2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series

American motorsport season November 2025 March 2016 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series NASCAR Nextel Cup Series 2006 Champions | Seasons thumb|Jimmie Johnson, the 2006 Nextel Cup Series champion. This was the first of his five consecutive titles. thumb|Matt Kenseth finished second behind Johnson by 56 points. thumb|Denny Hamlin finished third in the championship and also won Rookie of the Year. thumb|Chevrolet won the Manufacturer's championship with 23 wins. The 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series was the 58th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 35th modern-era NASCAR Cup series season. It was started at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 12 with the Budweiser Shootout and ended on Monday, November 20, with the Ford 400 at Homestead–Miami Speedway. The Chase for the Nextel Cup began with the Sylvania 300 on Sunday, September 17, at New Hampshire International Speedway. This was the last full-time season with the Gen 4 car. Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 20 Chevrolet for Joe Gibbs Racing, was the defending series champion, but lost out in defending his championship this year, having finished outside of the top 10 in the points standings after the Chevy Rock and Roll 400. He did, however, claim a $1 million (US) bonus as the best finisher outside the Chase for the Nextel Cup drivers, winning three of the ten Chase races. By the end of the season Chevrolet had captured 23 victories, and 270 points to win the NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship over Ford.http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/data/standings_manufacturer.html Standings: 2006 Manufacturer Standings NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network September 12, 2009 The 2006 season was the first for Ford's all-new Fusion, which replaced the Taurus both in NASCAR and in showrooms. Also, a new version of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, called the Monte Carlo Super Sport (SS for short) debuted on the circuit. Teams and drivers Complete schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numbersDriver(s)Crew Chief Chevrolet Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 1 Martin Truex Jr. (R) Kevin Manion 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Tony Eury Jr.Furniture Row Racing78 Kenny Wallace 31 1-13, 17-19, 21, 23-36Joe Garone Jimmy Spencer 3 14-15, 20 Travis Kvapil 1 16 Max Papis 1 22MB2 Motorsports 01 Joe Nemechek Ryan Pemberton 14 Sterling Marlin Doug Randolph Haas CNC Racing 66 Jeff Green Harold HollyHall of Fame Racing96 Terry Labonte 7 1-5, 16, 22Phillipe LopezTony Raines 29 6-15, 17-21, 23-36 Hendrick Motorsports 5 Kyle Busch Alan Gustafson 24 Jeff Gordon Steve Letarte 25 Brian Vickers Lance McGrew 48 Jimmie Johnson Chad Knaus Joe Gibbs Racing 11 Denny Hamlin (R) Mike Ford 18 J. J. Yeley (R) Steve Addington 20 Tony Stewart Greg ZipadelliMorgan-McClure Motorsports4 Scott Wimmer 28 1-15, 17-29Chris Carrier P. J. Jones 1 16 Todd Bodine 3 30-31, 33 Ward Burton 4 32, 34-36PPI Motorsports32 Travis Kvapil 34 1-15, 17-21, 23-36James InceGary Putnam Ron Fellows 2 16, 22 Richard Childress Racing 07 Clint Bowyer (R) Gil Martin 29 Kevin Harvick Todd Berrier 31 Jeff Burton Scott Miller Robby Gordon Motorsports 7 Robby Gordon Greg Erwin DodgeBAM Racing49 Brent Sherman (R) 8 1-5, 7-9Ron OttoJimmy Spencer 1 6Mike Wallace 1 10Kevin Lepage 17 11-15, 17-21, 23-29Chris Cook 2 16, 22Mike Bliss 7 30-36 Bill Davis Racing 22 Dave Blaney Kevin Hamlin Chip Ganassi Racingwith Felix Sabates40 David Stremme (R) 34 1-15, 17-21, 23-36Jeff Vandermoss Scott Pruett 2 16, 22 41 Reed Sorenson (R) Jimmy Elledge 42 Casey Mears Donnie Wingo Evernham Motorsports 9 Kasey Kahne Kenny Francis 10 Scott Riggs Rodney Childers19 Jeremy Mayfield 21 1-21 Chris Andrews Bill Elliott 1 22 Elliott Sadler 14 23-36 Penske Racing South 2 Kurt Busch Roy McCauley 12 Ryan NewmanMatt Borland Petty Enterprises 43 Bobby Labonte Todd Parrott 22 1-22 Greg Steadman 4 23-26 Paul Andrews 10 27-36 45 Kyle Petty Paul Andrews 26 1-26 Billy Wilburn 10 27-36 Waltrip-Jasper Racing 55 Michael Waltrip Derrick Finley Ford Robert Yates Racing38 Elliott Sadler 22 1-22Tommy Baldwin Jr. David Gilliland 14 23-36 88 Dale Jarrett Slugger Labbe Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Pat Tryson 16 Greg Biffle Doug Richert 17 Matt Kenseth Robbie Reiser 26 Jamie McMurray Jimmy Fennig/Wally Brown 99 Carl Edwards Bob Osborne Wood Brothers/JTG RacingNovember 19, 2005 Wood Brothers/JTG Racing press conference https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/wood-brothers-jtg-racing-press-conference/206257/ July 6, 2020 Motorsport.com Motorsport Network July 7, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200707160259/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/wood-brothers-jtg-racing-press-conference/206257/ dead 21 Ken Schrader David Hyder ChevroletDodgeFord Peak Fitness Racing 9 1-9 (Car #61 only) Front Row Motorsports 27 10-36 34 Team ran as No. 64 at round 1 Randy LaJoie 2 1-2 Wayne Hatfield Chad Chaffin (R) 11 3-10, 21, 34, 36 Chad Blount 7 11-12, 17, 26-29 Carl Long 3 13, 18, 24 Greg Sacks 2 14, 20 Mike Skinner 2 15, 23 Johnny Miller 1 16 Joey McCarthy 1 19 Brian Simo 1 22 Kertus Davis 1 25 Kevin Lepage 4 30-32, 35 61 Kevin Lepage 13 1-10, 33-34, 36Greg Conner 15 1-10, 18, 22, 33-34, 36Mike Steurer 17 11-15, 17, 20, 23-27, 29-32, 35Craig Osbourne 4 16, 19, 21, 28 Chad Chaffin (R) 17 11-15, 17, 20, 23-27, 29-32, 35 Brian Simo 1 16 Chad Blount 1 18 Ted Christopher 1 19 Derrike Cope 1 21 Stanton Barrett 1 28 Limited schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numbersDriver(s)Crew ChiefRoundsChevroletAndy Belmont Racing 59 Andy Belmont Billy Owen 1 1Braun Racing 71 Jason Leffler Todd Lohse1 35CJM Racing72 Kertus DavisDoug George2 12, 17 Brent Sherman1 14 David Gilliland1 16Dale Quarterley1 22 Mike Skinner4 31-34 Brandon Whitt2 35-36 Competitive Edge Motorsports 51 Mike Garvey Barry Haefele10 2, 4-8, 12, 14-15, 18 Cupp Motorsports 46 Carl Long Stan Hover4 27, 29, 31, 36 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 15 Paul Menard Dan Stillman10 1, 4, 12, 18, 21-23, 30, 34, 36 Haas CNC Racing 70 Johnny Sauter Bootie Barker2 12, 21 Hendrick Motorsports 44 Terry Labonte Peter Sospenzo10 7, 11-12, 14, 18, 20, 25, 29, 31, 34Kirk Shelmerdine Racing 27 Kirk Shelmerdine Phil Harris7 1, 9, 12, 17, 30-31, 33 Tom Hubert2 16, 22 Ted Christopher3 26-27, 32Mike Skinner1 36 MB2 Motorsports 36 Bill Elliott Frank Stoddard 1 1 Michael Waltrip Racing 00 Bill Elliott Larry Carter 5 18-19, 21, 25, 36 Morgan-McClure Motorsports 04 Eric McClure Danny Gill 1 30 Richard Childress Racing 33 Scott Wimmer Pat Smith 1 36Stanton Barrett Racing 95 Stanton Barrett Shawn Parker16 1-14, 16, 19Dodge Arnold Motorsports 50 Larry Foyt Buddy Sisco 1 1Bill Davis Racing23 Mike SkinnerRicky Viers 1 1 Bill Lester3 4, 15, 25 Bobby Hamilton Racing 04 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 3 3, 20-21Brandon Ash Racing 02 Brandon Ash Ed Ash 5 3, 8, 16, 22, 35 Chip Ganassi Racing30 Juan Pablo Montoya Dan Kolanda 3 24, 27, 32Steve Boyer 1 36 1 36 Rick Ware RacingStanton Barrett 3 24, 27, 3252 Dan Kolanda 1 20 Larry Gunselman 2 1, 19 Steve Portenga 1 8 Donnie Neuenberger 2 13, 28 McGlynn Racing 74 Derrike Cope Dom Turse 27 1-2, 4-7, 10-15, 18-20, 23-24, 26-28, 30-36 R&J Racing37 Chad Blount Mark Tutor 1 1 Mike Skinner5 3-5, 21, 24 Carl Long 3 11-12, 15 David Murry1 22Bill Elliott4 29, 33-35Victory Motorsports Faith Motorsports89 Morgan ShepherdDoug George16 1-3, 5-6, 8-9, 19, 24, 26-28, 31-32, 35 Kertus Davis 1 10 Team Red Bull 83 Bill ElliottRicky Viers 1 31 84 A. J. Allmendinger2 33-34Ford Brent Sherman Racing 04 Brent Sherman 1 18Brewco Motorsports 95 Casey Atwood Shawn Parker1 36 Hover Motorsports 80 Carl Long Stan Hover 1 1 No Fear Racing60 Boris Said Frank Stoddard4 16-17, 21-22 David Ragan2 34, 36Robert Yates Racing90Stephen LeichtRaymond Fox Jr.2 20-21Marc Goossens1 22 Roush Racing06 Todd KlueverFrank Stoddard7 18, 23, 25, 29, 31, 35-36 David Ragan2 28, 32 Sacks Motorsports 13 Greg Sacks 1 4 ChevroletDodge Front Row Motorsports 64 Randy LaJoieTeddy Brown1 3 92 Chad Chaffin (R)1 1 Chad Blount6 4-9 Johnny Miller1 22 ChevroletFord MBA Racing 00 Hermie Sadler Micah Horton17 1-6, 9-10, 12-13, 23-24, 26, 30-32 ChevroletDodgeFord Phoenix Racing09 Mike Wallace Marc Reno6 1, 9, 17, 24, 26 30 Jeremy Mayfield 2 35-36 Driver changes for 2006 Several new drivers were in their first stint as regulars on the Nextel Cup circuit in 2006. After winning back-to-back Busch Series championships in 2004 and 2005, Martin Truex Jr. drove the No. 1 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI). Vacated by Michael Waltrip, their No. 15 car was driven by rookie Paul Menard and ran a part-time schedule of only seven races. Waltrip left DEI to drive Bill Davis Racing's new No. 55 car, but ownership was transferred to the newly merged (with the old No. 77 team) Waltrip-Jasper Racing to ensure that Waltrip would compete in the first five races. Despite the change, the No. 55 still received most of its equipment and crew from BDR. On January 23 in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of the annual Media Tour, NASCAR announced that the Toyota Camry would be added to the series in 2007, meaning that Toyota would become the first non-American car manufacturer to run in the premier series since Jaguar in the mid-1950s. Waltrip-Jasper Racing and BDR became two of the first Toyota teams, although they raced Dodges. They did so without Dodge's support because BDR had raced Toyotas in the Craftsman Truck Series. The team hired Dave Blaney to take the wheel of the No. 22 Dodge. A third Toyota team, carrying the No. 83, was owned by Red Bull Energy Drink, with Brian Vickers as the driver. It was believed that they would also buy the No. 7 Jim Smith-owned team driven by Robby Gordon. 1988 series champion Bill Elliott attempted three races for Red Bull in a Dodge, as the 2006 Camry was not approved for racing. He didn't make any starts in the ride, nor did former Champ Car driver A. J. Allmendinger. With Blaney's departure, the No. 07 Chevy for Richard Childress Racing was driven by Clint Bowyer. 2004 Nextel Cup champion Kurt Busch replaced a retired Rusty Wallace in the No. 2 Dodge for Penske Racing. 2003 Rookie of the Year Jamie McMurray replaced Busch to drive Roush Racing's No. 26 (formerly 97) Ford. In addition, Mark Martin continued his "Salute to You" tour for their No. 6 car. With the egressing of both McMurray and Sterling Marlin from Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Casey Mears became the senior driver and moved to No. 42 Dodge and Reed Sorenson took over his ride in the No. 41. David Stremme replaced Marlin in the No. 40 car. Sold to resort magnate Bob Ginn during the season and formerly numbered 10, Marlin drove the No. 14 car for MB2 Motorsports and Scott Riggs took the No. 10 car to Evernham Motorsports just as they switched from Chevy to Dodge. Jeremy Mayfield and Elliott Sadler were released from Evernham Motorsports and Robert Yates Racing. Sadler drove Evernham's No. 19, and David Gilliland replaced him in RYR No. 38 car; that change took effect for the GFS Marketplace 400. Jeff Green replaced Mike Bliss in the No. 66 (formerly No. 0) car, which left Petty Enterprises' No. 43 Dodge open for former Joe Gibbs Racing driver Bobby Labonte to step in. His new teammate/team owner Kyle Petty brought sponsorships from Wells Fargo, NTB, and Schwan's to the No. 45 car, with Schwan's moving from the No. 49. Competitive Edge Motorsports ceased operations, and Marathon Petroleum Company sponsored Kyle Petty. J. J. Yeley took over for Labonte in JGR's No. 18 Chevrolet. Denny Hamlin, after scoring three Top 10 finishes at the end of the previous season, raced full-time in their newly entered No. 11 car, and he claimed rookie of the year honors, two checkered flags (both at Pocono Raceway, the first rookie to sweep both races in a single season) and third in the Championship standings. Hall of Fame Racing started operations in 2006. Two-time Cup series champion Terry Labonte drove their No. 96 car for the first five races utilizing the past champions provisional rule, and Tony Raines took over at Martinsville. Labonte wound down his career "Texas Style" in the No. 44 Hendrick Motorsports second car following the Dickies 500 race in November in his home state at Texas Motor Speedway, where he finished 34th. Brent Sherman took over for Ken Schrader in the No. 49 Dodge for BAM Racing, only to be replaced by Kevin Lepage, who started the season in the No. 61 (formerly No. 66) car for Peak Fitness Racing. Bliss replaced Sherman in the No. 49 as well. Front Row Motorsports hired Chad Chaffin to run for Rookie of the Year and Randy LaJoie (who was replaced by Chad Blount) to run full-time in their No. 34/92 car as well as buying Peak Fitness Racing's No. 61, suspending the 92's operations. Schrader replaced Ricky Rudd in the Wood Brothers No. 21 Ford. Starting this season, Wood Brothers made a partnership with JTG Racing (a Busch Series and Truck Series at the time) to field the No. 21 entry and the team was renamed to Wood Brothers/JTG Racing. Scott Wimmer took Mike Wallace's place in Morgan-McClure Motorsports's No. 4 Chevrolet but departed when 2002 Daytona 500 champion Ward Burton took over for him late in the season after sitting on the sidelines. Travis Kvapil moved from the Jasper team to Chevrolet for PPI Motorsports. Furniture Row Racing announced it would run full-time, with Kenny Wallace driving their No. 78 Chevrolet. Schedule No. Race title Track DateBudweiser ShootoutDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 12Gatorade DuelFebruary 161Daytona 500February 192Auto Club 500California Speedway, FontanaFebruary 263UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NevadaMarch 124Golden Corral 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonMarch 205Food City 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolMarch 266DirecTV 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 27Samsung/Radio Shack 500Texas Motor Speedway, Fort WorthApril 98Subway Fresh 500Phoenix International Raceway, PhoenixApril 229Aaron's 499Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaMay 110Crown Royal 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondMay 611Dodge Charger 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonMay 13Nextel OpenLowe's Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 20Nextel All-Star Challenge12Coca-Cola 600May 2813Neighborhood Excellence 400 presented by Bank of AmericaDover International Speedway, DoverJune 414Pocono 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondJune 11153M Performance 400 presented by Post-It Picture PaperMichigan International Speedway, BrooklynJune 1816Dodge/Save Mart 350Infineon Raceway, SonomaJune 2517Pepsi 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 118USG Sheetrock 400Chicagoland Speedway, JolietJuly 919Lenox Industrial Tools 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonJuly 1620Pennsylvania 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondJuly 2321Allstate 400 at the BrickyardIndianapolis Motor Speedway, SpeedwayAugust 622AMD at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 1323GFS Marketplace 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 2024Sharpie 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolAugust 2625Sony HD 500California Speedway, FontanaSeptember 326Chevy Rock & Roll 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondSeptember 9 Chase for the Nextel Cup27Sylvania 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonSeptember 1728Dover 400Dover International Speedway, DoverSeptember 2429Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra FoodsKansas Speedway, Kansas CityOctober 130UAW-Ford 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaOctober 831Bank of America 500Lowe's Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 1432Subway 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayOctober 2233Bass Pro Shops 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonOctober 2934Dickies 500Texas Motor Speedway, Fort WorthNovember 535Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by PennzoilPhoenix International Raceway, PhoenixNovember 1236Ford 400Homestead–Miami Speedway, HomesteadNovember 19 Races No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer Winning manufacturerBudweiser ShootoutKen SchraderKen SchraderDenny HamlinChevroletGatorade Duel 1Jeff BurtonElliott SadlerElliott SadlerFordGatorade Duel 2Jeff GordonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet1Daytona 500Jeff BurtonDale Earnhardt Jr.Jimmie JohnsonChevrolet2Auto Club 500Kurt BuschGreg BiffleMatt KensethFord3UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400Greg BiffleMatt KensethJimmie JohnsonChevrolet4Golden Corral 500Kasey KahneGreg BiffleKasey KahneDodge5Food City 500Tony StewartTony StewartKurt BuschDodge6DirecTV 500Jimmie JohnsonTony StewartTony StewartChevrolet7Samsung/Radio Shack 500Kasey KahneTony StewartKasey KahneDodge8Subway Fresh 500Kyle BuschGreg BiffleKevin HarvickChevrolet9Aaron's 499Elliott SadlerJeff GordonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet10Crown Royal 400Greg BiffleKevin HarvickDale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet11Dodge Charger 500Kasey KahneGreg BiffleGreg BiffleFordNextel OpenScott RiggsScott RiggsScott RiggsDodgeNextel All-Star ChallengeKasey KahneJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet12Coca-Cola 600Scott RiggsKasey KahneKasey KahneDodge13Neighborhood Excellence 400 presented by Bank of AmericaRyan NewmanJamie McMurrayMatt KensethFord14Pocono 500Denny HamlinDenny HamlinDenny HamlinChevrolet153M Performance 400 presented by Post-It Picture PaperKasey KahneJeff GordonKasey KahneDodge16Dodge/Save Mart 350Kurt BuschJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet17Pepsi 400Boris SaidTony StewartTony StewartChevrolet18USG Sheetrock 400Jeff BurtonMatt KensethJeff GordonChevrolet19Lenox Industrial Tools 300Ryan NewmanKyle BuschKyle BuschChevrolet20Pennsylvania 500Denny HamlinDenny HamlinDenny HamlinChevrolet21Allstate 400 at the BrickyardJeff BurtonJeff BurtonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet22AMD at the GlenKurt BuschKurt BuschKevin HarvickChevrolet23GFS Marketplace 400Jeff BurtonMatt KensethMatt KensethFord24Sharpie 500Kurt BuschJeff BurtonMatt KensethFord25Sony HD 500Kurt BuschKasey KahneKasey KahneDodge26Chevy Rock & Roll 400Denny HamlinKyle BuschKevin HarvickChevrolet27Sylvania 300Kevin HarvickKevin HarvickKevin HarvickChevrolet28Dover 400Jeff GordonMatt KensethJeff BurtonChevrolet29Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra FoodsKasey KahneJimmie JohnsonTony StewartChevrolet30UAW-Ford 500David GillilandDale Earnhardt Jr.Brian VickersChevrolet31Bank of America 500Scott RiggsKasey KahneKasey KahneDodge32Subway 500Kurt BuschJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet33Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500Matt KensethTony StewartTony StewartChevrolet34Dickies 500Brian VickersTony StewartTony StewartChevrolet35Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by PennzoilJeff GordonKevin HarvickKevin HarvickChevrolet36Ford 400Kasey KahneKasey KahneGreg BiffleFord Budweiser Shootout This non-points race, which involved the previous season's pole winners and past Shootout winners, was held February 12 at Daytona International Speedway after a postponement of one day due to rain, and in a major upset, rookie Denny Hamlin won the event. Even though he was classified as a rookie, Hamlin had qualified by winning the pole position for the Checker Auto Parts 500 held November 13, 2005 in Phoenix. Hamlin drove in only 7 Nextel Cup races in 2005. Top-ten results: #11 - Denny Hamlin #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #20 - Tony Stewart #10 - Scott Riggs #48 - Jimmie Johnson #17 - Matt Kenseth #6 - Mark Martin #26 - Jamie McMurray #01 - Joe Nemechek #88 - Dale Jarrett Gatorade Duels Jeff Burton won the pole for the race with a speed of over 189 mph, and would start alongside Jeff Gordon in an all-Chevy front row. Gordon would win the second Gatorade Duel (his third career victory in a Daytona qualifying race) after Elliott Sadler won in race 1, which was delayed by showers. Top-ten results (Duel #1): #38 - Elliott Sadler #99 - Carl Edwards #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #48 - Jimmie Johnson #17 - Matt Kenseth #2 - Kurt Busch #31 - Jeff Burton #20 - Tony Stewart #11 - Denny Hamlin * #1 - Martin Truex Jr. * Top-ten results (Duel #2): #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Kyle Busch #26 - Jamie McMurray #43 - Bobby Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #45 - Kyle Petty #42 - Casey Mears #16 - Greg Biffle #12 - Ryan Newman #7 - Robby Gordon Daytona 500 2006 Daytona 500 Complete Results The 48th running of the Daytona 500 was held on February 19, Jeff Burton won the pole. Top-ten results: (Race distance extended to 203 laps/507.5 miles due to green-white-checkered rule.) #48 - Jimmie Johnson #42 - Casey Mears #12 - Ryan Newman #38 - Elliott Sadler #20 - Tony Stewart #07 - Clint Bowyer * #25 - Brian Vickers #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #21 - Ken Schrader #88 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: Scott Riggs (#10), Kenny Wallace (#78), Scott Wimmer (#4), Mike Skinner (#23), Derrike Cope (#74), Larry Gunselman (#52), Chad Blount (#37), Larry Foyt (#50), Andy Belmont (#59), Randy LaJoie (#64), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Chad Chaffin (#92), Carl Long (#80), Paul Menard (#15), Stanton Barrett (#95) The start of the race was pushed back to 2:45 pm, as NBC chose it as its lead-in program to the primetime portion of its day's coverage of the Winter Olympic Games from Turin. Reigning champion Tony Stewart became embroiled in controversy during the race. On lap 106, Stewart made contact with Matt Kenseth, sending Kenseth's car spinning through the grass and onto the track, with many cars narrowly avoiding him. Stewart was penalized for aggressive driving after the incident, and Kenseth would be penalized for hitting Stewart's car in retaliation on pit road. As of 2024, this was the final Daytona 500 televised by NBC. The NASCAR TV deal for 2001 through 2006 allowed for FOX and NBC to rotate the Daytona 500 and the Pepsi 400 every year. FOX would broadcast the Daytona 500 on odd-numbered years, and NBC would broadcast the race on even-numbered years. FOX would televise every Daytona 500 after the new broadcast rights deal went into effect in 2007. As of 2026, this race holds the record for highest TV viewership in NASCAR history, with an average of 19.355 million viewers. Auto Club 500 2006 Auto Club 500 Complete Results The Auto Club 500 was held on February 26 at California Speedway. Kurt Busch won the pole. Top-ten results: (Race distance extended to 502 miles/251 laps due to green-white checkered rule.) #17 - Matt Kenseth #48 - Jimmie Johnson #99 - Carl Edwards #9 - Kasey Kahne #31 - Jeff Burton #26 - Jamie McMurray #42 - Casey Mears #18 - J. J. Yeley #6 - Mark Martin #5 - Kyle Busch Failed to qualify: Travis Kvapil (#32), Hermie Sadler (#00), Derrike Cope (#74), Randy LaJoie (#34), Morgan Shepherd (#89) Multiple Dodge teams, including pole-sitter Kurt Busch, ran this race using the 2004 Dodge Intrepid-styled body, as opposed to the new Dodge Charger, as Penske Racing believed the Intrepid body was aerodynamically superior to the Charger. Both Penske cars, and the Petty Enterprises #43 team, ran the Intrepid body. UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 2006 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Complete Results The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 12 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Greg Biffle won the pole.. Top-ten results: (Race distance extended to 270 laps/405 miles due to green-white-checkered rule.) #48 - Jimmie Johnson #17 - Matt Kenseth #5 - Kyle Busch #9 - Kasey Kahne #24 - Jeff Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #31 - Jeff Burton #16 - Greg Biffle #42 - Casey Mears #11 - Denny Hamlin Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#95), Hermie Sadler (#00), Brandon Ash (#02), Mike Skinner (#37), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Randy LaJoie (#92) Golden Corral 500 2006 Golden Corral 500 Complete Results The Golden Corral 500, held at Atlanta Motor Speedway, was scheduled for Sunday, March 19, but rain showers postponed the race to Monday, March 20 at 11 am. Television coverage moved to cable's FX channel for the race (with some exceptions). Kasey Kahne sat on the pole with a speed of 192.553 mph. Top-ten results: #9 - Kasey Kahne #6 - Mark Martin #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #24 - Jeff Gordon #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson #15 - Paul Menard #45 - Kyle Petty #88 - Dale Jarrett #41 - Reed Sorenson Failed to qualify: Mike Garvey (#51), Stanton Barrett (#95), Chad Chaffin (#34), Derrike Cope (#74), Kenny Wallace (#78), Travis Kvapil (#32), Mike Skinner (#37), Greg Sacks (#13), Chad Blount (#92) A scary incident took place on pit road during the sixth caution of the day (laps 189–197), when Reed Sorenson hit John Slusher, catch can man for Robby Gordon's crew, as he pulled out of his pit stall. Slusher was treated at the infield care center. Bill Lester made his Cup Series debut in this race, becoming the first African-American to start a NASCAR Nextel Cup race since 1986. Lester qualified 19th and finished 38th, six laps down. Food City 500 2006 Food City 500 Complete Results The Food City 500, was held at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 26. Qualifying was cancelled on March 24 due to snow, sleet and rain, and the field was set with top 35 owners points from 2005, the Champion's Provisional (for Terry Labonte) and seven others, based on qualifying attempts in 2006. As a result, 2005 champion Tony Stewart sat on pole. Top-ten results: #2 - Kurt Busch #29 - Kevin Harvick #17 - Matt Kenseth* #99 - Carl Edwards #43 - Bobby Labonte #6 - Mark Martin #16 - Greg Biffle #5 - Kyle Busch #12 - Ryan Newman #9 - Kasey Kahne Failed to qualify: Chad Chaffin (#34), Mike Skinner (#37), Mike Garvey (#51), Derrike Cope (#74), Kenny Wallace (#78), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Chad Blount (#92). This was Dodge's first win at Bristol since Richard Petty in 1975. The race featured 18 cautions, with over 100 of the 500 laps were run under the yellow flag. Points leader Jimmie Johnson made contact with Reed Sorenson, resulting in a flat tire and putting Johnson multiple laps down. He finished 30th. On the final lap, Matt Kenseth spun Jeff Gordon out while battling for 3rd-place. Gordon finished 21st and was involved in a shoving match with Kenseth on pit road after the race. DirecTV 500 2006 DirecTV 500 Complete Results The DirecTV 500, was held at Martinsville Speedway on April 2. Jimmie Johnson won the pole. Top-ten results: #20 - Tony Stewart #24 - Jeff Gordon #48 - Jimmie Johnson #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #5 - Kyle Busch #38 - Elliott Sadler #29 - Kevin Harvick #25 - Brian Vickers #26 - Jamie McMurray #10 - Scott Riggs Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#74), Kevin Lepage (#61), Kenny Wallace (#78), Jimmy Spencer (#49), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Hermie Sadler (#00). This race became the subject of controversy involving Dateline NBC. Reacting to widespread Islamophobia in the United States, NBC producers reportedly sent actors dressed as Muslims to the race, as well as a camera crew to record the reaction to their presence. Reportedly, fans at the track largely ignored the actors, while others reacted positively to seeing them. The network received backlash from NASCAR when the scheme was exposed, as many felt it was an attempt by NBC to portray the sport, and its fans, in a negative light. The incident was quickly buried, and is largely forgotten today. Samsung/Radio Shack 500 2006 Samsung/Radio Shack 500 Complete Results The Samsung/Radio Shack 500 was held at Texas Motor Speedway on April 9. Kasey Kahne won the pole. Top-ten results: #9 - Kasey Kahne #17 - Matt Kenseth #20 - Tony Stewart #11 - Denny Hamlin #29 - Kevin Harvick #31 - Jeff Burton #10 - Scott Riggs #1 - Martin Truex Jr. #6 - Mark Martin #43 - Bobby Labonte Failed to qualify: Brent Sherman (#49), Chad Blount (#92), Kenny Wallace (#78), Chad Chaffin (#34), Stanton Barrett (#95). Subway Fresh 500 2006 Subway Fresh 500 Complete Results The Subway Fresh 500 was held at Phoenix International Raceway on April 22. Kyle Busch won the pole. Top-ten results: #29 - Kevin Harvick #20 - Tony Stewart #17 - Matt Kenseth #99 - Carl Edwards #07 - Clint Bowyer #9 - Kasey Kahne #48 - Jimmie Johnson #43 - Bobby Labonte #31 - Jeff Burton #24 - Jeff Gordon Failed to qualify: Chad Chaffin (#34), Mike Garvey (#51), Chad Blount (#92), Kevin Lepage (#61), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Steve Portenga (#52) Aaron's 499 2006 Aaron's 499 Complete Results The Aaron's 499, held at Talladega Superspeedway, was scheduled for April 30. However, due to rain starting one lap prior to the green flag, the event was postponed until the following day. Television coverage was moved from Fox to FX except for several Fox stations which elected to carry the race. Elliott Sadler won the pole. The Aaron's 499 was one of five impound races this year in the Nextel Cup Series. Top-ten results: #48 - Jimmie Johnson #20 - Tony Stewart #25 - Brian Vickers #31 - Jeff Burton #26 - Jamie McMurray #17 - Matt Kenseth #2 - Kurt Busch #99 - Carl Edwards #10 - Scott Riggs #7 - Robby Gordon Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89), Stanton Barrett (#95), Mike Wallace (#09), Chad Blount (#92), Brent Sherman (#49), Kenny Wallace (#78) Crown Royal 400 2006 Crown Royal 400 Complete Results The Crown Royal 400 was held at Richmond International Raceway on May 6. Greg Biffle won the pole. This was the second impound race of the 2006 season. Top-ten results: #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.* #11 - Denny Hamlin #29 - Kevin Harvick #16 - Greg Biffle #5 - Kyle Busch #20 - Tony Stewart #99 - Carl Edwards #12 - Ryan Newman #14 - Sterling Marlin* #07 - Clint Bowyer Failed to qualify: Kertus Davis (#89), Chad Chaffin (#34), Stanton Barrett (#95), Hermie Sadler (#00) This was Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s final victory driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc.. Earnhardt went winless in 2007 before joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. Final career Top 10 finish for Sterling Marlin. Dodge Charger 500 2006 Dodge Charger 500 Complete Results The Dodge Charger 500 was held at Darlington Raceway on May 13. Kasey Kahne won the pole. Top-ten results: #16 - Greg Biffle #24 - Jeff Gordon #17 - Matt Kenseth #48 - Jimmie Johnson #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #12 - Ryan Newman #5 - Kyle Busch #6 - Mark Martin #31 - Jeff Burton #11 - Denny Hamlin Failed to qualify: Chad Chaffin (#61), Kenny Wallace (#78), Carl Long (#37), Chad Blount (#34) Nextel Open The first of two non-points doubleheader races was held May 20 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Scott Riggs won the pole, and would go on to win after leading every lap. Top-ten results #10 - Scott Riggs* #66 - Jeff Green #25 - Brian Vickers #11 - Denny Hamlin #18 - J. J. Yeley #40 - David Stremme #31 - Jeff Burton #14 - Sterling Marlin #7 - Robby Gordon #21 - Ken Schrader Riggs' victory would transfer him into the All-Star Challenge. Kyle Petty, who finished 22nd, would win the fan vote, and also transfer into the All-Star Challenge. Nextel All-Star Challenge The second non-points race was held May 20 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole in the unique three-lap qualifier that included a required four-tire pit stop. Top-ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson #29 - Kevin Harvick #24 - Jeff Gordon #99 - Carl Edwards #12 - Ryan Newman #43 - Bobby Labonte #88 - Dale Jarrett #45 - Kyle Petty #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #10 - Scott Riggs Coca-Cola 600 2006 Coca-Cola 600 Complete Results The Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR's longest race in terms of distance, was run on May 28 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Scott Riggs won the pole. Top-ten results: #9 - Kasey Kahne #48 - Jimmie Johnson* #99 - Carl Edwards #6 - Mark Martin #17 - Matt Kenseth #31 - Jeff Burton #16 - Greg Biffle #26 - Jamie McMurray #11 - Denny Hamlin #41 - Reed Sorenson Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#49), Hermie Sadler (#00), Chad Chaffin (#61), Michael Waltrip (#55)*, Stanton Barrett (#95), Mike Garvey (#51), Chad Blount (#34), Carl Long (#37), Kirk Shelmerdine (#27), Kertus Davis (#72). Jimmie Johnson's 2nd-place finish ended his quest to win 5 straight races at Charlotte. He would also fail to break out of a 3-way tie with Bill Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr. by trying to win 5 straight superspeedway races at one track. Tony Stewart crashed hard on lap 33, aggravating injuries suffered in the Busch Series race the previous night. Michael Waltrip failed to qualify, but he bought Derrike Cope's 43rd starting spot. Kyle Busch was fined $50,000 and docked 25 championship points for throwing his HANS device at Casey Mears after an accident. Neighborhood Excellence 400 presented by Bank of America 2006 Neighborhood Excellence 400 Complete Results The Neighborhood Excellence 400 presented by Bank of America was held at Dover International Speedway on June 4. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top-ten results: #17 - Matt Kenseth #26 - Jamie McMurray #29 - Kevin Harvick #31 - Jeff Burton #5 - Kyle Busch #48 - Jimmie Johnson #9 - Kasey Kahne #16 - Greg Biffle #6 - Mark Martin #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#34), Donnie Neuenberger (#52), Chad Chaffin (#61), and Stanton Barrett (#95). Tony Stewart, still recovering from a broken scapula after crashing at Charlotte, needed relief from Ricky Rudd, who was taking a year off from racing. This was the final NASCAR Cup Series race aired on FX. Pocono 500 2006 Pocono 500 Complete Results The Pocono 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on June 11. Denny Hamlin won the pole. Top Ten Results: #11 - Denny Hamlin* #2 - Kurt Busch #20 - Tony Stewart #25 - Brian Vickers #17 - Matt Kenseth #16 - Greg Biffle #9 - Kasey Kahne #10 - Scott Riggs #31 - Jeff Burton #48 - Jimmie Johnson Failed to qualify: Scott Wimmer (#4), Derrike Cope (#74), Stanton Barrett (#95), Greg Sacks (#34), Brent Sherman (#72) This was Denny Hamlin's first career Cup Series points race victory. On lap 51, Hamlin spun out of the lead after blowing a left-rear tire, dropping him back to 40th-place. Despite this, Hamlin managed to recover and win the race. 3M Performance 400 Complete Results The 3M Performance 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on June 18. Kasey Kahne won the pole. Top-ten Results: (Race called after 129 laps/258 miles because of rain.) #9 - Kasey Kahne #99 - Carl Edwards #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #16 - Greg Biffle #41 - Reed Sorenson #48 - Jimmie Johnson #42 - Casey Mears #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Kurt Busch #29 - Kevin Harvick Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#37), Mike Garvey (#51), Chad Chaffin (#61), Jimmy Spencer (#78) Dodge/Save Mart 350 Complete Results The Dodge/Save Mart 350, the 100th road course race in Cup history, was held at Infineon Raceway on June 25. Kurt Busch won the pole. Top-ten results: #24 - Jeff Gordon #12 - Ryan Newman #96 - Terry Labonte* #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #2 - Kurt Busch #99 - Carl Edwards #31 - Jeff Burton #38 - Elliott Sadler #60 - Boris Said #48 - Jimmie Johnson Failed to qualify: Johnny Miller (#34), Chris Cook (#49), Travis Kvapil (#78), Stanton Barrett (#95), Brian Simo (#61) Tom Hubert had his third-consecutive 43rd-place finish at Sonoma going back to 2003. Terry Labonte running a part-time schedule for Hendrick Motorsports and Hall of Fame Racing, finished an amazing third-place finish in the #96 DLP HD TV Chevrolet, after leading the race with less than 20 laps to go. It was also Labonte's last career top-5. Pepsi 400 2006 Pepsi 400 Complete Results The Pepsi 400 was held at Daytona International Speedway on July 1. Road racer Boris Said won the pole, his first on an oval. This race was the third impound race of the season. Top-ten results: #20 - Tony Stewart #5 - Kyle Busch #2 - Kurt Busch #60 - Boris Said* #17 - Matt Kenseth #38 - Elliott Sadler #42 - Casey Mears #26 - Jamie McMurray #29 - Kevin Harvick #07 - Clint Bowyer Failed to qualify: Scott Wimmer (#4), Kevin Lepage (#49), Kenny Wallace (#78), Chad Blount (#34), Kertus Davis (#72) Because of a strategy call by his crew chief with three laps to go Said led the race but Tony Stewart got by Said for the win just before the white flag waved. Said ended up fourth and emotionally said after the race that his performance was the highlight of his career. USG Sheetrock 400 2006 USG Sheetrock 400 Complete Results The USG Sheetrock 400 was held at Chicagoland Speedway on July 9. Jeff Burton won the pole. Top-ten results: (Race distance extended to 270 laps/405 miles due to green-white-checkered rule.) #24 - Jeff Gordon #31 - Jeff Burton #5 - Kyle Busch #29 - Kevin Harvick #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #48 - Jimmie Johnson #41 - Reed Sorenson #2 - Kurt Busch #07 - Clint Bowyer #18 - J. J. Yeley Failed to qualify: Paul Menard (#15), Kevin Lepage (#49), Chad Blount (#61), Brent Sherman (#04), Mike Garvey (#51), Derrike Cope (#74), Carl Long (#34) Lenox Industrial Tools 300 Complete Results The Lenox Industrial Tools 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 16. Ryan Newman won his second pole of the season. Top-ten results: (Race distance extended to 308 laps/308 miles due to green-white-checkered rule.) #5 - Kyle Busch #99 - Carl Edwards #16 - Greg Biffle #6 - Mark Martin #29 - Kevin Harvick #11 - Denny Hamlin #31 - Jeff Burton #9 - Kasey Kahne #48 - Jimmie Johnson #10 - Scott Riggs Failed to qualify: Ted Christopher (#61), Joey McCarthy (#34), Derrike Cope (#74), Morgan Shepherd (#89) Pennsylvania 500 Complete Results The Pennsylvania 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on July 23. Denny Hamlin won the pole. Top-ten results: #11 - Denny Hamlin* #2 - Kurt Busch #24 - Jeff Gordon #25 - Brian Vickers #29 - Kevin Harvick #48 - Jimmie Johnson #20 - Tony Stewart #43 - Bobby Labonte #31 - Jeff Burton #1 - Martin Truex Jr. Failed to qualify: Greg Sacks (#34), Stanton Barrett (#52), Derrike Cope (#74), Jimmy Spencer (#78)* Hamlin's victory would result in a season sweep at Pocono, becoming the first rookie to sweep a track in a season since Jimmie Johnson in 2002. Hamlin led 151 of the race's 200 laps. Chad Chaffin originally qualified for the race, but his time was disqualified due to failing a post-qualifying inspection. Jimmy Spencer took his place in the grid as he was the fastest of the four who failed to qualify on time. Last career start for Jimmy Spencer. Allstate 400 at the Brickyard 2006 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard Complete Results The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 6. Jeff Burton won the pole. Top Ten Results: #48 - Jimmie Johnson* #17 - Matt Kenseth #29 - Kevin Harvick #07 - Clint Bowyer #6 - Mark Martin #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #5 - Kyle Busch #99 - Carl Edwards #20 - Tony Stewart #2 - Kurt Busch Failed to qualify: Paul Menard (#15), Michael Waltrip (#55), Johnny Sauter (#70), Kevin Lepage (#49), Stephen Leicht (#90), Bobby Hamilton Jr. (#04), Derrike Cope (#61) With this victory, Johnson became the second driver to win both the Daytona 500 and the Allstate 400 in the same season, first accomplished by Dale Jarrett in 1996. Johnson came from 38th-place to win. This was the final race for Jeremy Mayfield in the #19 Evernham Motorsports Dodge. He had fallen out of the top 35 in owner's points, thereby no longer guaranteeing him a spot in each race. AMD at The Glen Complete Results The AMD at The Glen, NASCAR's second and final road course race of the season, was held at Watkins Glen International on August 13. Kurt Busch won the pole. Top-ten results: #29 - Kevin Harvick #20 - Tony Stewart #26 - Jamie McMurray #7 - Robby Gordon #99 - Carl Edwards #40 - Scott Pruett #38 - Elliott Sadler* #12 - Ryan Newman #5 - Kyle Busch #11 - Denny Hamlin Failed to qualify: Chris Cook (#49), Max Papis (#78), Tom Hubert (#27), David Murry (#37), Dale Quarterley (#72), Johnny Miller (#92), Brandon Ash (#02) Bill Elliott drove the #19 Dodge for Evernham Motorsports in this race, replacing Jeremy Mayfield. This would be the last race for Eliott Sadler in the #38 Ford. As of August 20, he would drive the Evernham Motorsports' #19 Dodge. GFS Marketplace 400 Complete Results The GFS Marketplace 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on August 20. Jeff Burton won his fourth pole of the year. Top-ten results: #17 - Matt Kenseth #24 - Jeff Gordon #20 - Tony Stewart #9 - Kasey Kahne #6 - Mark Martin #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #16 - Greg Biffle #41 - Reed Sorenson #11 - Denny Hamlin #19 - Elliott Sadler Failed to qualify: Scott Wimmer (#4), Mike Skinner (#34), Chad Chaffin (#61), Kenny Wallace (#78) Sharpie 500 Complete Results The Sharpie 500 was held on August 26 at Bristol International Speedway. Kurt Busch won the pole. Top-ten results: #17 - Matt Kenseth + #5 - Kyle Busch #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #10 - Scott Riggs #24 - Jeff Gordon #11 - Denny Hamlin #99 - Carl Edwards #12 - Ryan Newman #31 - Jeff Burton #48 - Jimmie Johnson + Failed to qualify: Chad Chaffin (#61), Hermie Sadler (#00), Mike Wallace (#09), Mike Skinner (#37), Morgan Shepard (#89) (withdrew), Stanton Barrett (#30) (withdrew) + – Clinched spots in the Chase for the Nextel Cup. Sony HD 500 2006 Sony HD 500 Complete Results The Sony HD 500 was held at California Speedway on September 3. Kurt Busch won the pole. Top-ten results: #9 - Kasey Kahne #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #07 - Clint Bowyer #99 - Carl Edwards #24 - Jeff Gordon #11 - Denny Hamlin #17 - Matt Kenseth #5 - Kyle Busch #20 - Tony Stewart #88 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: Todd Kluever (#06), Kertus Davis (#34), Chad Chaffin (#61), Bill Lester (#23) Chevy Rock and Roll 400 Complete Results The Chevy Rock and Roll 400, the last race of the regular season, was held at Richmond International Raceway on September 9. Denny Hamlin won the pole. This was the season's fourth impound race. Top-ten results: #29 - Kevin Harvick + #5 - Kyle Busch + #9 - Kasey Kahne + #22 - Dave Blaney #6 - Mark Martin + #16 - Greg Biffle #21 - Ken Schrader #17 - Matt Kenseth #31 - Jeff Burton + #10 - Scott Riggs Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#74), Mike Wallace (#09), Michael Waltrip (#55), Hermie Sadler (#00), Ted Christopher (#27) + – Clinched spots in the Chase for the Nextel Cup. Making The Chase - The following 10 drivers made the Chase for the Cup field in 2006: #17 - Matt Kenseth #48 - Jimmie Johnson #29 - Kevin Harvick #5 - Kyle Busch #11 - Denny Hamlin #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #6 - Mark Martin #31 - Jeff Burton #24 - Jeff Gordon #9 - Kasey Kahne Chase for the Nextel Cup 2006 Chase for the Nextel Cup • - Indicates one of the 10 drivers in the Chase for the Nextel Cup. Sylvania 300 2006 Sylvania 300 Complete Results The Sylvania 300, the first race in the 2006 Chase for the Nextel Cup, was held on September 17 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Kevin Harvick won the pole and the race. Top-ten results: #29 - Kevin Harvick* • #20 - Tony Stewart #24 - Jeff Gordon • #11 - Denny Hamlin • #25 - Brian Vickers #19 - Elliott Sadler #31 - Jeff Burton • #18 - J. J. Yeley #22 - Dave Blaney #17 - Matt Kenseth • Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#30), Derrike Cope (#74), Carl Long (#46), Kenny Wallace (#78), Chad Blount (#34) Harvick's victory gave him the points lead, the first time Harvick has ever lead the Cup Series championship. Dover 400 2006 Dover 400 Complete Results The Dover 400 was held on September 24 at Dover International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top-ten results: #31 - Jeff Burton* • #99 - Carl Edwards #24 - Jeff Gordon • #2 - Kurt Busch #16 - Greg Biffle #1 - Martin Truex Jr. #43 - Bobby Labonte #07 - Clint Bowyer #11 - Denny Hamlin • #17 - Matt Kenseth • Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89), Kenny Wallace (#78), Chad Blount (#34), Donnie Neuenberger (#52) This was Burton's first Cup Series victory since Phoenix in November 2001, breaking a 175-race winless streak. Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods 2006 Banquet 400 Complete Results The Banquet 400 was held on October 1 at Kansas Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole. Top ten results: #20 - Tony Stewart* #42 - Casey Mears #6 - Mark Martin • #88 - Dale Jarrett* #31 - Jeff Burton • #99 - Carl Edwards #5 - Kyle Busch • #25 - Brian Vickers #07 - Clint Bowyer #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. • Failed to qualify: Scott Wimmer (#4), Kevin Lepage (#49), Chad Blount (#92), Carl Long (#46) Tony Stewart ran out of fuel after taking the white flag, running the last half of the final lap with no fuel. This marked the first time that NBC broadcast a race in 1080i (HDTV). Dale Jarrett would score his last career top-5, and top-10, in this race. UAW-Ford 500 2006 UAW-Ford 500 Complete Results The UAW-Ford 500 was held at the newly repaved Talladega Superspeedway on October 8. The repaving was the first on the 2.66-mile trioval since 1979. David Gilliland won his first career pole. This race was the fifth and final impound race of the season. Top-ten results: #25 - Brian Vickers* #9 - Kasey Kahne • #2 - Kurt Busch #17 - Matt Kenseth • #1 - Martin Truex Jr.* #29 - Kevin Harvick • #66 - Jeff Green #43 - Bobby Labonte #6 - Mark Martin • #99 - Carl Edwards Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#00), Todd Bodine (#4), Kirk Shelmerdine (#27), Travis Kvapil (#32), Kevin Lepage (#34), Chad Chaffin (#61) This was Brian Vickers' first Nextel Cup victory, which came under controversy after he, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. made contact on the final lap, spinning both Earnhardt and Johnson out. First career top 5 for Martin Truex Jr. Bank of America 500 2006 Bank of America 500 Complete Results The Bank of America 500 was held on October 14 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The event was the only Saturday night race in the Chase. Scott Riggs won the pole. Top-ten results: #9 - Kasey Kahne • #48 - Jimmie Johnson • #31 - Jeff Burton • #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. • #43 - Bobby Labonte #5 - Kyle Busch • #96 - Tony Raines #99 - Carl Edwards #01 - Joe Nemechek #25 - Brian Vickers Failed to qualify: Bill Elliott (#83), Kevin Lepage (#34), Derrike Cope (#74), Chad Chaffin (#61), Hermie Sadler (#00), Kirk Shelmerdine (#27), Carl Long (#46), Kenny Wallace (#78), Morgan Shepherd (#89) Mark Martin's championship hopes came to an end after being wrecked by J. J. Yeley on lap 243. Kurt Busch had his 3rd-place qualifying run disqualified due to an unapproved right rear shock absorber. The team was docked 50 driver and owner points, and fined $25,000. Crew chief Roy McCauley was also suspended for four races. Subway 500 2006 Subway 500 Complete Results The Subway 500 was held on October 22 at Martinsville Speedway. Kurt Busch won his sixth pole of the season. Top-ten results: #48 - Jimmie Johnson • #11 - Denny Hamlin • #43 - Bobby Labonte #20 - Tony Stewart #24 - Jeff Gordon • #42 - Casey Mears #9 - Kasey Kahne • #66 - Jeff Green #29 - Kevin Harvick • #45 - Kyle Petty Failed to qualify: Mike Bliss (#49), Hermie Sadler (#00), Chad Chaffin (#61), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Ted Christopher (#27), Derrike Cope (#74), Stanton Barrett (#30) 2002 Daytona 500 champion Ward Burton returned to racing to drive the Morgan-McClure #4 Chevy after a two-year absence. Bass Pro Shops 500 Complete Results 2006 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 The Bass Pro Shops 500 was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 29. Qualifying was rained out, and the starting order was set by owner points, with Matt Kenseth sitting on the pole. Top-ten results: #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson • #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. • #17 - Matt Kenseth • #16 - Greg Biffle #24 - Jeff Gordon • #99 - Carl Edwards #11 - Denny Hamlin • #01 - Joe Nemechek #7 - Robby Gordon* Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#74), Kirk Shelmerdine (#27), Mike Skinner (#72), A. J. Allmendinger (#84) In a video replay shown by NBC after the race, it was determined that Robby Gordon deliberately caused a late-race caution by throwing out his rollbar padding, getting a free-pass to the lead lap as a result. Gordon was docked 50 owner and driver points, fined $15,000, and placed on probation until December 31. Dickies 500 2006 Dickies 500 Complete Results The Dickies 500 was run on November 5 at Texas Motor Speedway. Brian Vickers won the pole. Top-ten results: (Race distance extended to 339 laps/508.5 miles due to green-white-checkered rule.) #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson • #29 - Kevin Harvick* • #5 - Kyle Busch • #07 - Clint Bowyer #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. • #42 - Casey Mears #2 - Kurt Busch #24 - Jeff Gordon • #11 - Denny Hamlin • Failed to qualify: Chad Chaffin (#34), Bill Elliott (#37), David Ragan (#60), Kevin Lepage (#61), Mike Skinner (#72), Derrike Cope (#74), A. J. Allmendinger (#84) Following this race, Craig Curione, the front tire carrier for the #10 Evernham Dodge driven by Scott Riggs, shoved Kevin Harvick, his wife Delana and NASCAR official John Sacco to the pavement after a late-race incident between Harvick and Riggs that led to the green-white-checkered finish. Curione was suspended indefinitely, fined $10,000 by NASCAR, and fired from Evernham, while Sacco suffered a sprained ankle. Checker Auto Parts 500 2006 Checker Auto Parts 500 Complete Results The Checker Auto Parts 500 was held at Phoenix International Raceway on November 12. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top-ten results: #29 - Kevin Harvick • #48 - Jimmie Johnson• #11 - Denny Hamlin • #24 - Jeff Gordon • #99 - Carl Edwards #6 - Mark Martin • #9 - Kasey Kahne • #2 - Kurt Busch #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. • #31 - Jeff Burton • Failed to qualify: Jason Leffler (#71), Todd Kluever (#06), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Brandon Ash (#02), Kevin Lepage (#34), Kenny Wallace (#78), Derrike Cope (#74), Jeremy Mayfield (#09) Ford 400 2006 Ford 400 Complete Results The Ford 400 was run on November 19 at Homestead–Miami Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole, and won the Bud Pole Award overall championship for 2006. Jimmie Johnson clinched his first Nextel Cup Championship, winning the title by 56 points over Matt Kenseth. Top ten results: (Race extended to 268 laps/402 miles due to green-white-checkered rule.) #16 - Greg Biffle #1 - Martin Truex Jr. #11 - Denny Hamlin • #9 - Kasey Kahne • #29 - Kevin Harvick • #17 - Matt Kenseth • #10 - Scott Riggs #99 - Carl Edwards #48 - Jimmie Johnson • #07 - Clint Bowyer Failed to qualify: Michael Waltrip (#55), Todd Kluever (#06), Ward Burton (#4), Brandon Whitt (#72), Kenny Wallace (#78), Mike Skinner (#27), Derrike Cope (#74), Kevin Lepage (#61), Carl Long (#46), Chad Chaffin (#34), Casey Atwood (#95), David Ragan (#60), Morgan Shepherd (#89) (withdrew after crashing in practice) Juan Pablo Montoya, made his Nextel Cup debut in this race. Montoya qualified 29th, but crashed out and finished 34th after contact with Ryan Newman. This was the final race to be broadcast by NBC until the 2015 Coke Zero 400, as well as the final race to be commentated by Benny Parsons, who died less than 2 months after this event in early 2007. Full Drivers' Championship List of NASCAR points scoring systems (key) Bold - Pole position awarded by time. Italics - Pole position set by owner's points standings. * – Most laps led. Pos. Position Driver DAY CAL LVS ATL BRI MAR TEX PHO TAL RCH DAR CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV KAN TAL CLT MAR ATL TEX PHO HOM Pts. Points 1 Jimmie Johnson 1 2 1 6 30 3 11 7 1 12 4 2 6 10 6 10 32 6 9 6 1 17 13 10 11 23 39 13 14* 24 2 1* 2 2 2 9 6475 2 Matt Kenseth 15 1 2* 13 3 24 2 3 6 38 3 5 1 5 13 17 5 22* 14 14 2 21 1* 1 7 8 10 10* 23 4 14 11 4 12 13 6 6419 3 Denny Hamlin (R) 30 12 10 31 14 37 4 34 22 2 10 9 11 1* 12 12 17 14 6 1* 10 10 9 6 6 15 4 9 18 21 28 2 8 10 3 3 6407 4 Kevin Harvick 14 29 11 39 2 7 5 1 23 3* 37 34 3 13 10 24 9 4 5 5 3 1 11 11 15 1 1* 32 15 6 18 9 31 3 1* 5 6397 5 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8* 11 27 3 11 4 12 23 31 1 5 11 10 14 3 26 13 5 43 43 6 18 6 3 2 17 13 21 10 23* 4 22 3 6 9 19 6328 6 Jeff Gordon 26 13 5 4 21 2 22 10 15* 40 2 36 12 34 8* 1* 40 1 15 3 16 13 2 5 5 31 3 3 39 36 24 5 6 9 4 24 6256 7 Jeff Burton 32 5 7 25 34 33 6 9 4 15 9 6 4 9 11 7 15 2 7 9 15* 11 42 9* 16 9 7 1 5 27 3 42 13 38 10 14 6228 8 Kasey Kahne 11 4 4 1 10 35 1 6 39 34 21 1* 7 7 1 31 25 23 8 31 36 22 4 12 1* 3 16 38 33 2 1* 7 38 33 7 4* 6183 9 Mark Martin 12 9 6 2 6 13 9 11 35 11 8 4 9 17 23 13 33 18 4 19 5 20 5 28 12 5 11 14 3 8 30 24 36 22 6 18 6168 10 Kyle Busch 23 10 3 12 8 5 15 36 32 5 7 38 5 22 14 11 2 3 1* 12 7 9 39 2 8 2 38 40 7 11 6 18 27 4 38 38 6027 Chase for the Nextel Cup cut-off Pos. Position Driver DAY CAL LVS ATL BRI MAR TEX PHO TAL RCH DAR CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV KAN TAL CLT MAR ATL TEX PHO HOM Pts. Points 11 Tony Stewart 5 43 21 5 12* 1* 3* 2 2 6 12 42 25 3 41 28 1* 32 37 7 8 2 3 22 9 18 2 33 1 22 13 4 1* 1* 14 15 4727 12 Carl Edwards 43 3 26 40 4 16 36 4 8 7 39 3 15 25 2 6 39 20 2 39 9 5 22 7 4 35 18 2 6 9 8 12 7 15 5 8 4428 13 Greg Biffle 31 42* 8 16* 7 31 42 15* 38 4 1* 7 8 6 4 4 31 11 3 24 33 38 7 19 24 6 14 5 12 41 37 32 5 35 34 1 4075 14 Casey Mears 2 7 9 21 25 27 14 20 20 17 17 23 21 43 7 20 7 25 21 23 23 35 16 17 14 11 21 22 2 30 12 6 28 7 26 32 3914 15 Brian Vickers 7 18 22 23 37 8 43 13 3 37 41 37 23 4 17 14 18 13 17 4 17 16 15 33 41 24 5 29 8 1 10 17 19 27 11 21 3906 16 Kurt Busch 38 16 16 37 1 11 34 24 7 29 19 39 16 2 9 5 3 8 38 2 12 19* 40 37 27 27 19 4 25 3 32 27 14 8 8 43 3900 17 Clint Bowyer (R) 6 14 15 27 29 22 19 5 40 10 23 19 17 21 39 16 10 9 27 41 4 14 33 38 3 12 24 8 9 35 23 23 25 5 33 10 3833 18 Ryan Newman 3 20 43 18 9 18 40 39 33 8 6 35 14 11 15 2 11 36 39 18 13 8 25 8 33 20 12 24 24 13 27 13 30 34 15 23 3748 19 Martin Truex Jr. (R) 16 15 20 19 38 19 8 22 36 41 14 21 22 24 16 15 29 16 18 10 19 28 30 18 18 40 22 6 11 5 31 36 37 14 12 2 3673 20 Scott Riggs DNQ 19 28 11 41 10 7 38 9 14 31 13 20 8 29 27 20 15 10 22 21 23 14 4 17 10 35 34 34 19 17 30 22 31 22 7 3619 21 Bobby Labonte 35 31 30 43 5 32 10 8 29 24 22 17 13 12 28 35 42 12 23 8 40 24 19 23 26 22 40 7 17 10 5 3 12 16 27 41 3567 22 Elliott Sadler 4 23 14 29 13 6 33 37 16 13 29 30 40 20 22 8 6 29 25 32 43 7 10 39 13 16 6 16 40 29 35 38 21 37 17 36 3469 23 Dale Jarrett 10 17 19 9 20 15 17 19 12 21 24 43 24 38 20 34 22 31 31 28 28 26 36 15 10 21 28 15 4 12 41 16 11 29 39 31 3438 24 Reed Sorenson (R) 29 21 40 10 22 12 13 40 26 23 11 10 19 36 5 29 34 7 24 26 30 12 8 36 21 14 17 11 43 39 36 35 29 17 29 16 3434 25 Jamie McMurray 37 6 23 14 35 9 37 14 5 19 42 8 2* 18 23 18 8 39 33 20 26 3 17 29 20 25 29 17 42 37 34 19 40 26 40 35 3405 26 Dave Blaney 22 30 31 32 23 17 29 27 24 20 27 32 30 27 30 39 27 17 13 16 29 40 24 14 28 4 9 12 21 28 26 33 18 32 23 26 3259 27 Joe Nemechek 33 27 13 17 28 23 23 35 27 28 16 18 35 29 26 25 19 33 41 17 24 42 26 26 25 32 32 26 27 18 9 20 9 18 19 13 3255 28 Jeff Green 42 24 18 26 15 25 18 18 14 18 32 12 28 37 33 19 26 27 26 35 38 15 27 24 22 41 43 20 30 7 16 8 23 13 37 22 3253 29 J. J. Yeley (R) 41 8 17 15 33 20 35 28 11 22 26 20 42 15 40 33 37 10 12 11 34 33 37 31 19 13 8 30 41 32 29 31 16 20 20 30 3220 30 Robby Gordon 13 26 12 28 26 43 20 41 10 39 13 16 36 35 18 40 14 19 19 13 35 4 12 27 43 19 15 41 36 16 25 37 10 39 32 40 3113 31 Ken Schrader 9 28 41 24 24 40 16 16 42 16 15 26 33 30 42 41 12 42 34 15 14 34 18 13 23 7 33 19 13 25 40 41 24 42 24 29 3049 32 Kyle Petty 39 25 29 8 18 30 39 31 18 26 18 25 27 40 35 21 28 28 28 42 27 30 31 34 35 34 37 25 29 38 22 10 17 11 25 28 2938 33 David Stremme (R) 28 33 33 33 36 38 21 29 34 33 25 31 41 26 19 16 21 11 29 18 28 35 36 26 20 18 26 33 15 15 39 24 18 11 2865 34 Sterling Marlin 34 32 36 34 17 14 30 12 37 9 28 28 31 42 24 42 24 26 16 30 31 39 29 32 29 30 25 31 20 40 11 21 20 40 36 37 2854 35 Tony Raines 21 24 17 17 30 20 40 26 16 38 21 40 22 21 11 32 25 37 39 26 23 28 20 7 14 34 19 21 20 2609 36 Travis Kvapil 27 DNQ 39 DNQ 40 34 27 21 19 27 30 22 29 19 21 DNQ 30 37 35 27 25 21 20 34 28 27 39 19 DNQ 20 40 32 28 30 27 2451 37 Michael Waltrip 18 36 35 20 32 29 26 42 25 31 35 41 32 28 25 23 38 30 36 40 DNQ 36 23 16 31 DNQ 23 28 35 14 38 34 33 43 42 DNQ 2350 38 Scott Wimmer DNQ 39 32 30 19 28 28 30 21 36 33 27 34 DNQ 31 DNQ 34 20 38 20 25 DNQ 42 30 29 31 36 DNQ 12 1812 39 Jeremy Mayfield 36 22 25 41 16 26 31 26 13 32 38 15 18 23 36 22 36 24 29 37 41 DNQ 42 1684 40 Kevin Lepage 25 35 37 35 31 DNQ 32 DNQ 28 42 36 DNQ 39 31 34 DNQ DNQ 30 34 DNQ 41 21 38 33 30 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ 43 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ 1346 41 Terry Labonte 17 34 24 22 27 23 34 33 39 3 43 25 37 40 38 21 36 1278 42 David Gilliland 32 38 40 32 36 36 27 22 15 33 28 15 21 16 33 1178 43 Kenny Wallace DNQ 41 38 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 25 DNQ 25 DNQ 29 38 DNQ 38 42 32 DNQ 30 39 37 DNQ DNQ 31 42 DNQ 29 35 30 DNQ DNQ 984 44 Bill Elliott 19 35 32 22 27 42 16 DNQ 41 DNQ 31 25 765 45 Paul Menard DNQ 7 14 DNQ DNQ 29 20 34 41 17 669 46 Chad Chaffin DNQ 42 DNQ DNQ 36 DNQ DNQ 30 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 33 DNQ 35 DNQ 39 DNQ DNQ DNQ 38 34 37 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 35 DNQ 553 47 Boris Said 9 4 42 31 415 48 Mike Bliss 26 42 DNQ 26 23 41 39 387 49 Brent Sherman (R) 21 37 34 36 42 DNQ 32 DNQ DNQ DNQ 372 50 Mike Wallace 24 DNQ 35 23 DNQ DNQ 17 355 51 Stanton Barrett DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ 39 39 DNQ 33 DNQ DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ DNQ 35 DNQ 343 52 Derrike Cope DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 Wth 43 43 QL 37 DNQ 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 34 43 DNQ DNQ 43 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 317 53 Ward Burton 26 25 28 DNQ 252 54 Hermie Sadler 40 DNQ DNQ 42 43 DNQ 43 DNQ Wth DNQ 43 41 35 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 251 55 Scott Pruett 30 6 223 56 Todd Kluever 41 43 DNQ 32 39 DNQ DNQ 187 57 Mike Skinner DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 37 37 DNQ DNQ 43 39 DNQ DNQ DNQ 184 58 Kirk Shelmerdine 20 41 DNQ 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ 177 59 Todd Bodine DNQ 19 42 143 60 Mike Garvey 38 DNQ DNQ 41 38 DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ DNQ 138 61 Jimmy Spencer Wth DNQ 32 DNQ 36 122 62 Ron Fellows 37 32 119 63 David Ragan 42 25 Wth DNQ DNQ 88 64 Brandon Ash DNQ 43 38 DNQ DNQ 88 65 Chad Blount DNQ DNQ DNQ 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ 74 66 Morgan Shepherd DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 43 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ Wth 71 67 Eric McClure 31 70 68 Bill Lester 38 32 DNQ 67 69 Juan Pablo Montoya 34 61 70 P. J. Jones 36 55 71 Brian Simo DNQ 41 40 72 Carl Long DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 40 73 Ted Christopher DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 40 74 Tom Hubert 43 DNQ 34 75 Marc Goossens 43 34 76 Brandon Whitt 43 DNQ 34 77 Johnny Sauter 24 DNQ 78 Stephen Leicht 33 DNQ 79 Andy Belmont DNQ 80 Larry Foyt DNQ 81 Larry Gunselman DNQ Wth 82 Randy LaJoie DNQ DNQ DNQ 83 Greg Sacks DNQ DNQ DNQ 84 Steve Portenga DNQ 85 Kertus Davis DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 86 Donnie Neuenberger DNQ DNQ 87 Johnny Miller DNQ DNQ 88 Chris Cook DNQ DNQ 89 Joey McCarthy DNQ 90 Bobby Hamilton Jr. Wth Wth DNQ 91 Max Papis DNQ 92 David Murry DNQ 93 Dale Quarterley DNQ 94 A. J. Allmendinger DNQ DNQ 95 Jason Leffler DNQ 96 Casey Atwood DNQ 97 Damon Lusk Wth 98 Ricky Rudd QL Pos. Position Driver DAY CAL LVS ATL BRI MAR TEX PHO TAL RCH DAR CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV KAN TAL CLT MAR ATL TEX PHO HOM Pts. Points Rookies Clint Bowyer, No. 07 Chevrolet (Richard Childress Racing) Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Chevrolet (Joe Gibbs Racing) --winner of the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award David Stremme, No. 40 Dodge (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates) Martin Truex Jr., No. 1 Chevrolet (Dale Earnhardt, Inc.) Brent Sherman, released from No. 49 Dodge (BAM Racing) Reed Sorenson, No. 41 Dodge (Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates) J. J. Yeley, No. 18 Chevrolet (Joe Gibbs Racing) The battle for ROTY was not expected to be fierce, as many predicted that two time Busch Series champion Martin Truex Jr. would handily win the award, and possibly be a Chase contender. However, this was not to be as Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin shocked the NASCAR world the previous year by winning his first career pole at Phoenix while driving a part-time schedule. Hamlin again got everyone's attention by not only having won the Bud Shootout in his first attempt, but became the first rookie to sweep a racetrack (Pocono Raceway) since Jimmie Johnson accomplished that same feat at Dover. As Hamlin ran away with ROTY, his other competitors had up and down years. Truex struggled for much of the year, salvaging a 19th-place points finish despite showing improvements towards the end of the season. Clint Bowyer, despite scoring a surprising Top 10 finish at Daytona, was also not a factor, as his season was largely the same as Truex's. Hamlin's teammate, J. J. Yeley struggled mightily. Ganassi rookie Reed Sorenson had an up and down year, scoring his first top five at Michigan but was plagued by bad breaks. David Stremme was constantly fighting to stay within the top 35 in owners points throughout the year, and Brent Sherman was released from his ride with BAM Racing 1/3 into the year. Thanks to his strong season, Denny Hamlin won the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award. NASCAR Hall of Fame Until March 6, 2006, NASCAR was without a recognized Hall of Fame. Charlotte, North Carolina, where most NASCAR teams are based near, was chosen as the location over six other candidates, which included Atlanta, Georgia; Talladega, Alabama; Kansas City, Kansas; Detroit, Michigan; Richmond, Virginia and Daytona Beach, Florida. The NASCAR Hall of Fame opened in 2010. Television The 2006 season marked the final year of television contracts with Fox / FX / Speed and NBC / TNT. NBC aired the Daytona 500 to officially start the season on February 19, with Fox/FX picking up coverage the following week in California up to the Pepsi 400 July 1. For 2007, Fox and TNT began new eight-year contracts while ESPN / ABC joined in, taking over for NBC. See also 2006 NASCAR Busch Series 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 2006 ARCA Re/Max Series 2006 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour 2006 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour References External links 2006 Nextel Cup drivers standings Category:NASCAR Cup Series seasons