Austin Dillon has no regrets regarding his controversial win at Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Richmond. Dillon’s victory came after he caused crashes for both Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin, allowing him to secure a playoff spot and sparking anger from both drivers.
This season has been challenging for Dillon and his team at Richard Childress Racing, and he shared with FOX Sports’ Kevin Harvick on “Harvick’s Happy Hour” that the win held significant emotional weight for him and his crew. “You want it for these people so bad,” Dillon said, emphasizing the support from his team. He acknowledged his approach to winning might not be ideal but felt it was necessary for the people who have backed him.
During the race, Dillon made a decisive move by bumping the leading Logano in the final turn, causing Logano to spin out. In the ensuing chaos, when Hamlin attempted to pass Dillon, Dillon clipped Hamlin’s rear corner, slowing him down enough to clinch the victory.
“It was all about whatever it took to get [Logano] up the track,” Dillon explained. He recounted how he aimed to make Logano loose as he entered the final turns, focusing on crossing the finish line first while trying to manage the tight competition on track.
The aftermath of the race, however, was marked by frustration from Logano and Hamlin. Hamlin expressed his displeasure not only at Dillon but also at NASCAR’s rules that he believes encourage such actions. In a more confrontational manner, Logano confronted Dillon’s team immediately after the race, burning rubber near Dillon’s family during their celebration.
Dillon responded to the altercation, saying that he understood Logano’s frustration but advised him to communicate during interviews rather than through confrontation on pit road. Dillon acknowledged he was less bothered by Hamlin’s comments but took issue with Logano’s harsh words, in which he labeled Dillon as a “piece of crap.”
“He threw some low blows in there,” Dillon said, noting the irony as he recalled Logano’s own comments in the past about doing whatever it takes to win. “He was a victim of it this time.”
If Logano chooses to retaliate on the track, Dillon indicated he would be prepared. “If he retaliates, he retaliates,” he mentioned, quoting his grandfather’s wisdom about being ready for any backlash.
NASCAR is expected to announce any penalties for Dillon by midweek. While officials have not ruled out rescinding his win, such a decision is rare after the fact. Nonetheless, Dillon may face penalties, including fines, for his actions during the race.