“Dale Sr vibes”: Austin Dillon earns big praise from $160M NASCAR legend following controversial win at Richmond 

Austin Dillon captured his fifth career Cup Series victory in the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. Post-race, NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson associated the final-lap tactics of Dillon with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt.

The overtime restart on the 0.75-mile short track delivered a thrilling finish as the 34-year-old Dillon drove through Team Penske driver Joey Logano, who was in the lead after the white flag was raised. Dillon then replicated the move on Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin, sending him into the wall.

In a recent X post, seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson lauded Dillon for his aggressive yet controversial finish. Johnson, who shares a record seven Cup titles with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, suggested that 'The Intimidator', famous for driving the #3 car for RCR, would have executed the same move in his era.

The 48-year-old Johnson, who is worth $160 million (according to Celebrity Net Worth) wrote:

"Dale Sr vibes"

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"I'm Austin Dillon,"- RCR driver after a Dale Earnhardt-style finish at Richmond

Austin Dillon believed the last-lap move at Richmond Raceway was the "one shot" he had to take the checkered flag for the first time this season. Dillon made contact with Joey Logano on turn three before colliding with Denny Hamlin.

In the post-race press conference, a reporter inquired if the legendary Dale Earnhardt, known for his aggressive racing style, had crossed Dillon's mind during the race-winning maneuver. Here's how he replied (11:45):

"It never crossed my mind to tell you the truth. It happened that way. Yeah, I seen a lot of races with Dale moving guys, pissing people off. A lot of people booed him throughout his career. I think Kyle Busch is the closest thing we’ve had to a Dale Earnhardt Sr. I’m not that," the 34-year-old said.

"I’m Austin Dillon. I’m just going to try hard. When I get an opportunity, I’m going to give it everything I got. That’s literally what it was that last lap. I didn’t have anything else in my mind. Didn’t matter what anybody said to me, did," he added.

Dillon's position in the overall standings jumped from 32nd to 26th after his Richmond victory, marking his sole top-five finish of the season.

NASCAR action resumes at Michigan International Speedway on August 18th for the Firekeepers Casino 400.