The Dillon Way

21 years ago, there was a very gifted young man born. He had brown hair and brown eyes. But little did his mother know that her oldest son would someday grow up to be a NASCAR champion. And after everything that has happened this season, it still must be sinking in.

Austin hoisting the Championship trophy
(Credit to Yahoo Sports)

Austin Dillon has done something that many 21 year olds only dream of doing. Friday, November 18, 2011, Austin was crowned the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion. To get the championship, all Austin had to do was finish 16th or better in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. With 15 laps to go, and rain beginning to fall, NASCAR brought the trucks in to pit road with Austin's closest competitor, Johnny Sauter, leading the race. But that was no matter, because when NASCAR decided to call the race because of rain, Austin had been left in the 10th position, and that was all he needed. When Hermie Sadler told Austin that NASCAR had just decided to call the race, it was instant celebration.



Austin and brother Ty
(Credit to Yahoo Sports)

As the grandson of champion owner Richard Childress, and an RCR driver, standards are set pretty high for Austin. And he has completely blown away those standards in his two years of racing in NASCAR. Last year, he was crowned 2010 Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year. This year, he is one of the few people to have back to back Rookie of the Year, and then points championship honors. Austin is also, the youngest person to ever win the Camping World Truck Series championship. And with his transition to Nationwide series next year, this was the perfect way for Austin to end his truck series season.

Now Richard Childress has two new championships, with Austin in the Trucks, and Austin's younger brother Ty winning the ARCA series Championship. We all hope to see Richard with many more championships coming as Austin moves up to Nationwide next season, and Ty transitioning to run in the truck series. Good luck boys in the rest of your careers.