2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
| 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season | |||
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The 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series began on February 10, 2002, and ended on November 17, 2002. Tony Stewart, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, was declared as the Winston Cup champion. The NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship was captured by Ford after winning 14 events and gaining 245 points over second-place finisher Chevrolet, who had 10 wins and 211 points.[1] This was the final season for the non-common template bodies. The following season would require all manufacturers to use the same roof line.
Contents
- 1 Teams and drivers
- 2 Budweiser Shootout
- 3 Gatorade Twin 125s
- 4 Daytona 500
- 5 Subway 400
- 6 UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400
- 7 MBNA America 500
- 8 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
- 9 Food City 500
- 10 Samsung/Radio Shack 500
- 11 Virginia 500
- 12 Aaron's 499
- 13 NAPA Auto Parts 500
- 14 Pontiac Excitement 400
- 15 The Winston
- 16 Coca-Cola 600
- 17 MBNA Platinum 400
- 18 Pocono 500
- 19 Sirius 400
- 20 Dodge/Save Mart 350
- 21 Pepsi 400
- 22 Tropicana 400
- 23 New England 300
- 24 Pennsylvania 500
- 25 Brickyard 400
- 26 Sirius at the Glen
- 27 Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer Jack
- 28 Sharpie 500
- 29 Mountain Dew Southern 500
- 30 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400
- 31 New Hampshire 300
- 32 MBNA All-American Heroes 400
- 33 Protection One 400
- 34 EA Sports 500
- 35 UAW-GM Quality 500
- 36 Old Dominion 500
- 37 NAPA 500
- 38 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
- 39 Checker Auto Parts 500
- 40 Ford 400
- 41 Final points standings
- 42 Rookie of the Year
- 43 References
Teams and drivers
Complete schedule
Limited schedule
Budweiser Shootout
The exhibition Budweiser Shootout race, for drivers that won a pole position in the previous season or previously won the event, was held on February 10 at Daytona International Speedway.
Top ten results
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 36- Ken Schrader
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 1- Kenny Wallace
- 66- Todd Bodine
Gatorade Twin 125s
The Gatorade 125s qualifying for the Daytona 500 were held on February 14 at Daytona International Speedway.
Race one: Top ten results
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 36- Ken Schrader
- 21- Ricky Rudd
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 33- Mike Wallace
- 22- Ward Burton
- 88- Dale Jarrett
Race two: Top ten results
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 25- Jerry Nadeau
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 71- Dave Marcis
- 43- John Andretti
- 1- Kenny Wallace
- 4- Mike Skinner
Daytona 500
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The 2002 Daytona 500 was held on Sunday, February 17. Rookie Jimmie Johnson won the pole, while Ward Burton won the race. This was the first Daytona 500 after the death of Dale Earnhardt.
Top ten results
- 22 - Ward Burton
- 21 - Elliott Sadler
- 09 - Geoffrey Bodine
- 97 - Kurt Busch
- 15 - Michael Waltrip
- 6 - Mark Martin
- 12 - Ryan Newman
- 40 - Sterling Marlin
- 24 - Jeff Gordon
- 10 - Johnny Benson, Jr.
- This race had a bizarre ending. As the field took the restart with 5 laps to go, a multi car accident involving 5 cars took place at the start/finish line when a driver missed a gear, bringing out the caution flag once again. Headed down the front straightaway going into turn 1, Sterling Marlin went to the inside of Jeff Gordon battling for the lead and when they made contact, Gordon's car was sent spinning. This incident pushed the fender of Marlin's car in towards his tire. Sterling Marlin would beat Ward Burton back to the caution flag for the lead. As the red flag was thrown to give crews time to clean up the race track to try and ensure a green flag finish, NASCAR reviewed Marlin's move as it appeared he had gone below the yellow line on the inside to pass Jeff Gordon, which is now illegal on NASCAR's restrictor plate tracks. While under the red flag, Marlin got out of his race car and started pulling on his fender, something in violation of NASCAR's rule of working on the car under the red flag. This penalty sent Marlin back to the end of the line for the restart, giving Ward Burton the race lead for when they went back to the green flag.
- On lap 148, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon made contact battling for position in turn 1, triggering an 18-car accident.
- This race would mark the final career start of longtime driver Dave Marcis. Marcis' run was shortened 79 laps into the race due to engine problems.
Subway 400
The Subway 400 was held on February 24 at North Carolina Speedway. Ricky Craven won the pole.
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 55- Bobby Hamilton
- 1- Kenny Wallace
Failed to qualify: Dick Trickle (No. 71), Randy Renfrow (No. 59), Carl Long (No. 85)
- With about five laps to go, the caution was brought out for debris. Multiple teams were hoping the race would go back green, but NASCAR decided to end the race under caution, giving Matt Kenseth the victory.
UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400
The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 3 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Todd Bodine won the pole in an unsponsored Travis Carter Motorsports entry; the No. 66 got a one race deal with CSK Auto after qualifying.
Top ten results
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 6- Mark Martin
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 41- Jimmy Spencer
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (No. 57)
MBNA America 500
The MBNA America 500 was held on March 10 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole.
Top ten results
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 22- Ward Burton
- 6- Mark Martin
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 12- Ryan Newman
Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday (No. 57), Carl Long (No. 85)
An incident in the previous race with a spin by Sterling Marlin led to a new rule change. After 11 years, NASCAR changed pit road speeding penalties; if a driver was caught speeding on the approach to the pit stall, the penalty was no longer a 15-second penalty; rather, the penalty was a pit pass-through, which also became the penalty for speeding on the pit exit, instead of a stop-and-go. The stop-and-go was used only for repeat violations.
Carolina Dodge Dealers 400
The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held on March 17 at Darlington Raceway. Ricky Craven won the pole.
Top ten results
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 21- Elliott Sadler
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 9- Bill Elliott
Failed to qualify: none
- Marlin had to start at the back after changing an engine in happy hour. By the halfway point he was already in 3rd place.
- Tony Stewart was shaken up after a grinding 11 car crash late in the race.
- This race also marked the return of Steve Park after his injuries suffered in a NASCAR Busch Series event at Darlington in September 2001. Park crashed early.
- This was Marlin's last career Cup Series victory.
Food City 500
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The Food City 500 was held on March 24 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 41- Jimmy Spencer
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 25- Jerry Nadeau
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 29- Kevin Harvick
Failed to qualify: none
- Stewart started the race 13th and led 74 laps, but was replaced by Todd Bodine during a caution due to some pain sustained from the Darlington Race the previous week. Todd was able to finish the race in 15th.
- This was Busch's first career victory, and was the continuation (Spencer wrecked Busch in the 2001 Phoenix race) of what would later become a very heated rivalry between him and Spencer.
Samsung/Radio Shack 500
The Samsung/Radio Shack 500 was held at Texas Motor Speedway on April 8. Bill Elliott won the pole. The race was postponed from Sunday to Monday due to rain.
Top ten results
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 6- Mark Martin
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 41- Jimmy Spencer
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 5- Terry Labonte
Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday (No. 57)
Virginia 500
The Virginia 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on April 14, 2002. Jeff Gordon won the pole.
Top ten results
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 6- Mark Martin
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 97- Kurt Busch
Kevin Harvick was banned from competing in the race due to reckless driving in the Advance Auto Parts 250 Truck Series race the day before when he intentionally wrecked driver Coy Gibbs. Kenny Wallace drove the No. 29 in his place.
Failed to qualify: Randy Renfrow (No. 59)
Aaron's 499
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The Aaron's 499 was held at Talladega Superspeedway on April 21, 2002. Jimmie Johnson won the pole. The "Big One" took out at least 24 cars on lap 164 when Kyle Petty got out of the draft and sent Tony Stewart in the wall and then mayhem erupted.
Top ten results
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 45- Kyle Petty
Failed to qualify: Shawna Robinson (No. 49), Rick Mast (No. 90), Bobby Gerhart (No. 59), Dick Trickle (No. 91)
NAPA Auto Parts 500
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The NAPA Auto Parts 500 was held at California Speedway on April 28, 2002. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
- 48- Jimmie Johnson*
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 6- Mark Martin
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 77- Dave Blaney
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was involved in a hard crash when Kevin Harvick cut down a tire and hit Jr's car, sending him head-on into the outside wall. He suffered a severe concussion, but kept the injury a secret for several months and did not miss any races.
- The win was Jimmie Johnson's first career Winston Cup victory.
- Greg Biffle made his first NASCAR Winston Cup race, qualifying in an entry for Andy Petree Racing. Greg finished in 13th
Failed to qualify: Brendan Gaughan (No. 62), Chad Little (No. 74), Hermie Sadler (No. 02)
Pontiac Excitement 400
The Pontiac Excitement 400 was scheduled to be run at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night, but rain ended up stopping the race after 66 laps, the remainder was run on Sunday, May 5, during the daytime. Ward Burton won the pole.
Top ten results
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 6- Mark Martin
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 44- Steve Grissom
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 41- Jimmy Spencer
Failed to qualify: Kevin Grubb (No. 54)
Johnny Benson was injured in an accident in the Busch Series race the night before and replaced by Joe Nemechek and subsequently Jerry Nadeau.
The Winston
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Ryan Newman held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win The Winston. He also won the No Bull 5 Sprint earlier that day.
Coca-Cola 600
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The Coca-Cola 600 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 26, 2002. Jimmie Johnson won the pole.
Top ten results
- 6- Mark Martin
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 2- Rusty Wallace
Failed to qualify: Chad Little (No. 74), Carl Long (No. 85), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Randy Renfrow (No. 59)
- This was Mark Martin's first win in 73 races since Martinsville back in April 2000. Not only did Martin snap his win-less drought, he also won the No Bull 5 million dollar bonus for this race after finishing in the top 5 at Las Vegas just two months ago. He is also the first and only driver not named Jeff or Dale to win the bonus.
MBNA Platinum 400
The MBNA Platinum 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on June 2. Matt Kenseth won the pole position.
Top ten results
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 55- Bobby Hamilton
- 21- Elliott Sadler
Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (No. 37), Hermie Sadler (No. 90), Randy Renfrow (No. 59)
Pocono 500
The Pocono 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on June 9. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Sterling Marlin started on the pole.
Top ten results
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 6- Mark Martin
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 77- Dave Blaney
Failed to qualify: none
- This race ended under caution as Ricky Rudd crashed, bringing out the yellow flag before the leaders took the white flag.
Sirius 400
The Sirius 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on June 16. Dale Jarrett won the pole.
Top ten results
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 6- Mark Martin
- 97- Kurt Busch
Failed to qualify: none
Dodge/Save Mart 350
The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held at Infineon Raceway on June 23. Tony Stewart won the pole.
Top ten results
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 30- Jeff Green
- 21- Elliott Sadler
- 6- Mark Martin
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 43- John Andretti
Failed to qualify: Brandon Ash (No. 46), Stacy Compton (No. 14)
- Jerry Nadeau nearly won the race when his rear-end gear failed, causing him to stop his No. 44 car with less than 3 laps to go. The lead changed to Ricky Rudd, who held on to win.
- This was Ricky Rudd's first win at Sonoma since winning the inaugural race in 1989. He almost won the 1991 race, but was black-flagged when he spun Davey Allison during the final lap to take the lead.
- This was Rudd's last career Cup series victory.
Pepsi 400
The Pepsi 400 was held at Daytona International Speedway on July 6. Kevin Harvick won the pole.
Top ten results
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 41- Jimmy Spencer
- 6- Mark Martin
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 26- Todd Bodine
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 22- Ward Burton
- 09- Geoffrey Bodine
Failed to qualify: Ed Berrier (No. 90), Steve Grissom (No. 44)
- A multi-car crash occurred with 25 laps remaining when Dale Jarrett got down low and turned back up into traffic, blocking the entire track. Joe Nemechek went head-on into the wall and Brett Bodine caught fire.
- This was Michael Waltrip's second win both in his career and at Daytona, still driving the No. 15 NAPA Auto Parts-sponsored Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
- This was DEI's second Pepsi 400 win in a row and their second race victory overall.
- This was the first Pepsi 400 televised by Fox, and the first race at Daytona to be so since the previous year's Daytona 500 (also won by Waltrip), as the next two Daytona races—last year's Pespi 400 and the 2002 Daytona 500—were both broadcast by NBC.
- This race ended under the caution flag.
Tropicana 400
The Tropicana 400 was held at Chicagoland Speedway on July 14, 2002. Ryan Newman won the pole and Kevin Harvick won the race.
Top ten results
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 6- Mark Martin
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday (No. 49), Kirk Shelmerdine (No. 72), Tony Raines (No. 74), Scott Wimmer (No. 27)
- One lap after the restart with 70 laps to go, Kevin Harvick steered the car to the apron and made a good pass but he lost it when passing on the apron and spun out into a grass in turn 1 that causing the other three cars to lose control and spun out including Jerry Nadeau, Elliott Sadler and Jimmy Spencer. He leads the race just 46 laps later to win the race for the second straight year and ends Harvick a 35-race winless streak which refers the nickname "Apron Dance Deron".
New England 300
The New England 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 21. Bill Elliott won the pole.
Top ten results
- 22- Ward Burton*
- 30- Jeff Green
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 26- Todd Bodine
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 21- Elliott Sadler
- This was Ward Burton's final Cup victory.
Failed to qualify: none
Pennsylvania 500
The Pennsylvania 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on July 28. Bill Elliott swept both qualifying and the race. The race was shortened to 175 laps due to darkness, because of two lengthy red flags – one for rain, and one for fence repairs after Steve Park (who barrel-rolled multiple times) and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. wrecked on the first lap.
Top ten results
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 5- Terry Labonte
- 28- Ricky Rudd
Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 79)
Brickyard 400
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The Brickyard 400 was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 4. Tony Stewart won the pole. This was the first race to feature Steel and Foam Reduction (SAFER) barrier at Indianapolis that will used to make racing accidents safer.
Top ten results
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 1- Steve Park
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 88- Dale Jarrett
Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday (No. 49), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Scott Wimmer (No. 27), Tony Raines (No. 74), Jim Sauter (No. 71), Stuart Kirby (No. 57), P. J. Jones (No. 50)
- The SAFER barrier was first tested by Brett Bodine on lap 11 and Kurt Busch, in which Jimmy Spencer spun out Busch on lap 36 in turn 3.
- Tony Stewart is the only driver to start at the pole in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400.
Sirius at the Glen
The Sirius at the Glen was held at Watkins Glen International Raceway on August 11. Ricky Rudd won the pole. Tony Stewart led the most laps with 34. Robby Gordon controlled the race early leading for 21 laps. On the final restart, Tony Stewart appeared to have restarted too early and despite this won the race. A cloud of controversy over the restart tainted the finish of the race. Ryan Newman's team owner Roger Penske protested, but Stewart's win was upheld by officials days later.
Top ten results
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 31- Robby Gordon
- 14- P. J. Jones*
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 41- Scott Pruett
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 26- Todd Bodine
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 6- Mark Martin
Failed to qualify: Austin Cameron (No. 62), Shane Lewis (No. 09), Justin Bell (No. 46), Jimmy Spencer (No. 42)
- - P. J. Jones' first ever top five.
Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer Jack
The Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer Jack was held at Michigan International Speedway on August 18. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole.
Top ten results
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 6- Mark Martin
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 30- Jeff Green
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Failed to qualify: Greg Biffle (No. 16)
- This was the last race Melling Racing competed in, finishing 26th with Stacy Compton who actually led 3 laps on a pit cycle.
Sharpie 500
The Sharpie 500 was held at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 24. Jeff Gordon won the pole. This race is remembered for Jeff Gordon using the "Bump and Run" to get underneath and past Rusty Wallace to end a winless drought that dated back to the end of 2001. The race was also marred with on-track confrontations, including Ward Burton who threw heel pads at Dale Earnhardt, Jr. after Earnhardt wrecked him on lap 405, which caused Burton to be summoned to the Big Red Truck.
Top ten results
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 29- Kevin Harvick
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 41- Jimmy Spencer
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 14- Mike Wallace
Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Carl Long (No. 51), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89), Tim Sauter (No. 71)
Mountain Dew Southern 500
The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held at Darlington Speedway on September 1. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Sterling Marlin started on the pole.
Top ten results
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 40- Sterling Marlin
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 22- Ward Burton
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 99- Jeff Burton
Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 51)
Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 was held at Richmond International Raceway on September 7. Jimmie Johnson won the pole. The race was billed as the Looney Tunes Rematch as 8 Chevrolet drivers drove special paint schemes of the Looney Tunes characters. The drivers were Jeff Green/Daffy Duck, Bobby Hamilton/Marvin the Martian, Jimmie Johnson/Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird, Mike Skinner/Yosemite Sam, and Joe Nemechek/Speedy Gonzales. Terry Labonte/Wile E. Coyote and The Roadrunner, Kevin Harvick/Tasmanian Devil, and Robby Gordon/Pepe Le Pew. Jeff Gordon planned to run a Bugs Bunny paint scheme but he crashed the car in practice, leaving Gordon to bring out his back-up car.
Top ten results
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 30- Jeff Green
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 26- Todd Bodine
- 6- Mark Martin
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 22- Ward Burton
- 77- Dave Blaney
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 51)
- To the rear, No. 24 Jeff Gordon (back-up car)
- Greg Biffle drove in place of Bobby Hamilton who suffered injuries in the Craftsman Truck Series race held the Thursday before.
- There was a charity golf cart race sponsored by Students Against Violence which teamed the drivers with their respective Looney Tunes character, Jeff Green won the race paired with Daffy Duck.[2] Jeff Gordon fell out of his golf cart and suffered a bruised hand but was still participated in the race.
- During the pre-race, a pace car blew an engine and laid oil down turns 3 and 4. On lap the first few laps, several drivers went sliding and Jeff Burton, Jimmy Spencer, and Sterling Marlin, the points leader and competing in the No Bull wrecked on lap 7. Marlin would suffer several injuries from that wreck but raced until Kansas when a more serious injury occurred.
New Hampshire 300
The New Hampshire 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on September 15. Ryan Newman won the pole. The race was shortened to 207 laps due to rain.
Top ten results
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 17- Matt Kenseth
Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 51)
- This was Ryan Newman's first career cup series points victory
MBNA All-American Heroes 400
The MBNA All-American Heroes 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on September 22. Rusty Wallace won the pole. . Hideo Fukuyama made his Cup series debut in this race, becoming the first Japanese driver to start a NASCAR points race.[3]
Top ten results
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 6- Mark Martin
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 10- Johnny Benson*
Failed to qualify: Scott Wimmer (No. 27), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Morgan Shepherd (No. 51)
- Jimmie Johnson swept both Dover races.
- Johnson with this win also ties Tony Stewart's record for most wins in a season as a rookie in the Cup series.
Protection One 400
The Protection One 400 was held at Kansas Speedway on September 29. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the pole.
Top ten results
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 19- Jeremy Mayfield
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- Due to a neck injury suffered in a crash, Sterling Marlin did not race again for the rest of the season.
- Jimmie Johnson is now the points leader, the first time that a Rookie driver has led the points standings in NASCAR history.
Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (No. 11), Kirk Shelmerdine (No. 27), Carl Long (No. 51)
EA Sports 500
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The EA Sports 500 was held at Talladega Superspeedway on October 6. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Jimmie Johnson started on the pole. The race was caution-free for the third time in five years at Talladega.
Top ten results
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 30- Jeff Green
- 1- Steve Park
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 15- Michael Waltrip
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 22- Ward Burton
Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (No. 51), Geoffrey Bodine (No. 09), Robert Pressley (No. 92), Kerry Earnhardt (No. 83)
- In a bizarre event, during the pace laps, Mark Martin had a steering problem and crashed into Jimmie Johnson. Martin was black-flagged prior to the race start so NASCAR could verify his steering was working properly, while Johnson did not pit until the conclusion of the first green flag lap. Due to the caution free race, neither driver was able to recover from the incident.
- Jamie McMurray began driving duties for Sterling Marlin in this race. This was his first career start. He finished in 26th
- All Hendrick Motorsports engines failed during the race (Jeff Gordon, Joe Nemecheck, Jimmie Johnson, Terry Labonte, as well as Johnny Benson and Ken Schrader)
- This is the last NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race to go flag to flag green as of 2014.
UAW-GM Quality 500
The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 13. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Tony Stewart started on the pole.
Top ten results
- 40- Jamie McMurray*
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 8- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- 77- Dave Blaney
Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 59), Kirk Shelmerdine (No. 72), Scott Wimmer (No. 27), Jack Sprague (No. 60), Kerry Earnhardt (No. 83), Ron Hornaday (No. 54)
- Rain caused the start of the race to be delayed over 3 hours. After the rain stopped, NASCAR decided to start the race under yellow for the first 5 laps as the track continued to dry.
- The race went green at 3:45 pm Charlotte time (Eastern). Sunset time was 6:51 pm, the race was completed at 7:17, The late finish contributed to a large jump in ratings for the NBC telecast. NASCAR decided to move the fall race at Charlotte from Sunday afternoon to Saturday night for 2003.
- Jamie McMurray, subbing for an injured Sterling Marlin, won his first race in his second career start, setting a new modern era NASCAR record for quickest win.
Old Dominion 500
The Old Dominion 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on October 20. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 10- Johnny Benson
- 28- Ricky Rudd
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 22- Ward Burton
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 6- Mark Martin
Failed to qualify: Brian Rose (No. 51), Carl Long (No. 59), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89), Ryan McGlynn (No. 80), Kirk Shelmerdine (No. 27)
NAPA 500
The NAPA 500 was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 27. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Tony Stewart started on the pole. The race was shortened to 248 laps due to rain.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 40- Jamie McMurray
- 6- Mark Martin
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 12- Ryan Newman
Failed to qualify: Geoffrey Bodine (No. 09), Frank Kimmel (No. 66), Scott Wimmer (No. 27), Greg Biffle (No. 16), Buckshot Jones (No. 00), Jack Sprague (No. 60), Kerry Earnhardt (No. 83), Ron Hornaday (No. 54)
Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400
The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held at North Carolina Speedway on November 3. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
- 10- Johnny Benson*
- 6- Mark Martin
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 31- Mike Skinner
- 18- Bobby Labonte
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 32- Ricky Craven
- 30- Jeff Green
Failed to qualify: Tony Raines (No. 74), Tim Sauter (No. 71), Carl Long (No. 59), Ron Hornaday (No. 54), Hideo Fukuyama (No. 66)
- This would be Johnny Benson's first (and only) Cup Series win.
- Mark Martin failed post-race inspection after an illegal left front spring was discovered. Martin was penalized 25 driver points.
Checker Auto Parts 500
The Checker Auto Parts 500 was held at Phoenix International Raceway on November 10. Ryan Newman won the pole.
Top ten results
- 17- Matt Kenseth
- 2- Rusty Wallace
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 6- Mark Martin
- 8- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 77- Dave Blaney
- 20- Tony Stewart
- 88- Dale Jarrett
- 21- Elliott Sadler
Failed to qualify: Ted Musgrave (No. 07), Jack Sprague (No. 60), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Jerry Robertson (No. 51), Morgan Shepherd (No. 89), Jeff Jefferson (No. 37), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Mike Harmon (No. 93)
- Tony Stewart finished 8th and Mark Martin finished 4th. Stewart needed to finish 22nd or better to clinch the first championship in 3 years next week at Homestead. However, Martin's appeal was denied during the qualifying at Homestead and didn't upheld that resulted the points margin reduced from 89 to 64 points.
Ford 400
The Ford 400 was held at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 17. Kurt Busch won the pole.
Top ten results
- 97- Kurt Busch
- 25- Joe Nemechek
- 99- Jeff Burton
- 6- Mark Martin
- 24- Jeff Gordon
- 12- Ryan Newman
- 9- Bill Elliott
- 48- Jimmie Johnson
- 21- Elliott Sadler
- 55- Bobby Hamilton
Failed to qualify: David Green (No. 54), Brett Bodine (No. 11), Hermie Sadler (No. 02), Tony Raines (No. 74), Boris Said (No. 67), Carl Long (No. 59), Geoffrey Bodine (No. 09), Mike Harmon (No. 93)
- Tony Stewart clinches the Championship. He would be the last driver who would clinch in the last race before the Chase.
Final points standings
- Tony Stewart – 4800
- Mark Martin – 4762
- Kurt Busch – 4641
- Jeff Gordon – 4607
- Jimmie Johnson (R) – 4600
- Ryan Newman (R) – 4593
- Rusty Wallace – 4574
- Matt Kenseth – 4432
- Dale Jarrett – 4415
- Ricky Rudd – 4323
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 4270
- Jeff Burton – 4259
- Bill Elliott – 4158
- Michael Waltrip – 3985
- Ricky Craven – 3888
- Bobby Labonte – 3810
- Jeff Green – 3704
- Sterling Marlin – 3703
- Dave Blaney – 3670
- Robby Gordon – 3632
- Kevin Harvick – 3501
- Kyle Petty – 3501
- Elliott Sadler – 3418
- Terry Labonte – 3417
- Ward Burton – 3362
- Jeremy Mayfield – 3309
- Jimmy Spencer – 3187
- John Andretti – 3161
- Johnny Benson – 3132
- Ken Schrader – 2954
- Mike Skinner – 2886
- Bobby Hamilton – 2832
- Steve Park – 2694
- Joe Nemechek – 2682
- Casey Atwood – 2621
- Brett Bodine – 2276
- Jerry Nadeau – 2250
- Todd Bodine – 1987
- Kenny Wallace – 1868
- Hut Stricklin – 1781
- Mike Wallace – 1551
- Stacy Compton – 1557
- Geoffrey Bodine – 803
- Steve Grissom - 769
- Hermie Sadler (R) - 688
- Jamie McMurray - 679
- Rick Mast - 576
- Greg Biffle - 570
- Buckshot Jones - 559
- Ted Musgrave - 452
- Tony Raines - 382
- Derrike Cope - 361
- Shawna Robinson (R) - 361
Source: ESPN.com
Rookie of the Year
Because he had more wins, a teammate/mentor in Jeff Gordon, and the higher position in points, Jimmie Johnson was the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. But in the end, his rival Ryan Newman was named the victor. Newman's one win seemed mild to Johnson's record-tying three victories and even leading the championship standings at one point, but Newman broke the record for pole positions. The rookie points system is separate from the championship system, and only a driver's 15 best finishes counted towards the award. Newman's 15 best finishes were better than Johnson's, despite Johnson having the better run in championship points. Shawna Robinson and Carl Long, the only other racers who declared for the award, did not run enough races to remain eligible.
