Chris Graythen|Getty Images
Austin Dillon self-reported a favorable COVID-19 test to Richard Childress Racing on Saturday, an advancement that will keep him out of Sundays NASCAR Cup Series race at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course.
Dillon, chauffeur of the No. 3 Chevrolet, is self-quarantining, the group said. RCR has called Kaz Grala as his replacement this weekend for Sundays Go Bowling 235 (3 p.m. ET, NBC, MRN, SiriusXM), the first Cup Series race on the 3.61-mile oval and road-course layout.
Dillons spouse Whitney and child Ace remain healthy and symptom-free, according to a team statement.
RELATED: Schedule for Daytona Road Course|Lineup for Sundays race
Dillon certified for the NASCAR Playoffs with a triumph July 19 at Texas Motor Speedway. As soon as the team requests it, Dillon will receive a medical waiver to reduce the requirement that he compete in every race to keep his postseason eligibility.
Dillon might be qualified to go back to competitors if he gets two negative COVID-19 test results, from tests taken a minimum of 24 hours apart. He needs to likewise get written clearance to resume racing activity from his individual doctor. If Dillon is unable to produce 2 negative tests within the 10-day period for his initial positive test, his return status may be examined by a NASCAR consulting physician.
PHOTOS: Austin Dillon through the years
Given that its a driver modification, Grala will drop to the rear throughout rate laps rather of beginning 10th as Dillon would have. The 21-year-old Grala has gone into two Xfinity Series races for RCR this season, matching his career-best with a fourth-place surface last weekend at Road America. Grala likewise has experience on the Daytona Road Course design, two times sharing driving duties in a Lamborghini for Change Racing in IMSAs Rolex 24 (2016-17).
Dillon might be eligible to return to competitors if he receives 2 unfavorable COVID-19 test results, from tests taken at least 24 hours apart. If Dillon is not able to produce 2 negative tests within the 10-day duration for his preliminary positive test, his return status might be examined by a NASCAR consulting physician.
Gralas only national-series win was a historic one, also at Daytona International Speedway. He dominated from the lead, driving a GMS Racing entry to victory in the Gander RV & & Outdoors Truck Series 2017 opener to become the 2.5-mile speedways youngest winner at 18 years, 1 month and 26 days old.
Dillon, the grandson of team owner Richard Childress, is presently in his seventh full season of Cup Series competitors. The 30-year-old motorist has three premier-series wins, including the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 and the 2018 Daytona 500 and has won championships in the Xfinity Series (2013) and Gander Trucks (2011 ).
” RCR takes the safety of our workers, fellow competitors, fans, partners and outdoors vendors seriously,” the team said in a statement. “Based upon suggestions outlined by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NASCAR and our health partners at Wake-Forest Baptist Health, RCR has actually enacted treatments and security protocols designed to lessen the danger of COVID-19 exposure and spread.
Rules for the weekend state that no chauffeur might contend in several national-series races on the Daytona Road Course.
Given that its a chauffeur modification, Grala will drop to the rear throughout pace laps instead of beginning 10th as Dillon would have. The 21-year-old Grala has actually entered two Xfinity Series races for RCR this season, matching his career-best with a fourth-place finish last weekend at Road America.
