Austin Dillon, the 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series driver champion, and his #3 Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide team – led by crew chief Danny Stockman, were honored today with a full day – and evening – of activities, hosted by series sponsor Nationwide Insurance in its headquarters hometown of Columbus, Ohio. This is the sixth consecutive year Nationwide Insurance has welcomed the series driver champion to its home turf, and the second time an RCR driver has been honored (Clint Bowyer, 2008). Following the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Awards on Nov. 18, todays schedule allows Dillons championship celebration to continue a bit longer. The day began with a visit to Nationwide Childrens Hospital. Then Dillon and the #3 team received a tour of Nationwides corporate headquarters, participated in an exclusive Q&A session and signed autographs for Nationwide associates on site. Following lunch, the driver champion team headed to The Ohio State University for a tour of the famed Woody Hayes Athletic Complex, home of the Ohio State Buckeyes football practice facility. Late this afternoon and early evening, the team will travel to Nationwide Arena, home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League, for a tour of the facility and a game of broomball on the Jackets home ice. A unique experience follows as team members will be once again be introduced to a Columbus, Ohio original: Jenis Splendid Ice Cream. Jenis was a garage favorite earlier this year at the inaugural Nationwide Childrens Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio. The day concludes with a short trip back to Nationwide Arena for ‘NASCAR Night” where the team will enjoy the 7 p.m. ET matchup between the Blue Jackets and the Winnipeg Jets and be recognized at the game. (NASCAR)
