Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Chevrolet, poses prior to the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series Banquet at Loews Miami Beach Hotel on November 21, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo: Getty Images)

While Stenhouse had to regroup and focus to prove his determination over the past 18 months, Dillon’s challenge was demonstrating that he was more than just a NASCAR legacy.

Considering that his grandfather is Richard Childress, a six-time Cup championship owner, it would be easy for pundits to cry nepotism when evaluating Dillon’s tenure with the team. But throughout this title run — and in previous seasons — Dillon has exceeded all expectations while balancing full-time racing with schooling. His championship Truck season was no different.

Truck series championship owner Kevin Harvick, who competes in the Sprint Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing, has been impressed with both Dillons — Austin, and his younger brother Ty, who won the ARCA title and will take over the No. 3 truck for his sibling this season.

“Those kids do a great job, and the great part about Austin and Ty (is) they're good kids, and they've got their head on their shoulders right, and I don't think that'll be the last Dillon that you see come through the championship circle in this Truck series,” Harvick said. “They've got a good future. Obviously they're like sponges. They listen to you and they've got a lot of history and heritage with their Pop-Pop (Childress), as they call him.”

“Austin kept it together so good under the pressure,” Childress added. “For a 21-year-old guy — man, to be able to hang in there and do what he did was very special.”

Austin Dillon is already building his own legacy. He won two races, five poles and became the first NASCAR Truck driver to follow up top rookie honors with the title the following year. The third generation racer who will revive the No. 3 Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series this season has already exhibited promise.

Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon (Left) is presented his championship ring by NASCAR president Mike Helton (Right) at the series' annual awards banquet. (Photo: Getty Images)

As impressive as Dillon was on the track, what perhaps is even more remarkable is his appreciation of the fans. When Dillon was named Most Popular Driver at the banquet, he was genuinely stunned. He called the accolade “the best thing that ever happened to me” and believes “people want to see hard work, dedication and winning.”

In the upcoming seasons, fans can expect those traits from both Dillon and Stenhouse. Despite their youth, both drivers have an appreciation for what it takes to rise to the next level. And each driver realizes there will be no resting upon current success.

“I have a lot of work to do,” Dillon said. “People expect big things. I got to get in the gym this offseason. I have to focus on racing. I have this year and it paid off but each step is going to be harder.

“I have the drive and the want but I have to get after it harder each and every week. People expect this out of me and I have to prove that I can do it.”