As a NASCAR star, Austin Dillon is constantly questioning the moves he makes—when to pit, what line to take, and everything needed to get his number 3 car across the finish line. So it really makes all the difference when he can come home, step on his mower, and only have to worry about how straight his stripes are. The chaos and stress of racing melt away, and he’s able to relax and enjoy the simple peace of mowing. (Oh, and the rest of his family’s 60-acre dream yard, of course.) So, follow along as we visit Dillon’s property in Thomasville, North Carolina, and see how the phenom unwinds when he’s not busy burning rubber.
Rest, Relaxation, and a Great Yard
Dillion says his backyard dreams came to fruition over the pandemic. He and his wife were in the market for a new place for their growing family—especially a spot to relax and enjoy nature. When they came across this location, they both immediately fell in love. And, the fact that it was owned by NASCAR champion Terry Labonte helped close the deal. The rest is history.
But now that the Dillions have been settled in for a few years, they’ve really made this place their own. One of Austin’s favorite places is the “barn,” his go-to spot for cooking out and relaxing alongside friends and family. Once the festivities are all said and done, the barn even has a spare bedroom for guests to retire to.
But that’s not all—the barn has plenty of space for all of Dillion’s cars (which he calls his “toys”). And, of course, it’s where his favorite toy of all lives, too: his Exmark Lazer Z X-Series!
Plenty of Family Fun
Outside of the barn, Dillon likes to kick it back with his wife and kids at their pool. He says this area of his yard is critical during the summer, especially following a sweltering mowing session. After he hops off his Exmark, there’s nothing better than cooling down in the pool alongside his family.
The family fun doesn’t stop there! His son, Ace, finds nearly endless hours of entertainment on their backyard playground. And, Austin’s wife, Whitney, has planted a rose garden for their daughter, Blaze, which has become her favorite spot on the property. Not only does it look (and smell) great, but it leaves a lasting legacy for their daughter to enjoy.
A Generational Outdoor Affair
When it comes to enjoying the outdoors, Dillion got started early. Both his father and grandfather had him outside from a young age—hunting, fishing, you name it. Which is why he loves his bass pond so much. He and Ace can get outside, relax, and spend the full day reeling in small bass.
Continuing the trend of passing on his affinity for everything outdoors, Dillon has a huge garden that’s a true labor of love. His goal is to be able to grow all the produce he’ll need without taking a trip to the store—and he has a great mentor teaching him the ropes. Most of all, he wants to be able to pass these outdoor traditions and practices down to his children, helping them live off their own land when they grow up.
Ultimately, Austin Dillon says that, for him, the outdoors has so much to offer. It lets him get away from the hustle and bustle of life and everyday stresses, and really lets him disconnect. And, the maintenance his property needs fills the same exact role. It’s a lot of work, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. (Especially when he’s able to come home to an immaculate lawn.)
Austin Dillon’s Hunting Camp
The Dillon dream yard isn’t just limited to Thomasville—he has an entire hunting camp, too. Austin Dillon can’t make it there too often, but when he does there’s plenty of work to be done. Which is where his second Exmark zero-turn comes in handy—helping him mow it all in record time. Without his mower, the upkeep of both of his properties would be almost impossible.
Best of all? When he mows, he’s able to find some valuable peace of mind—and even more time to get outside and have fun with his family.
A Partnership Built on Speed
For the last four years, Austin Dillon has partnered with Team Exmark, and he couldn’t be happier. Even better, his son loves just about any- and everything with a motor, and his Lazer Z helps scratch that itch. As soon as he sees Austin start cleaning the mower, he wants in on the fun.
Austin’s yard is incredibly important to him, and there’s nothing quite like coming home to a crisp, clean lawn. The only way to maintain a yard like that, he says, is with his Exmark. And there’s no better lawn mower suited for the task. He’s able to cut a lot of grass, in not a lot of time, and get back to enjoying the best of the backyard life. We couldn’t agree more!