NASCAR driver Austin Dillon tests positive for COVID-19

Austin Dillon becomes the fourth NASCAR driver to test positive for virus

Since NASCAR returned in mid-May, four drivers have now tested positive for COVID-19. As of Saturday morning, Austin Dillon has become the fourth.

The NASCAR Cup Series driver is scheduled to run on Sunday in Daytona Beach, Florida. It’s the debut of the Daytona Road Course.

Richard Childress Racing has already announced a replacement driver. Kaz Grala will pilot the No. 3 machine on Sunday.

Related: Jimmie Johnson fears we’re all going to catch the virus at some point

Wife, Whitney Dillon as well as Ace Dillon, son remain healthy. Grala released a social media video stating that Austin Dillon’s symptoms are mild.

Dillon is the fourth NASCAR driver to test positive and second NASCAR Cup Series driver to miss a race due to the virus. Earlier, Jimmie Johnson tested positive and missed one race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Per the NASCAR rule book, Dillon will have to have two negative tests, each at least 24 hours apart in order to return to action.

Grala has run many races for RCR. This Sunday, he’ll be making his NASCAR Cup Series debut.

Related: Austin Dillon and Richard Childress comment on haters of the ‘Silver Spoon Kid’

Austin Dillon wins at Texas Motor Speedway - NASCAR Cup Series
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – JULY 19: Austin Dillon, driver of the #3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, celebrates with the checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on July 19, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Kaz Grala on Austin Dillon

“I just received word that unfortunately, Austin Dillon has tested positive for COVID-19,” Grala opened in the brief social media video.

“Luckily, his symptoms are mild. And Whitney and Ace are symptom free. I believe that will stay exactly that way.”

“I’ll be the replacement driver for Austin in tomorrow’s Cup Series race. I’ll be keeping the seat warm for him in the No. 3. It’s a big opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to it and I hope to make everybody at Richard Childress Racing proud.”

Related: Dale Earnhardt race car sold at auction by Richard Childress Racing

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Kaz Grala | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing | Daytona International Speedway | NASCAR

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