LEXINGTON, N.C.– A partnership as old as time. For nearly half of Bass Pro Shops’ history, Richard Childress Racing has been a constant with America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. The long-standing partnership began in 1998 as an associate sponsorship of the No. 3 Chevrolet, driven by the legendary Dale Earnhardt. Fast forward to present day, and it’s time for Bass Pro Shops to celebrate their 50th anniversary. What better way to celebrate than highlighting the rich history between these two than on the track and behind the men who started it all, Richard Childress and Johnny Morris.

For Johnny, it all began when he started selling tackle at a young age out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. That small store later led to a company providing customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. The Bass Pro Shops’ brand has been featured on a variety of RCR Chevrolets, including drivers such as Austin Dillon, Kevin Harvick, Kerry Earnhardt, and Ryan Newman.

The partnership between RCR and Bass Pro Shops is about the same age as Austin Dillon himself. To Austin, Bass Pro Shops is family. Austin said, “Johnny Morris has always been a great friend and supporter of my career. It’s cool that he’s been able to do so much for conservation, and has touched countless lives through Bass Pro Shops. The outdoors are one of our most cherished resources and I’m so thankful for the impact Bass Pro Shops has had on America’s youth.”

Austin’s first few races were sponsored by Bass Pro Shops who has been there with him every step of the way, since. Through a NASCAR Truck Series Championship, a NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship, and wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, Johnny Morris has watched Austin transform into the driver he is today, and Richard Childress Racing flourish into the company it has.

The permanent display standing within the Richard Childress Racing Museum reflects only a fraction of the rich history Johnny and Richard have within their two respective organizations, with nearly 25 years in the making and still going strong.

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