Austin Dillon Claims First NASCAR Cup Series Victory in Overtime at Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Austin Dillon secured his first NASCAR Cup Series win in nearly two years, triumphing in a dramatic overtime finish at Richmond on Sunday night. This victory marks Dillon's first since August 28, 2022, at Daytona, and comes after a challenging season where he had only two top-10 finishes and was ranked 32nd in the standings prior to the race. His win not only revitalizes his season but also positions him for a potential postseason berth. The race took a pivotal turn when a collision between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ryan Preece brought out the first caution of the night, forcing the race into overtime. Dillon, who had been leading, faced a tough restart against Joey Logano. In a controversial move, Dillon spun Logano on the final lap, a decision he later expressed regret over, stating, “I hate to do that, but sometimes you just got to have it.” As the chaos unfolded, Dillon's aggressive maneuvering did not stop there; he also made contact with Denny Hamlin, sending him into the wall. Despite the tumultuous finish, Dillon managed to navigate through the wreckage and emerged victorious in his No. 3 Chevrolet. This win not only highlights Dillon's tenacity but also sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the NASCAR season as he aims for a spot in the playoffs.