What Is 2000 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series was the 25th season of the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series, a short-lived support series featuring compact production cars that raced on ovals and road courses across the United States. It ran from 1975 to 2003, with the 2000 season consisting of 11 races and won by Kelly Moore.

Key Facts

The 2000 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series was the 25th season of the series
It featured 11 races held between February and October 2000
Kelly Moore won the 2000 championship with 3 race victories
The series used compact production-based cars like the Dodge Neon and Chevrolet Cobalt
NASCAR discontinued the series after 2003 due to declining interest and sponsorship

Overview

The 2000 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series marked the 25th season of a unique NASCAR developmental division that showcased compact, production-based race cars. Designed to provide affordable entry-level competition, the series supported major NASCAR events and offered exposure to up-and-coming drivers.

While not as prominent as the Cup Series, the Goody's Dash Series played a crucial role in driver development and short-track racing culture. The 2000 season featured close competition, grassroots sponsorship, and races primarily held on ovals and road courses across the eastern U.S.

11 races were held during the 2000 season, beginning at Daytona International Speedway in February and concluding at Martinsville Speedway in October.
Kelly Moore claimed the 2000 championship after winning 3 races and maintaining consistent top-ten finishes throughout the season.
The series used compact production cars such as the Dodge Neon, Chevrolet Cobalt, and Ford Focus, modified to strict NASCAR specifications.
Goody's served as the title sponsor, continuing a partnership that began in the mid-1990s and helped fund prize money and marketing.
Each race averaged 25–30 drivers, with a mix of seasoned racers and young talents aiming to advance to higher NASCAR series.

How It Works

The NASCAR Goody's Dash Series operated under a tightly regulated set of rules to ensure parity and affordability for teams. Designed as a stepping stone, it emphasized driver skill over high budgets, with standardized parts and limited modifications.

Car Specifications: All vehicles were based on compact models like the Dodge Neon. They featured tube-frame chassis, sealed engines, and a weight of approximately 2,600 pounds.
Engine Rules: The series mandated a 2.0L inline-four engine, sealed by NASCAR to prevent tuning advantages and keep costs low for teams.
Race Format: Events were typically 100 miles or 100 laps, lasting under an hour, and ran as support races during NASCAR weekends.
Driver Eligibility: Drivers needed a valid NASCAR license and had to be at least 18 years old, with no prior Cup Series starts allowed to maintain the developmental focus.
Scoring System: Points were awarded based on finishing position, with 180 for a win and decreasing increments down to 34th place.
Safety Standards: Cars included full roll cages, Six-point harnesses, and fuel cells to meet NASCAR’s evolving safety requirements for short-track racing.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2000 Goody's Dash Series with other NASCAR series of the same year:

Series	Races in 2000	Chassis Type	Engine Size	Champion
Goody's Dash Series	11	Compact-based tube frame	2.0L I4	Kelly Moore
NASCAR Cup Series	34	Steel tube frame (Generation 4)	5.8L V8	Bobby Labonte
NASCAR Busch Series	32	Steel tube frame	5.8L V8	Jeff Green
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series	24	Steel tube frame with pickup body	5.8L V8	Tony Stewart
ARCA Menards Series	22	Steel frame, full-size body	5.8L V8	Steve Wallace

The Goody's Dash Series stood out for its use of smaller engines and compact platforms, making it the most affordable and accessible of NASCAR’s national series in 2000. While other series focused on full-size vehicles and larger engines, the Dash Series prioritized close racing and cost control, attracting regional talent and grassroots teams.

Why It Matters

The 2000 Goody's Dash Series, though overshadowed by larger NASCAR divisions, contributed significantly to motorsport development and diversity in racing formats. It offered a rare platform for drivers without major sponsorships to gain national exposure and experience.

Development Pipeline: The series served as a proving ground for drivers like Brandon Butler and Casey Mears, who later moved to higher series.
Cost Efficiency: With entry costs under $50,000 per car, it remained one of the most budget-friendly NASCAR-sanctioned series.
Manufacturer Involvement: Dodge and Chevrolet supported the series with factory-backed parts programs, promoting their compact models.
Fan Engagement: Short races and tight competition made it a favorite among grassroots racing fans attending NASCAR weekends.
Historical Legacy: As one of the few series to use compact cars, it filled a unique niche in NASCAR’s history from 1975 to 2003.
Discontinuation: The series ended in 2003 due to declining entries and loss of sponsorship, marking the end of an era in developmental racing.

Though no longer active, the 2000 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series remains a notable chapter in NASCAR’s efforts to diversify competition and support emerging talent through accessible motorsport platforms.