Ron on

    61. This is long over due, Dale would say go for it! I can’t wait to see my favorite number back on the track. Thank you Richard this is long over due!!!!!

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  61. katseyes on

    62. I know Austin wants to use the #3 because it was his Grandpa’s number before it was Dale Sr’s. I would like to see the #3 retired. It makes me very uncomfortable seeing it on the track. But I can see why Austin wants to use the #3 too. There are a lot of other colors to choose from so please make the car any color other than black!!!

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  62. Mandy on

    63. Why not put Jeffrey Earnhardt in it??? As for Dale Jr not wanting to drive the car I respect him for that. He is trying to step away from his father’s shadow and if he were to drive the 3 car the fans would expect him to be just like his daddy. Jr is his own man and he has done a great job moving on since Big E’s death.

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  63. harsmo on

    64. All I can say is I knew Mike Dillon, He drove a very short time in a car I worked on from Ron Parker Racing ( # 72 )in the Busch Series. He tried to step in after Tracy Leslie got out of the car. I would hope to God that his Son got some talent from his Grandfather, cause his Dad had none at all. He could hardly get it around the track in practice let alone in a race without tearing it up. The only reason he is still around racing is cause he married Richard’s Daughter and Richard gave him a job to get him out of the car and into the office. This is going to be a nightmare if: 1. the kid can’t drive 2. it’s not done right in a respectful way 3. the fans don’t go with it!
    Nascar will never retire the number, and I think Richard has done a great job respecting his long time friend Dale by paying to keep the number his and off the track.

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  64. Helen Bias on

    65. if it’s ok with dale Jr. then it will be ok with me. don,t do it if Jr. is sad over it. Think of him first. PLEASE

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  65. Big Dawg on

    66. All you people that think Jr needs to ok this are screwed in the head. Jr had nothing to do with the #3, it is all RCR. If he wants to bring it back, good for him. NASCAR needs the #3 back in the mix.

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  66. Janie on

    67. I think the #3 should stay retired unless Dale Jr. decides to drive it some day. What is wrong with you, Richard Childresss?

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  67. Graceann on

    68. Richard has a deep respect for Dale Sr. & that is why we haven’t seen the #3 on the track. He did offered it to Dale Jr. & he refused. Many refuse to understand that Jr. wants to be his own person. With that many refuse to see that Richard has given this to his grandson out of love & honor for a man he held very dear to his heart. Austin sees this as a very precious honor to drive this number, after all it belong to his grandfather first & then to the one & only Dale Sr. What an honor! Why would Richard protect this number all these years if he didn’t truly care for the man that made it famous? Come on people cut him some slack.

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  68. DJ on

    69. HAPPY AND SAD AT THE SAME TIME!!!!

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  69. Skink on

    70. As much as I miss Earnhardt , and wish Jr was driving the 3 car , I am for bringing it back .
    I wish Dillon well .

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  70. AUPHLL on

    71. THEN PAINT IT ANY COLOR THEN BLACK.

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  71. Brenda from NC on

    72. I think if RC wants his number back on the track that is fine, but for the car being black and looking the same as when Dale Sr drove it would be a mistake. For 1 Sr fans have their black no 3 flags and shirts at every race just to honor Sr. And for them fans that’s all they have left with great memories. Please paint it another color in respect for them fans if for no other reason. I think it would be damaging to them fans that fly their flags for their driver and that’s all they have to enjoy showing their heartful dedication still for Dale. Please don’t make it the same looking car it will cause more problems for Nascar. NASCAR is loosing fans at a fast enough speed without any more heartaches.

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  72. HELEN on

    73. I think it would be cool if Jeffrey Earnhardt
    gets to drive the #3 car one day as far as Dale Jr he doesn’t want to drive it that was his Daddy’s # Jr has his own #…It really doesn’t
    matter what we think though Richard will do
    what he wants to with the #3

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  73. Mark Witt on

    74. I really dont want to see the no. 3 back on the track unless JR. is behind the wheel. I cant imagine seeing the car with any anyone else in it. I fell in love with NASCAR because of Dale in that No. 3. I will stop watching NASCAR if Richard puts the No. 3 back on the track before Jr. is ready to drive it.

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  74. BJ on

    75. I think both Dale, Sr. and Dale, Jr. would want to see the #3 back in the race. Also, we don’t know what Childress’ grandson can do yet. Chances are that he would do it justice.

    However, I would change the color of the car. Dale, Sr. was the “man in black” and no one can take his place.

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  75. sally on

    76. It will be good to see the black 3 back in the race. No one person can replace Dale Sr. So why try! Dale Sr. had his chance and was good at it, and Jr. had a chance but chose Hendrick.
    JUST REMEMBER THE BLACK THREE MUST GO ON… YEH!!

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  76. Regan on

    77. ITS HIS NUMBER BUT IT WOULD BE GOOD TO SEE AN EARNHARDT IN IT.NASCAR HAS NEVER BEEN AND NEVER WILL BE THE SAME WITH OUT DALE SR. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT NASCAR DOES IT WILL NEVER REACH THE HEIGHTS THAT IT WAS WHEN SR WAS WITH US. GO #88

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  77. globug3088 on

    78. Please retire the #3 black car. In honor of Dale. We have watched him for years make a name for himself in that car. It would break my heart if someone else drove it. Leave it to Dale.

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  78. dave on

    79. i feel that the famous black #3 car should not be used anymore.the number 3 car should have been retired and never used again. that hurts the racing world he was the the man behind the black #3

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  79. Regan on

    80. JUST A DRIVER LARRY? PLEASE GET A LIFE!!

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  80. DrSeuss on

    81. For God’s sake, retire it. Just like NFL, NBA, and MLB already do as a sign of respect. However, I believe that may be the actual root of the problem…NASCAR officials have lost all respect for the fans…it only follows suit the RCR is now doing the same.

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  81. Brooke on

    82. As long as Dale Jr approves me and my husband are all for it…I just wish Jr. had gotten the chance to prove he is his father’s son and raced that #3 and he would be winning races with his dad in the passenger seat with him…..

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  82. Ray on

    83. Heck yeah..race that #3..it should have never been taken off the track to start with..NASCAR is the black #3……

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  83. Hotmama on

    84. To all your so called “NASCAR FANS”, what does it matter who drives the #3 as long as we get to see it race again..I for one would love to see it on the track ’cause NASCAR hasn’t been the same without it….

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  84. jr fan on

    85. Why should they retire his number as a tribute when they didn’t retire Adam Petty’s number when he passed..they didn’t retire the kings’ number when he retired..get over it and let RCR do what they want it was richard’s number first….

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  85. Melissa Gandy on

    86. This would be Awesome! I know many fans who would LOVE to see that number back on the track and I will definately be supporting him.

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  86. edith on

    87. NO,NO.NO.BUT IF YOU MUST,PLEASE PAINT ANOTHER COLOR.

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  87. jr nation rocks on

    88. look i am a dale sr and jr fan the number should be retire and have some repect for jr that was his dad number and it should stay that way let the number r.i.p with sr we all miss him and let him r.i.p have some repect for his family

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  88. Richard Petersen on

    89. Its great seeing Auston Dillon bring the #3 back, but as long as its in the Truc series. Its time for Dale Earnhardt Jr to take the wheel of a legand. And for those who say Dale doesn’t deserve it, it sure is way better than the car he is driving now and the team expecailly.

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  89. Donna on

    90. Whoever drives behind the number will have a lot on their mind. You know it. I mean can you imagine what you’d be feeling? Good luck to him.

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  90. nascar88 on

    91. yes ditto. there will never be another dale senior. #3 forever…….yes we love junebug too,of course

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  91. Jared H on

    92. i think that is great to see the #3 back in action,it will bring fans back to NASCAR but in reality Dale Jr. needs to be driving the #3.

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    CHAZ Reply:
    October 18th, 2009 at 5:49 pm

    i so agree i didnt see your post until i posted mine, his dad would love it and i know jr would do well…the hell with teresa

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  92. melody on

    93. I am one of the BIGGEST EARNHARDT FANS alive..
    If the #3 is used PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use a different color car…… You put it on black will be a big mistake…

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  93. Robert on

    94. “One of the biggest fans” would not EVER think another driver could be as good as Dale. Ever!

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  94. Robert on

    95. (HotMama)- I have to disagree. It’s not the car that made Nascar. It was the driver inside the car. Nascar will never be the same without Dale! Seeing the car on the track will not make Nascar what it once was.
    Retire the car.

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  95. shari on

    96. are you people out of your mind. no the 3# car should stay off the track. i don’t care how you look at it ,,,,thats dale sr. NUMBER.

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  96. CHAZ on

    97. why doesnt rcr get dale jr.? let him fill his fathers shoes like everyone expects and i bet he does it!!!

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    CHAZ Reply:
    October 18th, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    why doesnt rcr get dale jr.? let him fill his fathers shoes like everyone expects and i bet he does it!!! in the #3 too i bet it would rock jrs. spirit to a level so high that it would challenge jj

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  97. 2 Dogs & a Martin Fan 40yrs+ on

    98. Hold on folks, my comment may be a little late BUT: Richard Childress Owns the #3, and the car/truck on which it appears. “Ironhead”, [prayers and R.I.P.” also raced numbers 8, 2, and the #3. In Late Models, Dale Jr, Kelly,yes Kelly, and stepbrother Kerry, all raced Earnhardt #’s 3, #8, and #38. As a Long time fan(I’m almsot 62) the format and heirarcy of NASCAR has changed, and there were a great number of excellent drivers, they raced quite a host fo races, dirt, asphalt, road corses,in excess of 100+ reaces a year, yet we forget these drivers,at least until we come to the so called “Modern” era of Nascar. If we retired all these great drivers numbers, there would only enought left, to partially fill out the 43 car starting field, Yes, applaud the number, and cherish the accompolishments of these good men, remember them in our Hearts and minds, Dale Earnhardt Sr. was undoubtably one of these greats. Cheer and remember them, what they did for themselves and their sport, please don’t squabble and heckle over numbers and colors. After all, what is Austin Dillon’s real job. Not to try to showcase the great Black #3, but to prove to the world that he can live up to the hopes, dreams, and accompolishments, of those before him. Thats a monumental Job, Hail the Chief, feed and engourage the offspring !

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  98. tony on

    99. i would prefer to see a earnhardt behind the wheel(dale jr.),the fact is childress does own the number and the say of what to do with it.since he’s keeping it in the family so to speak then i dont have a problem with it.

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  99. Shirley on

    100. I would not be able to watch any black #3 on any race track unless Jr. was in it. Sorry but that is I will always feel. period

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  100. robert on

    101. You can not retire numbers in nascar. You will run ot of numbers. Retire the # 1 because Donnie’s not in it. The #2 because Rusty’s not in it. #3 because Dales not in it. # 4 because Ernie’s not in it. The number # 5 because Terry s not in it. the number 6 because Marks not in it. Get the picture yet. You can not retire numbers. nascar can never do it. Go RCR use that 3 it belong to you.

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  101. Eric on

    102. Yes we all want to see Dale jr. drive the next #3 if there was going to be one, However JR. just dosent have the extreme passion for it anymore, Dont get me wrong, I want him to do better i do i do, but I dont think its much fun for him anymore. Anyway that being said YES YES YES THE #3 NEEDS NEW LIFE from the bottom up , It will be fun watching Dillon bring the #3 back to the line of battle, I CANT WAIT !!

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