Do you think Nascar will ever consider using Dale's number 3 black car?

Question

I want to see the black car for the daytona 500 Pepsi 400, Indy 500, and both Talladega Races too. If Earnhardt was still racing he will be very hard to beat because he always help out his son to win races and Mr. Earnhardt was a very POPULAR driver back in the 80's,90's, and 2000 too. What you think.

Answer 1

RCR still has the lease on the #3 and Richard is bringing it out of retirement for next season. It will be on his grandson's car in the busch/Nationwide east series next year. Currently the young man has been running a black #3 dirt car. I am not sure what series but I heard he is doing very well. If the young man does well enough to make it to cup he will be driving a #3 although I doubt it will be black. Rember, that number was Richards number while he raced and before Dale ever drove for him. The number holds as much history for Richard as it does for the Earnhardts.

Answer 2

Dale Jr has stated repeatedly that he wants to drive the #3 before he retires. Richard Childress still has control of the number. Somewhere down the road we will see the #3 back on the track. Whether it will be black or not is questionable. Don't forget Jeffrey Earnhardt is making a little noise also. If he has what it takes to be successful, he could also be a candidate for the seat at some point. Talk about big shoes to fill. As unpopular as this may sound, it's still just a number. After the passage of time, it may not be such a big deal. If the #3 returns, it probably won't be black and GM Goodwrench won't be the sponsor. Only one man and the combination of all those things made that car legendary. That won't ever change.

Answer 3

Nascar owns the number and its issued to RCR, I do not see Richard bring the #3 back anytime soon, he was very torn up when Dale Sr died. I'm sure someday 10-20 yrs from now maybe we might see the #3 again..If it ever comes back, I think it will be a Earnhardt driving it. maybe if Dale Jr ever gets married and has a son, maybe he would drive it. The #3 holds so much history behind it, its going to be a hard number to live up to.. Lots of people think Dale Jr will drive it in his last race when he retires, but I just don't think that will happen. Its just going to be a while before we see the black #3 back out there on the track..

Answer 4

NASCAR "owns" all the numbers and leases them to teams. If Dale Earnhardt's number is retired, then the #43 and #21 and some day the #24 will have to be retired. Many drivers have lost their lives in racing and why they are letting Childress lease a number he is not using is strange. Dale Earnhardt was a mere mortal like the others who died like Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin, Fireball Roberts, Joe Weatherley, and others who died while driving a car. I think it ought to be used by a Childress driver or given back to NASCAR to lease to someone else.

Answer 5

... I honestly feel that if Dale Jr serves his 5 year contract at Hendrick Motorsports (and is successful) and proves to himself that he can fill those #3 shoes he eventually will. There is also the option of having Dale Earnhardt Jr's cousin Jeffrey Earnhardt take the #3 ride. Jeffrey driving it is just a little far off to speculate happening but is a possibility.

... I really do feel like Dale Jr has to prove to himself that he is capable of filling that role. He knows it is a huge pair of shoes to fill with a lot of expectations from a lot of fans and non-fans. He already has a large set of shoes to fill with just being the son of Dale Earnhardt Sr.

... Right now there is no question Hendrick's organization has the best equipment. He will know when he leaves there where he stands as a driver and so will the world. I honestly think he will do fine right from the get go.

... Once Dale Jr satisfies his own curiosity and/or doubts about himself I think you will see him eventually drive the #3. It would be too big of an event to pass up for Dale Jr and RCR. I know Richard Childress wants him and is letting Jr make his own decisions for now. Richard has said before he sees his fathers talent in Dale Jr. When the time is right I think the #3 will come back out but right now. The time isn't right.

Answer 6

Richard Childress is still in control of the number (that is owned by NASCAR) He runs a small 3 sticker on all of the 29 cars. This is enough to keep it in his control. (If this wasn't I bet you would see a generic car with the 3 on it attempt to qualify but never make the field).
What Richard said is that he would never run the #3 black car in cup. Then he added unless an Earnhardt is driving it. Now I'm sure fans would be OK if his grandson drove it (after all Richard stepped out of the #3 car so Dale could get in it back in 1981.
Jr. said that he would consider driving the #3 black cup car for RCR, but only in the twilight of his career after he makes a legacy for himself instead of stepping into his father's. He feel that he need to accomplish a lot more before he can even think about getting in the #3 cup car. That is the one thing you have to like about Jr. (whether your a fan of his or not) he is his own worst critic.
I think he will drive it some day. Things change so much, ten years ago I would of never been able to predict anything that has happened in the last five years. Who knows maybe after a few Championships Jr. could be in control of DEI and drive for RCR. That's what his father was doing. Dale signed a lifetime contract with RCR before he died, long after he had started DEI. (it's a slim possibility, but three years ago did you think Jr. would race for HMS?)

Answer 7

"3" is owned by Richard Childress racing. The only people that should ever drive with that number would be Dale Jr. or if another Earnhardt comes along.

I had really hoped Dale Jr. was going to go to Childress and drive the car or they would work something out with Childress to use the number.

He belongs in that car. He is a tough racer like his dad. To see that black Chevy running around the track again would be a huge thrill for me and allot of other people. I can only imagine the crowd reaction when she came out on the track.

I am a casual NASCAR fan, but I used to love watching Dale Sr. bump and grind out their. I took his death hard. I thought he was indestructible.

Answer 8

Unless an Earnhardt is behind the wheel.. You won't see it!

My advice to you.. find some local dirt track and go enjoy!! Lots of the weirdos around here have their Hot Stocks, Street Stocks, and even IMCA Modifieds painted up like Dale Sr's old black 3. I'd love to see one painted Blue and Yellow like his ol' Wrangler car though...

Answer 9

The number 3 is owned by Nascar-But leased to RCR-
and Richard Childress is so Sentimental . I don`t think
he would put it back on the track Unless an Earnhardt was driving it,,, Dale Jr. apparently is not interested,
Maybe Richard is waiting for Kerry`s son to prove himself,
No one really knows But I for one would love to see the
Black Goodwrench No.3 Monte Carlo back on the track..
But don`t ever try and out think Richard Childress..

Answer 10

If they do, don't let Theresa anywhere near it! Childress still makes a ton of $$$ from the #3. Retire the #3, Earnhardt made the sport what it is today-in every aspect. I sure do miss him!!!