Speaking with a Texan accent for the entire weekend and making a show out of his Southern-style outfit, Ricciardo’s dream came true when he finally got a chance to get behind the wheel of the 1984 No. 3 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo on Saturday. The Aussie driver is a proclaimed fan of Dale Earnhardt's, who won seven NASCAR championships.
It looks like Ricciardo is motivated by bets and he won one with Zak Brown after his win at the Italian Grand Prix. The McLaren’s team boss promised Ricciardo a chance to drive the No. 3 if he managed a podium this season. He won a race and now his dream came true.
During his drive around the road course in Austin, Texas, he did a few laps and even some donuts, smiling his usual wide behind the wheel. Even his outfit paid a tribute to Earnhardt, wearing a special black and silver helmet. The car is currently part of Zak Brown’s collection.
Earnhardt's son, Dale Jr., also tweeted that he’s “happy for Daniel.” He added: “I’m also appreciative for how he celebrates my father. That makes a lot of dads family members and fans smile.”
Ricciardo had the time of his life in a car his idol drove and making that bet with Brown surely motivated him to have a great performance. Who knows what his next bet will be?
We've all got our dream cars, and this is @danielricciardo's! ????
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 23, 2021
His prize for his first podium for @McLarenF1 was a drive in his hero Dale Earnhardt's iconic 1984 Chevrolet, which is now owned by Zak Brown#USGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/BT6Wm4XLqt
It's written across @danielricciardo's face just how much he enjoyed driving his hero Dale Earnhardt's iconic 1984 Chevrolet ????
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 24, 2021
And, this message from the legend's son @dalejr meant even more ??#USGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/OOmDYnXouG
I’m happy for Daniel. I’m also appreciative for how he celebrates my father. That makes a lot of dads family members and fans smile.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) October 23, 2021