Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon shocked fans and media this weekend by revealing that he has been competing with a broken rib, the result of a recent off-track accident.
Dillon, the 2018 Daytona 500 champion and current driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet, explained that he suffered the injury after a fall but chose to continue racing despite the pain. While he did not provide exact details of when or where the incident occurred, he admitted the rib has affected his comfort inside the race car.
“It’s been tough,” Dillon said. “Every bump and every lap you feel it, but I wasn’t going to sit out. We’ve worked too hard this season, and I want to be out there with my guys giving everything I’ve got.”
Racing with cracked or broken ribs is not unheard of in NASCAR, but the injury can present unique challenges. The physical demands of handling a stock car for hundreds of laps—including tight seatbelts, heavy g-forces, and constant jostling—can intensify discomfort and fatigue.
Despite the setback, Dillon has continued to take the green flag each weekend, earning respect from competitors and fans for his toughness. His RCR team has been working closely with NASCAR medical officials to ensure he remains fit to race, and so far, clearance has not been an issue.
Dillon, who is fighting to improve his position in the points standings, said the focus remains on performance. “It’s not ideal, but I’m not making excuses,” he added. “We’ve got goals to hit this year, and I’ll push through whatever it takes.”
As the season grinds on, Dillon’s determination to battle through injury could serve as extra motivation for the No. 3 team as they aim to climb back into playoff contention.
