Rookie Austin Dillon Proves He Belongs With a Dominating Win at Iowa

Rookie Austin Dillon dominated the Lucas Oil 200, for his first career win in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starting from the pole and leading 187 laps Sunday at Iowa Speedway.

He held off Johnny Sauter in a green—white—checkers finish for the win, by a margin of .635 seconds and became the first rookie to win from the pole in Trucks.

Dillon is the 20 year old grandson of legendary NASCAR owner Richard Childress and son of former NASCAR driver Mike Dillon. The win came on his 12th start in Trucks and Dillion is  the second youngest winner in the series.

He's been on a tear of late; winning his third pole in a row at Iowa.

Dillon lead laps, at Texas, Michigan and collected top—five finishes. You knew after that  he was so close to putting it together for a win, and he achieved that win at Iowa.

More importantly Dillon showed his critics Sunday that he belongs, and has the talent to be in NASCAR. 

He silenced those fans that thinks you can't  juggle College with racing and be any good, and my favorites which are the fans that say "He  hasn't shown me anything yet or, that he's only getting the chance because of his Grandpa".  

For me, today was a sweet win to watch happen. Since I've never doubted his talent, I knew this day was coming that this Kid would be a winner in NASCAR.

Dillon in his No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet would chose the outside front row over being in the inside line for the win.

On that final restart on Lap 202, Dillon would pass Sauter coming out of turn two and cruise to the checkered flag.

Not only was it an emotional win for Dillon, but the sell out crowd cheered for the rookie and it's just exciting to watch a first-time winner with his team celebrate.

His crew chief Danny Stockman even stopped Dillon's celebration mid-burnout by letting him know that they were taking the truck to Gateway and don't tear it up.

What was even cooler were all the stars of the Series that came to victory lane to congratulate him for the win, and the pride Richard and Judy Childress shared with there grandson.

It was a weird race, since while Dillon dominated  the top four in the points Todd Bodine, Aric Almirola, Timothy Peters, and Ron Hornaday,Jr. all had problems at Iowa.

The points race has tightened up, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner  will next be racing at Gateway International Raceway Friday night for the Camping World.com 200.

Photo Credit: sports.yahoo.com