Anisha Dutta
‘Racing Wives‘ is a show about the better halves of leading NASCAR drivers that airs on CMT. It highlights five filthy rich women and their extravagant lives in “opulent, eye-popping mansions” of Lake Norman, North Carolina. Branded as a NASCAR counterpart of VH1’s ‘Basketball Wives‘, it narrates their stories of balancing family life with personal ambitions, tackling the struggles of fitting in with others from the same societal strata, and making a name in the historically male-dominated sport.
The show had a decent first season in terms of the ratings. Now the question is, will there be a ‘Racing Wives’ season 2? Here’s everything we know about it.
Racing Wives Cast
‘Racing Wives’ revolves around a group of five women — sisters-in-law Samantha Busch and Ashley Busch; best friends Whitney Ward Dillon and Mariel Lane Swan; and aspiring driver Amber Balcaen. Balcaen is credited as the only racer among the leading cast members. Samantha is married to Kyle Busch (No. 18 Toyota driver) and she co-owns Kyle Busch Motorsports, is an IVF advocate, and runs the Murph Boutique clothing line. Her favorite reality show is ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ and she has a 4-year-old son, Brexton.
Ashley Busch is married to Kurt Busch (No. 1 Chevrolet driver). She is a professional polo player and owns the Monarch Reign bathing suit line. Whitney Ward Dillon is the spouse of Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet driver). A former NFL cheerleader and Monster Energy Girl, she is the co-owner of Shop The WM jewelry company. Mariel Lane Swan is married to Paul Swan (tire carrier on No. 3 Chevrolet team) and Amber Balcaen, an upcoming NASCAR driver, holds a knack for racing since the age of 10.
If the show is renewed for season 2, you can definitely expect Samantha Busch, Ashley Busch, Whitney Ward Dillon, Mariel Lane Swan and Amber Balcaen to be back. They might be joined one or two new members.
What is Racing Wives About?
‘Racing Wives‘ throws the spotlight on the extravagant lifestyles of race car drivers and their spouses, residing in Charlotte, North Carolina. The show opens by introducing the leading cast members and explores the relationships between the Busch sisters-in-law, Whitney Dillon, Mariel Swan, and Amber Balcaen. Apart from this, it showcases some of the leading NASCAR charity events, including Catwalk for a Cause, launched by Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. Hosted by Truex and Sherry Pollex, this is the 10th annual event from the duo that lends its support to kids with cancer and its survivors.
Of course, each episode also has its own share of funny and dramatic moments, that revolve around the relationship of the players with their wives. This is to be expected since every reality show comes with its own share of manufactured drama — an element that makes such titles a favorite among fans. For example, on one scene, Balcaen attempts to drive for Kyle Busch Motorsports and searches for sponsors, leading to a bit of conflict with Samantha and Kyle, who wish to feature Mariel instead.
‘Racing Wives’ can be described as an amalgamation of the ‘Real Housewives‘ franchise and ‘Southern Charm’, with hints of NASCAR. Additionally, it is set against the backdrop of Charlotte, which is obvious since it houses the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Moreover, North Carolina is a huge racing hub, multiple racers and their spouses live here, especially in and around Lake Norman. Their lifestyles, which comprise elaborate mansions, extravagant parties, and expensive cars, are the prime focus of the show. Hence, it offers the potential to bring in the much-needed guilty pleasure for fans of reality TV.
Has Racing Wives Been Renewed For Season 2?
‘Racing Wives’ season 1 premiered on CMT on Friday, August 2, 2019. Although the series was previously scheduled to air in January 2019, for unknown reasons, its debut date was postponed.
After its release, ‘Racing Wives’ received mixed reviews from fans and critics. While some loved it, others felt it didn’t offer anything new. As far as the next season goes, we don’t have an official announcement yet. Though considering the popularity other shows of similar nature, CMT might be tempted to give it at least one more go.If renewed, ‘Racing Wives’ season 2 can release sometime in August, 2020. We will update this section as soon as we hear more.
Racing Wives Trailer
Below is the official sneak peek for season 1 of the show. You can also head to show’s official website if you wish to check out clips from the show and catch up on all its previous episodes.
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