Third Annual "Better Half Dash" Set For Oct. 10

The women of NASCAR will get their turn to race for the spotlight at the third annual Better Half Dash on Oct. 10. The better halves of racing duos will showcase their skills before the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers battle it out for the fastest lap on Bojangles’ Pole Night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The women will race U.S. Legend Cars International Bandoleros around the frontstretch quarter-mile for bragging rights and charities such as Motor Racing Outreach and Speedway Children’s Charities.

To date, the entry list for this year’s Better Half Dash consists of:

Wendy Venturini, motorsports analyst for Fox Sports 1
Lyn-z Pastrana, wife of NASCAR driver Travis Pastrana
Kristen Yeley, wife of NASCAR driver J.J. Yeley
Michelle Gilliland, wife of NASCAR driver David Gilliland
Ashley Stremme, wife of NASCAR driver David Stremme
Heidi Stoddard, wife of NASCAR team owner Frank Stoddard
Jessica Park, wife of NASCAR driver Steve Park
Gina Cope, wife of NASCAR crew chief Ernie Cope
Amy Gordon, wife of NASCAR crew chief Todd Gordon
Melanie Self, representing Motor Racing Outreach

Better Half Dash defending champion and eight-time X Games medalist, Pastrana, is no stranger to winning, but she has a special fondness for her six-foot, pink Better Half Dash trophy.

“It’s actually sitting in our bedroom. None of Travis’ trophies are in our bedroom,” Pastrana said. “I’ve never gotten a trophy like that ever in all my action sports.”

The Better Half Dash will be 25 laps, with a competition caution set for lap 15. Caution laps will not count. If necessary, there will be up to two chances at a green-white-checkered finish.

The starting order for the race will be determined by qualifying on Monday, Oct. 7, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Fans can get involved and help determine the polesitter by visiting www.go2mro.com/betterhalfdash and donating to their favorite driver. The driver with the most donations will lead the field to the green flag.

In the race, the husbands will stay on the sidelines and act as crew chiefs and spotters for their better halves. However, no engine, chassis or suspension modifications can be made.

The winning driver will receive $10,000 to be paid to different charities: $2,500 will be donated to Speedway Children’s Charities while another $2,500 will go to Motor Racing Outreach. The remaining $5,000 will be donated to charities of the winner’s choice.

Although Pastrana is looking for another win, it isn’t all about the competition. She enjoys the camaraderie that the drivers and their husbands develop with other racing couples.

“It’s definitely a really fun experience,” Pastrana said. “It’s cool to get to know some of the other wives and bring the community together a little bit more.”

Bojangles’ Pole Night tickets are $12 in advance or $20 on the day of the event. Kids 13 and under get in free. Tickets for all October races at Charlotte Motor Speedway can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).