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NASCAR team Richard Childress Racing's #3 car is iconic in the sport, immortalized by Dale Earnhardt’s unparalleled success with his black Chevrolet. Yet, the car’s legacy transcends Earnhardt, as numerous skilled drivers have delivered memorable wins, adding to its storied history.
For decades, the #3 symbolized determination, triumph, and grit in stock car racing. This ranking celebrates the top five drivers who piloted the legendary number to victory, preserving its enduring impact across NASCAR’s rich heritage.
Let's discuss five iconic drivers who have piloted and adorned Richard Childress Racing's historical #3, featuring seven-time Cup Series champion and NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr.
#5 David Pearson
Three-time Cup Series champion David Pearson had a celebrated career in NASCAR. Pearson's career in the Cup Series spanned over 574 races in 27 years. In his time, he secured 105 wins in the Cup Series, only second to Richard Petty in the highest all-time wins ranking. Of his 105 wins, three came while he was piloting the #3 car, with Ray Fox as his crew chief.
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#4 Junior Johnson
NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson is another notable name to have piloted the iconic #3 Chevy. Throughout his 14-year career, the former Cup Series driver secured 50 race wins in NASCAR's top division. Of those 50 victories, Junior Johnson secured 9 behind the wheel of the #3, seven of which came in his 1963 campaign driving for Fox Racing.
Following his retirement, Johnson also secured six Winston Cup Series owner championships with Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip.
#3 Austin Dillon
Richard Childress Racing's current driver of the #3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Austin Dillon, has secured his spot in the list after securing three trips to victory lane adorned in the iconic #3 Chevy branding. Dillon, who is also the grandson of Richard Childress, has a total of five wins in the Cup Series, nine in the Xfininty Series, and seven in the Truck Series.
Moreover, Dillon is a former Xfinity and Truck Series champion, cementing his place in this list.
#2 Ricky Rudd
Former Cup Series driver Ricky Rudd made his debut in NASCAR in the 1975 Carolina 500 at Rockingham Speedway. His first victory came while he was piloting Richard Childress Racing's #3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Rudd secured another victory the same year at Martinsville and was the last driver to pilot the iconic #3 Chevy before NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt took over.
#1 Dale Earnhardt Sr.
Seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt or better known as 'The Intimidator' is one of the most legendary drivers to have graced the halls of NASCAR. Throughout his celebrated career, Dale Earnhardt secured 76 wins in the Cup Series, of which 67 came while piloting RCR's iconic #3 Chevrolet.
Additionally, his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. also secured a victory in the #3 Chevy at Daytona International Speedway in the Xfininty Series. The iconic father-son NASCAR duo have etched their spot in the history of the sport.
