NASCAR’s ‘Luckiest Dog’ Races to Finish Line

Rescue dog’s photo is featured on a racecar as part of NASCAR prize package.

Posted: December 17, 2009, 5 a.m. EST

Kasey's winning photo

Kasey, a 4-year-old rescue dog, came in 12th at NASCAR’s Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 race held in November in Phoenix. That is, the racecar sporting her photo did.

Kasey’s photograph was plastered on the side of car No. 18 as a prize for winning “The Luckiest Dog of NASCAR” contest, sponsored by Pedigree brand dog food.

In addition, Kasey’s owners, Joan and Charles Petit of Kellar, Texas, received a three-day, two-night trip to the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 to see the car with their dog’s photo on it race around the track. Pedigree is a sponsor of the racecar, which is driven by Kyle Busch.

Kyle Busch with Kasey's owners Joan
and Charles Petit in front of the Pedigree racecar with her face on it.

“In NASCAR terminology, a ‘lucky dog’ gives the driver of the next lapped car behind the leader a lap back during a caution,” said Charles Petit, an avid NASCAR fan. “Kasey is our lucky dog. We gave her a second chance at life and, thanks to Pedigree, she gave us the opportunity of a lifetime.”

“The Luckiest Dog of NASCAR” contest, held throughout the racing season, invited fans to submit a race-themed photo of their dog. A panel of judges, which included Busch, selected Kasey as the winner out of 1,443 entries.