Austin Dillon Shares His Passion for Pickleball Amid NASCAR Racing

Austin Dillon, the NASCAR star, recently opened up about his newfound passion for pickleball, which he embraced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shared how the skills he honed in racing translate to the court, emphasizing the importance of quick reactions and patience. Dillon's journey in pickleball has become a significant part of his racing routine, and he continues to strive for improvement. With a successful career in NASCAR, including a Daytona 500 win, Dillon balances the highs and lows of racing while celebrating his victories. Discover more about his experiences and insights in this engaging article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 14:26 IST

Austin Dillon's Pickleball Journey

NASCAR driver Austin Dillon recently expressed his enthusiasm for pickleball during the Texas Grand Prix. He noted that the focus and quick reflexes he utilizes in racing also benefit him on the pickleball court. Dillon's introduction to the sport came during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by his parents. He shared, “My mom and dad actually got me into pickleball during COVID. My mom had been urging me to join her, and I was hesitant at first. But once I started, I fell in love with it,” he remarked. This newfound interest has seamlessly integrated into his racing schedule.

During race weekends, Dillon makes it a point to play pickleball whenever he has free time. “Whenever we have a chance at the racetrack, I’m going to play,” he stated. When asked about his skill level, he humbly replied, “Pretty decent. You’ll have to play with me to see,” although those around him estimate his skill to be around a 5.0 level, with aspirations for 4.5 tournaments.

Dillon acknowledged that patience is an area he is working on, both in racing and on the court. “I find it challenging to slow down. Playing with you all this week has taught me that patience is essential. I hope to carry that patience onto the track today,” he added.

Drawing parallels between NASCAR and pickleball, Dillon highlighted the importance of quick reactions. “In pickleball, when the action heats up, everything happens rapidly. You must make the right move,” he explained. “On the track, I will face various situations that require quick decisions. You have to commit to those choices.”

The seasoned NASCAR driver also discussed the challenges of professional racing. “There’s only one winner each week among 40 competitors across 36 races. You have to navigate the highs and lows. I feel fortunate to have had a long career so far and cherish every moment on the track. Celebrating victories is crucial,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and appreciating success.

Who Is Austin Dillon?

Dillon drives the legendary No. 3 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, a team owned by his grandfather, Richard Childress, who was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2017. A six-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series, Dillon famously won the Daytona 500 in 2018 and has qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs six times (2016-18, 2020, 2022, and 2025). His latest Cup Series victory occurred at Richmond Raceway in August 2025, where he successfully defended his title. Additionally, he has nine wins in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and seven in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, securing the 2013 O’Reilly Series championship and the 2011 Truck Series title.