2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series


















2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series
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Champions | Seasons

The 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup season was the 53rd season of professional stock car racing in the United States, the 30th modern-era Cup series, and the first Cup season of the 21st century and the third millennium. It began on February 11, 2001, at Daytona International Speedway and ended on November 23, 2001, at New Hampshire International Speedway. Jeff Gordon of Hendrick Motorsports was declared as the series champion for the fourth time in seven years.


The season was marred by a two-car collision at the end of the season-opening Daytona 500, which claimed the life of seven-time Series champion Dale Earnhardt. The accident resulted in safety upgrades being instituted. It also was the first year to have a unified television contract with Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and Turner Sports broadcasting the season's races; previous seasons saw each racetrack negotiate their own TV coverage, creating a patchwork of broadcast companies covering races throughout the season. Dodge returned to the sport for the first time since 1985. Chevrolet captured the NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship with 16 wins and 248 points.[1]




Contents






  • 1 Teams and drivers


    • 1.1 Complete schedule


    • 1.2 Limited schedule




  • 2 Schedule


  • 3 Races


  • 4 Budweiser Shootout


  • 5 Gatorade 125s


  • 6 43rd Daytona 500


  • 7 Dura Lube 400


  • 8 UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400


  • 9 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500


  • 10 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400


  • 11 Food City 500


  • 12 Harrah's 500


  • 13 Virginia 500


  • 14 Talladega 500


  • 15 NAPA Auto Parts 500


  • 16 Pontiac Excitement 400


  • 17 The Winston


  • 18 Coca-Cola 600


  • 19 MBNA Platinum 400


  • 20 Kmart 400


  • 21 Pocono 500


  • 22 Dodge/Save Mart 350


  • 23 Pepsi 400


  • 24 Tropicana 400


  • 25 New England 300


  • 26 Pennsylvania 500


  • 27 Brickyard 400


  • 28 Global Crossing at the Glen


  • 29 Pepsi 400 presented by Meijer


  • 30 Sharpie 500


  • 31 Mountain Dew Southern 500


  • 32 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400


  • 33 MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400


  • 34 Protection One 400


  • 35 UAW-GM Quality 500


  • 36 Old Dominion 500


  • 37 EA Sports 500


  • 38 Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil


  • 39 Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400


  • 40 Pennzoil Freedom 400


  • 41 NAPA 500


  • 42 New Hampshire 300


  • 43 Final points standings


  • 44 Rookie of the Year


  • 45 Facts


  • 46 See also


  • 47 References


  • 48 External links





Teams and drivers



Complete schedule






































































































































































































































































Car(s)
Team

No.
Driver(s)
Crew Chief

Chevrolet

Andy Petree Racing
33

Joe Nemechek 31

Chris Carrier

Bobby Hamilton Jr. 3

Wally Dallenbach Jr. 1

Scott Pruett 1
55

Bobby Hamilton

Jimmy Elledge

Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
1

Steve Park 24

Paul Andrews

Kenny Wallace 12
8

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Tony Eury Sr.
15

Michael Waltrip

Scott Eggleston

Hendrick Motorsports
5

Terry Labonte

Gary DeHart
24

Jeff Gordon

Robbie Loomis
25

Jerry Nadeau

Tony Furr

Morgan-McClure Motorsports
4

Robby Gordon 5

David Ifft

Kevin Lepage 23

Bobby Hamilton Jr. 7

Rich Bickle 1

Richard Childress Racing
31

Mike Skinner 23

Royce McGee

Robby Gordon 12

Jeff Green 1

Dodge

Bill Davis Racing
22

Ward Burton

Tommy Baldwin Jr.
93

Dave Blaney

Doug Randolph

Chip Ganassi Racing
with Felix Sabates

40

Sterling Marlin

Lee McCall
01

Jason Leffler (R) 34

Kevin Cram

Scott Pruett 1

Dorsey Schroeder 1

Evernham Motorsports
9

Bill Elliott

Mike Ford
19

Casey Atwood (R)

Patrick Donahue

Melling Racing
92

Stacy Compton

Chad Knaus

Petty Enterprises
43

John Andretti

Greg Steadman
44

Buckshot Jones 35

Mark Tutor

Wally Dallenbach Jr. 1
45

Kyle Petty

Chris Hussey

Ford

Brett Bodine Racing
11

Brett Bodine

Mike Hillman

Donlavey Racing
90

Hut Stricklin 29

Bobby King

Brian Simo 2

Rick Mast 5

Haas-Carter Motorsports
26

Jimmy Spencer

Donnie Wingo
66

Todd Bodine

Larry Carter

Jasper Motorsports
77

Robert Pressley 34

Ryan Pemberton

Boris Said 2

Penske Racing
2

Rusty Wallace

Robin Pemberton
12

Jeremy Mayfield 28

Peter Sospenzo

Mike Wallace 8

PPI Motorsports
32

Ricky Craven

Mike Beam

Robert Yates Racing
28

Ricky Rudd

Michael McSwain
88

Dale Jarrett

Todd Parrott

Roush Racing
6

Mark Martin

Jimmy Fennig
17

Matt Kenseth

Robbie Reiser
97

Kurt Busch (R)

Matt Chambers

Ben Lesie
99

Jeff Burton

Frank Stoddard

Ultra Motorsports
7

Mike Wallace 25

Jim Long

Ted Musgrave 1

Robby Gordon 2

Kevin Lepage 8

Wood Brothers Racing
21

Elliott Sadler

Pat Tryson

Pontiac

A. J. Foyt Racing
14

Ron Hornaday Jr. (R)

Phillipe Lopez

Joe Gibbs Racing
18

Bobby Labonte

Jimmy Makar
20

Tony Stewart

Greg Zipadelli

MBV Motorsports
10

Johnny Benson Jr.

James Ince
36

Ken Schrader

Sammy Johns


Limited schedule






















































































































































































































































































Car(s)
Team

No.
Driver(s)
Crew Chief
Rounds

Chevrolet

BAM Racing
49

Rich Bickle


1

Bill McAnally Racing
62

Brendan Gaughan


1

Dark Horse Motorsports
47

Lance Hooper


1

Hendrick Motorsports
48

Jimmie Johnson

Ken Howes

3

Marcis Auto Racing
71

Dave Marcis

Bob Marcis

13

Dick Trickle

1
72

Dwayne Leik

1

Midwest Transit Racing
50

Rick Mast

Greg Connors

16

Rich Bickle

1

NEMCO Motorsports
87

Ron Fellows


2

Norm Benning Racing
84

Norm Benning


1

Richard Childress Racing
3

Dale Earnhardt

Kevin Hamlin

1
29

Kevin Harvick (R)

35
30

Jeff Green

Todd Berrier

9

TWC Motorsports
68

Anthony Lazzaro


2

SCORE Motorsports
13

Hermie Sadler

Jim Long

10

Dodge

Bill Davis Racing
23

Hut Stricklin

Tommy Baldwin Jr.

1

Bogart Racing
70

Rick Bogart


1

Chip Ganassi Racing
with Felix Sabates

04

Jason Leffler (R)

Kevin Cram

1

Mansion Motorsports
85

Carl Long


9

Ford

3

Bob Schacht Motorsports
75

Stuart Kirby


1

Brett Bodine Racing
09

Geoffrey Bodine


2

Dark Horse Motorsports
47

Lance Hooper


2

Donlavey Racing
91

Rick Mast

Junie Donlavey

1

Hover Motorsports
80

Morgan Shepherd


1

Larry Clement Racing
46

Frank Kimmel


3

Michael Kranefuss Racing
84

Shawna Robinson


4

Penske Racing
02

Ryan Newman (R)

Matt Borland

7

Phoenix Racing
51

Jeff Purvis


4

PPI Motorsports
96

Andy Houston (R)

Joe Garone

25

Sadler Brothers Racing
95

Ed Berrier


1

Shepherd Racing Ventures
89

Morgan Shepherd


1

Team CLR
57

David Keith


2

Derrike Cope

3

Pontiac

A. J. Foyt Racing
41

Mark Green

Phillipe Lopez

1

BAM Racing
49

Andy Hillenburg


4

Eel River Racing
27

Kenny Wallace

Barry Dodson

16

Mike Bliss

3

Rick Mast

9

Qwest Motor Racing
37

Derrike Cope

Joey Knuckles

3


Schedule



































































































































































































































































































No.
Race Title

Track
Date
TV


Budweiser Shootout

Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach
February 11

Fox


Gatorade 125s
February 15

FSN
1

Daytona 500
February 18

Fox
2

Dura Lube 400

North Carolina Speedway, Rockingham
February 25–26

Fox
FX
3

UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400

Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas
March 4

Fox
4

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500

Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton
March 11

Fox
5

Carolina Dodge Dealers 400

Darlington Raceway, Darlington
March 18

Fox
6

Food City 500

Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol
March 25

Fox
7

Harrah's 500

Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth
April 1

Fox
8

Virginia 500

Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway
April 8

Fox
9

Talladega 500

Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega
April 22

Fox
10

NAPA Auto Parts 500

California Speedway, Fontana
April 29

Fox
11

Pontiac Excitement 400

Richmond International Raceway, Richmond
May 5

FX


No Bull Sprint

Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord
May 19

FX


Winston Open

FX


The Winston
May 19–20

FX
12

Coca-Cola 600
May 27

Fox
13

MBNA Platinum 400

Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover
June 3

Fox
14

Kmart 400

Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn
June 10

FX
15

Pocono 500

Pocono Raceway, Long Pond
June 17

Fox
16

Dodge/Save Mart 350

Sears Point Raceway, Sonoma
June 24

Fox
17

Pepsi 400

Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach
July 7

NBC
18

Tropicana 400

Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet
July 15

NBC
19

New England 300

New Hampshire International Speedway, Loudon
July 22

TNT
20

Pennsylvania 500

Pocono Raceway, Long Pond
July 29

TNT
21

Brickyard 400

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway
August 5

NBC
22

Global Crossing at the Glen

Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen
August 12

NBC
23

Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer

Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn
August 19

TNT
24

Sharpie 500

Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol
August 25

TNT
25

Mountain Dew Southern 500

Darlington Raceway, Darlington
September 2

TNT
26

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400

Richmond International Raceway, Richmond
September 8

TNT
27

MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400

Dover Downs International Speedway, Dover
September 23

NBC
28

Protection One 400

Kansas Speedway, Kansas City
September 30

NBC
29

UAW-GM Quality 500

Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord
October 7

NBC
TNT
30

Old Dominion 500

Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway
October 15

NBC
TNT
31

EA Sports 500

Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega
October 21

NBC
32

Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil

Phoenix International Raceway, Phoenix
October 28

NBC
33

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400

North Carolina Speedway, Rockingham
November 4

TNT
34

Pennzoil Freedom 400

Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead
November 11

NBC
35

NAPA 500

Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton
November 18

NBC
36

New Hampshire 300

New Hampshire International Speedway, Loudon
November 23

NBC


Races



























































































































































































































































































































































No.
Race

Pole position
Most laps led
Winning driver

Manufacturer


Budweiser Shootout

Ken Schrader

Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart

Pontiac


Gatorade 125 #1

Bill Elliott

Dale Earnhardt

Sterling Marlin

Dodge


Gatorade 125 #2

Stacy Compton

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Mike Skinner

Chevrolet
1

Daytona 500

Bill Elliott

Ward Burton

Michael Waltrip

Chevrolet
2

Dura Lube 400

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

Steve Park

Chevrolet
3

UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400

Dale Jarrett

Mark Martin

Jeff Gordon

Chevrolet
4

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500

Dale Jarrett

Jeff Gordon

Kevin Harvick

Chevrolet
5

Carolina Dodge Dealers 400

Jeff Gordon

Steve Park

Dale Jarrett

Ford
6

Food City 500

Mark Martin

Kevin Harvick

Elliott Sadler

Ford
7

Harrah's 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jarrett

Dale Jarrett

Ford
8

Virginia 500

Jeff Gordon

Bobby Hamilton

Dale Jarrett

Ford
9

Talladega 500

Stacy Compton

Sterling Marlin

Bobby Hamilton

Chevrolet
10

NAPA Auto Parts 500

Bobby Labonte

Rusty Wallace

Rusty Wallace

Ford
11

Pontiac Excitement 400

Mark Martin

Rusty Wallace

Tony Stewart

Pontiac


Winston Open

Johnny Benson Jr.

Ryan Newman

Johnny Benson Jr.

Pontiac


No Bull Sprint

Mike Wallace

Todd Bodine

Todd Bodine

Ford


The Winston

Rusty Wallace

Ward Burton
Johnny Benson Jr.

Jeff Gordon

Chevrolet
12

Coca-Cola 600

Ryan Newman

Jeff Burton

Jeff Burton

Ford
13

MBNA Platinum 400

Dale Jarrett

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

Chevrolet
14

Kmart 400

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

Chevrolet
15

Pocono 500

Ricky Rudd

Jeff Gordon

Ricky Rudd

Ford
16

Dodge/Save Mart 350

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

Tony Stewart

Pontiac
17

Pepsi 400

Sterling Marlin

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Chevrolet
18

Tropicana 400

Todd Bodine

Kevin Harvick

Kevin Harvick

Chevrolet
19

New England 300

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

Dale Jarrett

Ford
20

Pennsylvania 500

Todd Bodine

Jeff Gordon

Bobby Labonte

Pontiac
21

Brickyard 400

Jimmy Spencer

Steve Park

Jeff Gordon

Chevrolet
22

Global Crossing at the Glen

Dale Jarrett

Jeff Burton

Jeff Gordon

Chevrolet
23

Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer

Ricky Craven

Bill Elliott

Sterling Marlin

Dodge
24

Sharpie 500

Jeff Green

Jeff Gordon

Tony Stewart

Pontiac
25

Mountain Dew Southern 500

Kurt Busch

Jeff Gordon

Ward Burton

Dodge
26

Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400

Jeff Gordon

Rusty Wallace

Ricky Rudd

Ford
27

MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400

Dale Jarrett

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Chevrolet
28

Protection One 400

Jason Leffler

Rusty Wallace

Jeff Gordon

Chevrolet
29

UAW-GM Quality 500

Jimmy Spencer

Sterling Marlin

Sterling Marlin

Dodge
30

Old Dominion 500

Todd Bodine

Ricky Craven

Ricky Craven

Ford
31

EA Sports 500

Stacy Compton

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Chevrolet
32

Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil

Casey Atwood

Jeff Burton

Jeff Burton

Ford
33

Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400

Kenny Wallace

Joe Nemechek

Joe Nemechek

Chevrolet
34

Pennzoil Freedom 400

Bill Elliott

Tony Stewart

Bill Elliott

Dodge
35

NAPA 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Bobby Labonte

Pontiac
36

New Hampshire 300

Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon

Robby Gordon

Chevrolet


Budweiser Shootout


The Budweiser Shootout, an invitational event for all recent Bud Pole winners, was held February 11 at Daytona International Speedway. Ken Schrader drew the pole. This was the first race broadcast on Fox.


Top Ten Results



  1. 20 - Tony Stewart

  2. 3 - Dale Earnhardt

  3. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  5. 99 - Jeff Burton

  6. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  7. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  8. 6 - Mark Martin

  9. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  10. 31 - Mike Skinner



Gatorade 125s


The Gatorade 125s, qualifying races for the Daytona 500, were held February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. Bill Elliott and Stacy Compton started on pole for both races, respectively. The qualifying races were broadcast live for the first time; races prior to 2001 were broadcast on tape delay.


Race One Top Ten Results



  1. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  2. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  3. 3 - Dale Earnhardt

  4. 96 - Andy Houston

  5. 26 - Jimmy Spencer

  6. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  7. 01 - Jason Leffler

  8. 51 - Jeff Purvis

  9. 15 - Michael Waltrip

  10. 19 - Casey Atwood


Race Two Top Ten Results



  1. 31 - Mike Skinner

  2. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  3. 99 - Jeff Burton

  4. 22 - Ward Burton

  5. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  6. 36 - Ken Schrader

  7. 17 - Matt Kenseth

  8. 32 - Ricky Craven

  9. 93 - Dave Blaney

  10. 6 - Mark Martin



43rd Daytona 500




The 43rd Daytona 500 was held February 18, 2001 at Daytona International Speedway.


Top 10 Results



  1. 15 - Michael Waltrip

  2. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  3. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  5. 9 - Bill Elliott

  6. 7 - Mike Wallace

  7. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  8. 55 - Bobby Hamilton

  9. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield

  10. 92 - Stacy Compton


Failed to qualify: Dave Marcis (No. 71), Todd Bodine (No. 66), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Rick Mast (No. 50), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Norm Benning (No. 84), Carl Long (No. 85), Morgan Shepherd (No. 80), Dwayne Leik (No. 72)



  • In turn 4 on the final lap, Dale Earnhardt crashed and died as a result of his injuries. He finished 12th despite not having crossed the finish line, same thing for Ken Schrader, who was also involved in the crash and finished 13th.[2]

  • This was the first race that featured cars from Chrysler Motors (in this case, the Dodge manufacturing family) since 1985.[3]

  • 50th career pole for Bill Elliott. This was Elliott's fourth Daytona 500 pole in his career, and the first time driving a Dodge. This was Elliott's first pole since Richmond back in September 1997. As of 2018, Bill Elliott is the only driver to score his 50th career pole in the Daytona 500.


  • Michael Waltrip won his first career points race in his 463rd career start, the longest drought of any driver in NASCAR history before getting their first win.


  • Stacy Compton, the outside pole-sitter, scored his only Top 10 finish in his career in this race.

  • Rookies Andy Houston, Casey Atwood, Buckshot Jones, Kurt Busch; Ron Hornaday Jr.; and Jason Leffler made their first Daytona 500 appearances in this race. Only three of these rookies—Houston, Jones, and Hornaday Jr.—made the Daytona 500 for the only time, while Busch went on to win the 2017 Daytona 500.



Dura Lube 400



The Dura Lube 400 started on February 25 but ended on February 26 due to a rain delay, making it a two-day race at the North Carolina Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 1 - Steve Park

  2. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  3. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  4. 20 - Tony Stewart

  5. 32 - Ricky Craven

  6. 10 - Johnny Benson

  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  8. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  9. 93 - Dave Blaney

  10. 88 - Dale Jarrett


Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kyle Petty (No. 45)



  • This race was won by DEI driver Steve Park in an emotional victory just one week after Earnhardt's death. It was his last career victory to date.

  • Following the death of Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR on FOX, and later on in the season, NASCAR on NBC and TNT, would pay tribute to Dale Earnhardt with a silent lap 3. Unfortunately however, in this race, along with the next 2 races, the caution would come out either on the 3rd lap, or before the 3rd lap.

  • After this race, Rusty Wallace would take over the points lead, making this the 1st time since 1998 that he has done so. This would be the only race of 2001 that Rusty would leave an event as the points leader. Final time in his career as well that Rusty Wallace would lead the points.


  • Richard Childress placed Busch Grand National driver Kevin Harvick into the car formerly driven by Earnhardt, changed the car's number from No. 3 to No. 29 and the paint scheme from primarily black to primarily white. Because of that, the race Harvick's first start in the Cup Series.


  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. suffered a crash on the first lap of the race, in which his car hit the outside wall in an eerily similar fashion to his father's fatal crash a week earlier, but Earnhardt Jr. was not seriously injured.



UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400


The UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 was held March 4 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  2. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  3. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  4. 10 - Johnny Benson

  5. 66 - Todd Bodine

  6. 6 - Mark Martin

  7. 1 - Steve Park

  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  9. 14 - Ron Hornaday

  10. 26 - Jimmy Spencer


Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Brendan Gaughan (No. 62), Andy Houston (No. 96), Rick Mast (No. 50)



  • Jeff Gordon won the Winston Bull 5 Million Bonus.

  • 53rd career win for Jeff Gordon. With this win, he would tie Rusty Wallace for 8th on NASCAR's all-time win list.

  • Rusty Wallace would lose the points lead after finishing this race in 43rd/last position, and with that, this would mark the last time ever that he would lead the standings in his career.

  • This was Ron Hornaday's only Cup Top 10 finish.



Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500



The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 was held March 11 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  3. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  5. 5 - Terry Labonte

  6. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  7. 10 - Johnny Benson

  8. 36 - Ken Schrader

  9. 31 - Mike Skinner

  10. 97 - Kurt Busch 1 lap down


Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 50), Carl Long (No. 85), Casey Atwood (No. 19)


  • This race is best remembered for the exciting finish between rookie Kevin Harvick and three-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon. Harvick would outduel the champion in a spectacular finish, winning by only .006 seconds, being the second closest finish in NASCAR history at the time. Harvick performed a burnout on the frontstretch with three fingers aloft. It was his first victory in only his third start in the Cup Series, a then-record for fewest starts to first win in the Modern Era of Cup racing.


Carolina Dodge Dealers 400


The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held March 18 at Darlington Raceway. Jeff Gordon started on pole after qualifying was rained out.


Top Ten Results



  1. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  2. 1 - Steve Park

  3. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield

  4. 26 - Jimmy Spencer

  5. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  6. 43 - John Andretti

  7. 10 - Johnny Benson

  8. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  9. 55 - Bobby Hamilton

  10. 2 - Rusty Wallace


Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Rick Mast (No. 50), Dave Marcis (No. 71)


  • After 3 straight weeks of having a caution period on either lap 3 or before lap 3, NASCAR finally had lap 3 under green. NASCAR on FOX paid their tributes to Dale Earnhardt with a silent lap 3.


Food City 500



The Food City 500 was held March 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mark Martin won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 21 - Elliott Sadler*

  2. 43 - John Andretti

  3. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield

  4. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  5. 22 - Ward Burton

  6. 5 - Terry Labonte

  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  8. 55 - Bobby Hamilton

  9. 1 - Steve Park

  10. 28 - Ricky Rudd


Failed to qualify: Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Carl Long (No. 85)



  • This was Elliott Sadler's first career win, and the first for the Wood Brothers Racing team since 1993 with Morgan Shepherd.

  • It was also the first time cars No. 21 and No. 43 took the top two finishing positions since 1977, but the first time since the 1976 Southern 500 that the No. 21 finished on top when David Pearson beat Richard Petty. As of 2016 it is the most recent time those two cars have finished in the top two spots.[4]



Harrah's 500


The Harrah's 500 was held April 1 at Texas Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  2. 1 - Steve Park

  3. 10 - Johnny Benson

  4. 97 - Kurt Busch

  5. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  6. 93 - Dave Blaney

  7. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  8. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  9. 6 - Mark Martin

  10. 36 - Ken Schrader


Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Rick Mast (No. 50)



Virginia 500


The Virginia 500 was held April 8 at Martinsville Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  2. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  3. 99 - Jeff Burton

  4. 55 - Bobby Hamilton

  5. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  6. 17 - Matt Kenseth

  7. 20 - Tony Stewart

  8. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  9. 26 - Jimmy Spencer

  10. 25 - Jerry Nadeau


Failed to qualify: Jason Leffler (No. 01), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)


  • Second and final time that Dale Jarrett would score back-to-back victories. The only other time doing that was 1997 when he won Atlanta and Darlington in the spring.


Talladega 500



The Talladega 500 was held April 22 at Talladega Superspeedway. Stacy Compton won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 55 - Bobby Hamilton*

  2. 20 - Tony Stewart

  3. 97 - Kurt Busch

  4. 6 - Mark Martin

  5. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  6. 33 - Joe Nemechek

  7. 10 - Johnny Benson

  8. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  9. 7 - Mike Wallace

  10. 99 - Jeff Burton


Failed to qualify: Kenny Wallace (No. 27), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Rick Mast (No. 50), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)



  • This was Bobby Hamilton's fourth and last win in the Cup Series.

  • This was the first win for Andy Petree Racing

  • This was the second caution-free race in the history of Talladega Superspeedway, but the aerodynamics package was vastly different than the first caution-free race, which in turn made the average speed (184.003 mph) slower than the track record.


  • Stacy Compton won his first Cup Series pole for this race.



NAPA Auto Parts 500



The NAPA Auto Parts 500 was held April 29 at California Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  3. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  4. 20 - Tony Stewart

  5. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield

  6. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  7. 26 - Jimmy Spencer

  8. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  9. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  10. 77 - Robert Pressley


Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (No. 4), Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Shawna Robinson (No. 84)



  • This race was on what would have been Dale Earnhardt's 50th birthday, and his best friend and greatest adversary Rusty Wallace won an emotional race.

  • The race marked the 54th career win for Rusty Wallace. With this win, Wallace tied Lee Petty for 7th on NASCAR's all-time win list.

  • This was Wallace's 16th straight season of winning at least one race (1986-2001). The streak would end after 2001, as Wallace did not return to Victory Lane until Martinsville in April 2004, 3 years and 106 races later.



Pontiac Excitement 400


The Pontiac Excitement 400 was held May 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Mark Martin won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 20 - Tony Stewart

  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  3. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  4. 1 - Steve Park

  5. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  6. 10 - Johnny Benson

  7. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  8. 17 - Matt Kenseth

  9. 36 - Ken Schrader


Failed to qualify: Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90)



The Winston




Coca-Cola 600



The Coca-Cola 600 was held May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole; this was the first career pole on his 2nd start at Lowe's on a limited schedule.


Top 10 Results



  1. 99 - Jeff Burton

  2. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  3. 20 - Tony Stewart

  4. 6 - Mark Martin

  5. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  6. 26 - Jimmy Spencer

  7. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  8. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  9. 22 - Ward Burton

  10. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield


Failed to qualify: John Andretti (No. 43), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Mike Wallace (No. 7), Jeff Fultz (No. 54), Carl Long (No. 85)



  • Tony Stewart successfully performed the "Double Duty", also running the Indianapolis 500 the same day; Joe Gibbs Racing had Mike McLaughlin on standby if Stewart did not arrive on time. Stewart arrived less than half an hour before the start of the race. If Stewart did not arrive for the start of the Coca-Cola 600, McLaughlin would have been given credit for the start under NASCAR rules. Stewart had to start at the end of the field (43rd place) due to missing the mandatory drivers' meeting that is held 2 hours before any race.[5] Stewart is also the only driver in history to finish in the top 10 and on the lead lap in both races. He finished sixth in the Indianapolis 500, and finished third in this race.


  • Dale Jarrett overcame a rib injury during qualifying to finish 8th. As a precaution, Jeff Green was on standby.

  • Even though Ryan Newman won the pole, he finished 43rd after crashing while leading on lap 10.



MBNA Platinum 400



The MBNA Platinum 400 was held June 3 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole after qualifying was canceled because of rain.


Top Ten Results



  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  2. 1 - Steve Park

  3. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  4. 32 - Ricky Craven

  5. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  6. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  7. 20 - Tony Stewart

  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  9. 6 - Mark Martin

  10. 28 - Ricky Rudd


Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 50), Jeff Green (No. 30), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Dave Marcis (No. 71)


  • The race marked the 54th career win for Jeff Gordon. With this win, Gordon tied Lee Petty and Rusty Wallace for 7th on NASCAR's all-time win list. He led 381 of 400 laps in the win.


Kmart 400


The Kmart 400 was held June 10 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon*

  2. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  3. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  4. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield

  5. 02 - Ryan Newman

  6. 90 - Hut Stricklin

  7. 99 - Jeff Burton

  8. 93 - Dave Blaney

  9. 9 - Bill Elliott

  10. 29 - Kevin Harvick


Failed to qualify: Mike Wallace (No. 7), Rick Mast (No. 50), Andy Houston (No. 96), Stacy Compton (No. 92), Kenny Wallace (No. 27)



  • This race was the Winston Cup Series debut of Shawna Robinson, the first woman to successfully attempt a Cup Series race since Patty Moise in 1989.

  • The race marked the first career top 5 finish for Ryan Newman, as well as being the last career top 10 finish for Hut Stricklin.

  • This was the 100th career Winston Cup win for car owner Rick Hendrick and the team of Hendrick Motorsports after being in the sport for 18 seasons since its inception in 1984.

  • This was Jeff Gordon's 55th career win, which would permanently pass Lee Petty and Rusty Wallace on NASCAR's all-time win list.



Pocono 500


The Pocono 500 was held June 17 at Pocono Raceway. Ricky Rudd won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  3. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  4. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  5. 6 - Mark Martin

  6. 17 - Matt Kenseth

  7. 20 - Tony Stewart

  8. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  9. 36 - Ken Schrader

  10. 99 - Jeff Burton


Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kenny Wallace (No. 27)


  • This was Rudd's first win since 1998.


Dodge/Save Mart 350


The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held June 24 at Sears Point Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 20 - Tony Stewart

  2. 7 - Robby Gordon

  3. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  5. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  6. 22 - Ward Burton

  7. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  8. 99 - Jeff Burton

  9. 9 - Bill Elliott

  10. 6 - Mark Martin


Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Kenny Wallace (No. 27), Anthony Lazzaro (No. 68), Jason Leffler (No. 04)


  • First road course win for Tony Stewart.


Pepsi 400



The Pepsi 400 was held July 7 at Daytona International Speedway. Sterling Marlin won the pole. In the first race at Daytona since the death of Dale Earnhardt, son Dale Earnhardt Jr. led a whopping 116 of the race's 160 laps on his way to an emotional victory in what is arguably one of the more memorable races in NASCAR history (See race notes below).


Top Ten Results



  1. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  2. 15 - Michael Waltrip

  3. 21 - Elliott Sadler

  4. 22 - Ward Burton

  5. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  6. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  8. 99 - Jeff Burton

  9. 11 - Brett Bodine

  10. 7 - Mike Wallace


Failed to qualify: Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Mike Bliss (No. 27), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)



  • This was the first Cup race at Daytona since the death of Dale Earnhardt.

  • This was also the first Cup Series race on NBC under the 2001–2006 contract.


  • Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s win, coupled with Michael Waltrip pushing him to the victory (the reverse of the finish in Daytona 500) made for an emotional moment. Earnhardt Jr, Waltrip, and their crews, as well as Chocolate Myers, a longtime crew member for Dale Earnhardt Sr., all celebrated in the infield grass on the frontstretch. Earnhardt Jr. and Waltrip shared a hug on top of Waltrip's No. 15 car (Earnhardt Sr. used to celebrate by standing on his roof).

  • This was the 2nd straight season that a pair of drivers finished 1st and 2nd in both Daytona races, but in the opposite positions (Dale Jarrett and Jeff Burton in 2000, when Jarrett won the Daytona 500, and Jeff Burton won the Pepsi 400, with both finishing in 2nd to each other).



Tropicana 400


The inaugural Tropicana 400 was held July 15 at Chicagoland Speedway. Todd Bodine won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  2. 77 - Robert Pressley

  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  5. 26 - Jimmy Spencer

  6. 6 - Mark Martin

  7. 17 - Matt Kenseth

  8. 97 - Kurt Busch

  9. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  10. 9 - Bill Elliott


Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Mike Bliss (No. 27), Shawna Robinson (No. 84)



  • Jeff Gordon and Dale Jarrett were tied for the points lead after this race.


New England 300


The New England 300 was held July 22 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  4. 26 - Jimmy Spencer

  5. 20 - Tony Stewart

  6. 1 - Steve Park

  7. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  9. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  10. 7 - Mike Wallace


Failed to qualify: Mike Bliss (No. 27)



  • Dale Jarrett and Jeff Gordon were tied for the points lead for the 2nd consecutive week.

  • This was the first Cup Series race on TNT under the 2001–2006 contract. Although the initial plans were for TBS Superstation to carry the races. Instead, Turner decided that NASCAR would better fit TNT's "We Know Drama" slogan.



Pennsylvania 500


The Pennsylvania 500 was held July 29 at Pocono Raceway. Todd Bodine won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  2. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  3. 20 - Tony Stewart

  4. 9 - Bill Elliott

  5. 10 - Johnny Benson

  6. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  7. 6 - Mark Martin

  8. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  9. 77 - Robert Pressley

  10. 32 - Ricky Craven


Failed to qualify: Andy Hillenburg (No. 49), Carl Long (No. 85)


  • Jeff Gordon took the points lead from Dale Jarrett in this race, and did not relinquish the lead for the rest of the year.


Brickyard 400



The Brickyard 400 was held August 5 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jimmy Spencer won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  2. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  3. 10 - Johnny Benson

  4. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  5. 97 - Kurt Busch

  6. 22 - Ward Burton

  7. 1 - Steve Park

  8. 9 - Bill Elliott

  9. 32 - Ricky Craven

  10. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.


Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (No. 4), Derrike Cope (No. 37), Mike Wallace (No. 7), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Ed Berrier (No. 95), David Keith (No. 57), Rick Mast (No. 27), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Shawna Robinson (No. 84), Andy Hillenburg (No. 49)



  • With the win, Jeff Gordon became the first three-time winner of the Brickyard 400

  • Many came from the back to the front for finishing. Jeff Gordon started 27th, Johnny Benson started 26th, Rusty Wallace started 37th, Kurt Busch started 34th, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. started 36th.

  • The last 4 straight years (1998-2001), the point leader coming into this race went on to win the Brickyard 400, and then later on in the year, that driver went on to win the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship. Jeff Gordon accomplished the feat twice, the first year in 1998, and the fourth year in 2001. Dale Jarrett did it in 1999, and Bobby Labonte did it in 2000.



Global Crossing at the Glen


The Global Crossing at the Glen was held August 12 at Watkins Glen International. Dale Jarrett won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  2. 99 - Jeff Burton

  3. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield

  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  5. 66 - Todd Bodine

  6. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  7. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  8. 77 - Boris Said

  9. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  10. 1 - Steve Park


Failed to qualify: Mike Wallace (No. 7), Wally Dallenbach Jr. (No. 44)


  • Jeff Gordon won his seventh career road course race. With this win, Gordon became the NASCAR driver with the most wins on road courses. breaking a tie with Bobby Allison and Rusty Wallace. Gordon would win nine road course races by the end of his career.


Pepsi 400 presented by Meijer


The Pepsi 400 Presented by Meijer was held August 19 at Michigan International Speedway. Ricky Craven won the pole. The race was shortened to 162 laps due to rain.


Top Ten Results



  1. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  2. 32 - Ricky Craven

  3. 9 - Bill Elliott

  4. 17 - Matt Kenseth

  5. 10 - Johnny Benson

  6. 93 - Dave Blaney

  7. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  8. 6 - Mark Martin

  9. 1 - Steve Park

  10. 19 - Casey Atwood


Failed to qualify: David Keith (No. 57), Buckshot Jones (No. 44)



  • This marked the 7th career win for Sterling Marlin, his first in 170 races.

  • This race marked Dodge's first trip to victory lane since its return to NASCAR. Dodge's last win was with Neil Bonnett at Ontario in 1977.



Sharpie 500


The Sharpie 500 was held August 25 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Green won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 20 - Tony Stewart

  2. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  3. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  5. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  6. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  7. 1 - Steve Park

  8. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  9. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  10. 5 - Terry Labonte


Failed to qualify: Stacy Compton (No. 92), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Carl Long (No. 85)



Mountain Dew Southern 500



The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held September 2 at Darlington Raceway. Kurt Busch won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 22 - Ward Burton

  2. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  3. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  4. 20 - Tony Stewart

  5. 9 - Bill Elliott

  6. 99 - Jeff Burton

  7. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  9. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  10. 36 - Ken Schrader


Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Dave Marcis (No. 71)




  • Steve Park did not race because of a bizarre accident in the South Carolina 200 (the Busch Grand National Series race) the day before that left him sidelined until early 2002.

  • This race ended under caution as a multi car accident brought out the yellow flag coming to the final lap.

  • With this win, brothers Ward and Jeff Burton became the second set of brothers, joining Terry and Bobby Labonte, to win the Southern 500.

  • This win marked the second and final time that Ward and Jeff Burton each won a race in the same season.



Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400


The Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 was held September 8 at Richmond International Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  2. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  3. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  5. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  6. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  7. 20 - Tony Stewart

  8. 26 - Jimmy Spencer

  9. 99 - Jeff Burton

  10. 10 - Johnny Benson


Failed to qualify: Andy Houston (No. 96), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Hut Stricklin (No. 90), Carl Long (No. 85)



  • This race is remembered for Kevin Harvick almost spinning Ricky Rudd off turn 2 and Rudd saving his car from wrecking and coming back to win after bumping Harvick.

  • 2001 marked the final time in his career that Ricky Rudd won multiple races in a season.



MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400



The MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400 was held September 23 at Dover Downs International Speedway. Dale Jarrett won the pole. This was the first race to be held after the September 11th attacks. Most cars sported patriotic decals and tributes.


Top Ten Results



  1. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  2. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  4. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  5. 20 - Tony Stewart

  6. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  7. 33 - Joe Nemechek

  8. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  9. 19 - Casey Atwood

  10. 55 - Bobby Hamilton


Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 27), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Lance Hooper (No. 47), Dave Marcis (No. 71)



Protection One 400



The inaugural Protection One 400 was held September 30 at Kansas Speedway. Jason Leffler won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  2. 02 - Ryan Newman

  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  4. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  5. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  6. 6 - Mark Martin

  7. 77 - Robert Pressley

  8. 20 - Tony Stewart

  9. 97 - Kurt Busch

  10. 93 - Dave Blaney


Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 27), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Ron Hornaday (No. 14)



  • In 6 of the last 7 years including 2001 (1995-1999, 2001), Jeff Gordon won the most races in a season. 2001 was also the final season in his career that he won the most races in a season.

  • This was Jeff Gordon's third win at an inaugural event. He won the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994, and the inaugural race at Auto Club Speedway of California in 1997.

  • This was the last race for Jeremy Mayfield in the 12 car for Roger Penske. Rusty Wallace's younger brother Mike Wallace would be Rusty's new teammate as he replaced Mayfield for the rest of the season.



UAW-GM Quality 500


The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held October 7 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jimmy Spencer won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  2. 20 - Tony Stewart

  3. 22 - Ward Burton

  4. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  5. 99 - Jeff Burton

  6. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace

  8. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  9. 6 - Mark Martin

  10. 18 - Bobby Labonte


Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (No. 45), Derrike Cope (No. 57), Jeff Green (No. 30), Robby Gordon (No. 31), Buckshot Jones (No. 44), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)



  • This was Jimmie Johnson's first career Cup Series start. Johnson started an excellent 15th position, but was finished only 39th due to an accident.

  • This race was to have been shown on NBC, but President George W. Bush was announcing the War on Terror and NBC News had to cover it, so TNT broadcast the entire race.

  • Four of the six drivers that failed to qualify were each from two major teams. Two of the six drivers were from Richard Childress Racing (Jeff Green (30) and Robby Gordon (31)), and the other two of the six drivers were from Petty Enterprises (Kyle Petty (45) and Buckshot Jones (44)).



Old Dominion 500


The Old Dominion 500 was scheduled for October 14 at Martinsville Speedway, but was held October 15 due to rain. Todd Bodine won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 32 - Ricky Craven

  2. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  3. 22 - Ward Burton

  4. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  5. 99 - Jeff Burton

  6. 10 - Johnny Benson

  7. 6 - Mark Martin

  8. 12 - Mike Wallace

  9. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  10. 40 - Sterling Marlin


Failed to qualify: Carl Long (No. 85), Kyle Petty (No. 45), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)


  • This was Ricky Craven's first career Cup Series victory


EA Sports 500


The EA Sports 500 was held on October 21 at Talladega Superspeedway. Stacy Compton won the pole. This race would be remembered for the last lap. After Dale Earnhardt Jr. passed Bobby Labonte for the lead, Labonte tried to block Bobby Hamilton, going up high in turn two. Labonte got loose, making contact with Johnny Benson, causing Labonte to flip over and slide down the back straightaway on his roof, with an additional 14 cars being collected in the wreck. While that happened, Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart and Jeff Burton raced back to the start/finish line. Entering the tri-oval, Earnhardt Jr. sailed away by three car lengths to take his third win of the season while Stewart and Burton battled for the runner-up spot.


Although he kept the win, Earnhardt Jr. was docked 25 points after his car failed post race inspection, due to a shortened rear spoiler.


Top Ten Results



  1. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  2. 20 - Tony Stewart

  3. 99 - Jeff Burton

  4. 17 - Matt Kenseth

  5. 55 - Bobby Hamilton

  6. 1 - Kenny Wallace

  7. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  8. 33 - Joe Nemechek

  9. 6 - Mark Martin

  10. 7 - Kevin Lepage


Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 91), Dave Marcis (No. 71)



  • Earnhardt Jr. had also won the No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus for the first time, one year after his father did it in the same race.

  • 2001 marked the first time in seven years that Jeff Gordon did not win a restrictor plate race.



Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil


The Checker Auto Parts 500 Presented by Pennzoil was held October 28 at Phoenix International Raceway. Casey Atwood won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 99 - Jeff Burton

  2. 12 - Mike Wallace

  3. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  4. 17 - Matt Kenseth

  5. 20 - Tony Stewart

  6. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  7. 31 - Robby Gordon

  8. 32 - Ricky Craven

  9. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  10. 10 - Johnny Benson


Failed to qualify: Rick Bogart (No. 70)



  • Jeff Burton became only the second repeat winner at Phoenix, and also the second driver to win back-to-back Phoenix races, joining Davey Allison, who accomplished the feat in 1991 and 1992.

  • Second place would be Mike Wallace's best career NASCAR Winston Cup finish.



Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400


The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held November 4 at North Carolina Speedway. Kenny Wallace won the pole.


Top Ten Results



  1. 33 - Joe Nemechek

  2. 1 - Kenny Wallace

  3. 10 - Johnny Benson

  4. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  5. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  6. 22 - Ward Burton

  7. 20 - Tony Stewart

  8. 28 - Ricky Rudd

  9. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  10. 17 - Matt Kenseth


Failed to qualify: Rick Mast (No. 90)



  • The race marked Andy Petree's second and final career win as a car owner.

  • This was the 2nd consecutive 2nd-place finish for 2 Wallace brothers (who are related to Rusty, the dominant brother of the 3) that have never won a Winston Cup points race (Mike finished 2nd a week prior at Phoenix, and Kenny finishes 2nd in this race).



Pennzoil Freedom 400



The Pennzoil Freedom 400 was held November 11 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Casey Atwood nearly won the race, until a late race pass by Bill Elliott.


Top Ten Results



  1. 9 - Bill Elliott

  2. 15 - Michael Waltrip

  3. 19 - Casey Atwood

  4. 99 - Jeff Burton

  5. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  6. 93 - Dave Blaney

  7. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  8. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  9. 30 - Jeff Green

  10. 01 - Jason Leffler


Failed to qualify: Rich Bickle (No. 49), Derrike Cope (No. 57), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Hermie Sadler (No. 13), Carl Long (No. 85)



  • It was the 41st career Winston Cup Series win for Bill Elliott. This was Elliott's first win in 226 races, dating back to his last win in the Southern 500 at Darlington in 1994. As of 2018, the 226 race winless streak is the longest drought in NASCAR history.

  • This was the first race since Richmond back in March 1992 that Bill Elliott won from the pole.

  • This would be first time since Melling Racing and Bill Elliott himself at the Pepsi 400 in 1991, that the No. 9 went to victory lane.

  • The race marked the only top-five finish of Casey Atwood's career.

  • A pit road incident occurred on lap 112 when Ward Burton and Casey Atwood made contact, causing Ward to go into Ricky Rudd's pit stall, Seriously injuring 2 Crew Members.



NAPA 500


The NAPA 500 was held November 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The race was scheduled to be the finale to the 2001 season, but as the fall race in New Hampshire had been postponed due to the attacks of September 11, it became the penultimate race instead. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole. Jeff Gordon clinched the 2001 Winston Cup championship with his sixth-place finish. Jerry Nadeau nearly won this race, but ran out of gas with half a lap to go, giving way to Bobby Labonte.


Top Ten Results



  1. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  2. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  3. 29 - Kevin Harvick

  4. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  5. 22 - Ward Burton

  6. 24 - Jeff Gordon

  7. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  8. 88 - Dale Jarrett

  9. 20 - Tony Stewart

  10. 99 - Jeff Burton


Failed to qualify: Mark Green (No. 41), Robby Gordon (No. 31), Jason Leffler (No. 01), Kurt Busch (No. 97), Rick Mast (No. 90), Ron Hornaday (No. 14), Dave Marcis (No. 71), Frank Kimmel (No. 46)



  • Jeff Gordon clinches the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship, joining Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt to win four or more championships. He won the title with having 6 wins, 18 top 5s, and 24 top 10s. His six wins is the fewest victories in any of his four championship winning seasons.

  • This was the fourth straight season that a driver clinched the NASCAR Winston Cup Championship with one race to go. Jeff Gordon accomplished the feat twice in those four seasons, the first year in 1998, and the fourth year in 2001. Dale Jarrett did it in 1999, and Bobby Labonte did it in 2000.



New Hampshire 300



The New Hampshire 300 was scheduled for September 16 but was moved to November 23 (the Friday after Thanksgiving) due to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The starting order was set according to owner's points as of September 10.


The win was Robby Gordon's first career victory in the Cup Series and one of only 17 times he raced in 2001 due to having been unexpectedly fired from the Morgan-McClure team after just 5 races. This race was also notable for the battle between Robby and Jeff Gordon (no relation) that led to much bumping between the two and resulting in Jeff Gordon spinning out of the lead, causing the final caution. Jeff was black-flagged for retaliating and after being held a lap by officials, he ended up in 15th place. Robby Gordon held off Sterling Marlin for the win. It would be the No. 31 team's very first win in NASCAR and his second oval win in his motorsports career (his first coming in an Indy Car race at Phoenix in 1995).


In victory lane Robby, when asked about the incident with Jeff, said that it was an accident and that he was not embarrassed about his win since he saw Jeff Gordon do something similar to win at a previous race. Robby also donated all his prize money to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.


Top Ten Results



  1. 31 - Robby Gordon

  2. 40 - Sterling Marlin

  3. 18 - Bobby Labonte

  4. 17 - Matt Kenseth

  5. 20 - Tony Stewart

  6. 25 - Jerry Nadeau

  7. 77 - Robert Pressley

  8. 11 - Brett Bodine

  9. 6 - Mark Martin

  10. 88 - Dale Jarrett



  • 42 cars were entered for this race instead of the traditional 43, as the Eel River Racing Team had folded. This was the last race to feature less than 43 cars until the 2014 Kentucky race. Beginning with the 2016 Sprint Cup season, fields are now a max of 40 cars.

  • Robby Gordon became the 5th driver in 2001 to win his 1st ever Winston Cup race, a modern era record (this record would later be matched in 2011).[6] He also became the 19th different driver to win a race in 2001, another modern era record.

  • As of 2018, Robby Gordon would become the 1st, and so far the only driver in NASCAR history to win a race after failing to qualify the previous week.



Final points standings




  1. 24 - Jeff Gordon – 5112

  2. 20 - Tony Stewart – 4763

  3. 40 - Sterling Marlin – 4741

  4. 28 - Ricky Rudd – 4706

  5. 88 - Dale Jarrett – 4612

  6. 18 - Bobby Labonte – 4561

  7. 2 - Rusty Wallace – 4481

  8. 8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 4460

  9. 29 - Kevin Harvick (R)  – 4406

  10. 99 - Jeff Burton – 4394

  11. 10 - Johnny Benson Jr. – 4152

  12. 6 - Mark Martin – 4095

  13. 17 - Matt Kenseth – 3982

  14. 22 - Ward Burton – 3846

  15. 9 - Bill Elliott – 3824

  16. 26 - Jimmy Spencer – 3782

  17. 25 - Jerry Nadeau – 3675

  18. 55 - Bobby Hamilton – 3575

  19. 36 - Ken Schrader – 3480

  20. 21 - Elliott Sadler – 3471

  21. 32 - Ricky Craven – 3379

  22. 93 - Dave Blaney – 3303

  23. 5 - Terry Labonte – 3280

  24. 15 - Michael Waltrip −3159

  25. 77 - Robert Pressley – 3156

  26. 19 - Casey Atwood (R)  – 3132

  27. 97 - Kurt Busch (R)  – 3081

  28. 33 - Joe Nemechek – 2994

  29. 66 - Todd Bodine – 2960

  30. 11 - Brett Bodine – 2948

  31. 43 - John Andretti – 2943

  32. 1 - Steve Park – 2854

  33. 92 - Stacy Compton – 2752

  34. 7 - Mike Wallace – 2693

  35. 12 - Jeremy Mayfield – 2651

  36. 4 - Kevin Lepage – 2461

  37. 01 - Jason Leffler (R)  – 2413

  38. 14 - Ron Hornaday Jr. (R)  – 2305

  39. 1 - Kenny Wallace – 2054

  40. 31 - Mike Skinner – 2029

  41. 44 - Buckshot Jones – 1939

  42. 90 - Hut Stricklin – 1770

  43. 45 - Kyle Petty – 1673

  44. 31 - Robby Gordon – 1552

  45. 50 - Rick Mast – 1187

  46. 96 - Andy Houston (R)  – 1123

  47. 33 - Bobby Hamilton Jr. – 748

  48. 30 - Jeff Green – 539

  49. 02 - Ryan Newman – 497

  50. 77 - Boris Said  – 272



Rookie of the Year


Kevin Harvick emerged as the victor of the Rookie of the Year battle[7] despite not declaring for the award until the second race of the season, as he took over for Dale Earnhardt following his fatal crash. Harvick won 2 races and finished 9th in points. Kurt Busch finished 2nd, despite only having one year of experience in a major NASCAR series. 3rd-place finisher Casey Atwood was pre-season favorite, but was held back due to a rough start and only finished 26th in points. Jason Leffler had a sub-par season that cost him his job with Chip Ganassi Racing, and Ron Hornaday was a disappointment after years of success in the Busch and Truck series. The last-place driver was Andy Houston, another pre-season favorite who had a tough season, suffering from several DNQs and DNFs that resulted in his team closing after the Kansas race.[8]



Facts



  • There were 19 different race winners, a new record for the series.
    • Five of these race winners won a Winston Cup race for the first time: Michael Waltrip in the Daytona 500, Kevin Harvick in the spring Atlanta race, Elliott Sadler in the spring Bristol race, Ricky Craven in the fall Martinsville race, and Robby Gordon in the season finale at New Hampshire.


  • There were six first-time pole sitters in the 2001 Cup season: Stacy Compton, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch, Jason Leffler, Casey Atwood and Jeff Green. Up until Atwood's lead lap finish at Phoenix, the best finish for a first-time pole sitter was Leffler, when he finished 32nd at Kansas. He was on the lead lap with nine to go there, only to wreck. Compton finished 43rd at Talladega, as did Newman at Charlotte. Busch came in 42nd after a crash at Darlington, and Green came in 39th after one in Bristol.

  • 2001 marked the 2nd full-time Cup season that Mark Martin failed to win a race. His first winless season was in 1996. Martin finished 12th in the standings, making this the first time since 1988 that Martin didn't finish in the top 10 in points, ending a streak of 12 consecutive seasons.


  • Bill Elliott, Sterling Marlin, and Ricky Rudd each won a Winston Cup race for the first time since 1994, 1996, and 1998.


  • Jeff Gordon won his fourth Winston Cup Championship, a feat that only two other drivers – Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt – had accomplished at the time. Final championship for Jeff Gordon.

  • As the 2001 season came to an end, Jeff Gordon's winning average was 20 percent, winning 1 race in every 5 starts. After 2001, he recorded 58 victories in 293 races.

  • No rookies competed in all 36 races during this year; the closest were Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Casey Atwood with 35. Harvick did not compete in the Daytona 500, Atwood did not qualify for the spring Atlanta race, and Busch failed to qualify for the fall race in Atlanta.

  • This was supposed to be the last season finale to be held at Atlanta. However, due to the September 11 attacks, the fall New Hampshire race was postponed until the first available date, which came after the Atlanta event.


  • Dale Earnhardt was given credit for a 57th-place finish in the final points standings after losing his life on the last lap of the season-opening Daytona 500.

  • 2001 was the last full-time Winston Cup season for Ron Hornaday Jr.; Buckshot Jones, Andy Houston, and Jason Leffler. Hornaday Jr. went to the Grand National Series in 2002 then in the Trucks again in 2005. Jones was fired after a few races that same year due to poor finishes. Houston went back to the Trucks Series and currently serves as the spotter for Austin Dillon. Leffler attempted to have a full-time ride with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2005 but was fired halfway into the season. He went back into Grand National from 2006 to 2011 then the Trucks for 2012. After being unemployed in 2013, he died in a sprint car racing accident.

  • 2001 was the last year for teams Eel River Racing and Melling Racing.

  • 2001 was the first year for teams Evernham Motorsports and BAM Racing.

  • Until the 2014 Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway, the 2001 New Hampshire 300 was the last race to have 42 starters.

  • Last career top 5 points finishes for Ricky Rudd and Dale Jarrett.

  • Last career top 10 points finish for Sterling Marlin.

  • First career top 10 points finish for Kevin Harvick.



See also



  • 2001 NASCAR Busch Series

  • 2001 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series



References





  1. ^ "Standings: 2001 Manufacturer Standings". NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network. Retrieved September 23, 2009..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output q{quotes:"""""""'""'"}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}


  2. ^ Dave Rodman, Turner Sports Interactive (February 21, 2001). "Earnhardt dies following Daytona 500 accident — February 21, 2001". NASCAR.com. Archived from the original on February 19, 2001. Retrieved August 13, 2012.


  3. ^ "CNNSI.com - 2001 Daytona 500 - Chrysler's return conjures memories for veterans — Thursday February 15, 2001 12:42 am". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 13, 2012.


  4. ^ "Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site — Wins by Car Numbers". Jayski.com. Retrieved August 13, 2012.


  5. ^ =http://www.jayski.com/teams/nastuff.htm


  6. ^ https://fantasyracingcheatsheet.com/nascar/races/schedule/2011


  7. ^ "Rookie of the Year (1958-2010)". Nascar.Com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2010. Retrieved August 13, 2012.


  8. ^ "Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - 2001 Rookie of the Year". Jayski.com. Retrieved August 13, 2012.




External links


  • Winston Cup Standings and Statistics for 2001









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