2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series

American motorsport season February 2025 November 2025 NASCAR Winston Cup Series NASCAR Winston Cup Series 2002 Champions | Seasons thumb|Tony Stewart, the 2002 Winston Cup Series champion thumb|Mark Martin, driving the No. 6 car, came in second behind Stewart by 38 points. thumb|Kurt Busch, driving the No. 97 car, finished third in the championship. thumb|Ryan Newman, driving the No. 12 car, won Rookie of the year. The 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 54th season of professional stock car racing in the United States and the 31st modern-era Cup Series season. It began on February 10, 2002, at Daytona International Speedway, and ended on November 17, 2002, at Homestead–Miami Speedway. Tony Stewart, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, was declared as the Winston Cup champion. Bill Elliott won the 2002 NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award. He would win it for the 16th and final time in his career. He withdrew from the ballot after receiving the award. The NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship was captured by Ford after winning 14 events and gaining 245 points over second-place finisher Chevrolet, who had 10 wins and 211 points.http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2002/data/standings_manufacturer.html Standings: 2002 Manufacturer Standings NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network 2009-09-22 This was the final season for the non-common template bodies. The following season would require all manufacturers to use the same roofline. The most significant rule change for 2002 was the implementation of the one-engine rule for race weekends. At a race event, cars would now be required to practice, qualify, and race with the same engine. The rule banned separate "qualifying engines" (and "practice engines"). Unapproved engine changes during the weekend would be met with a grid penalty. Before the start of the race, cars that changed engines would be forced to move to the rear of the field before the green flag. The rule was an effort to reduce costs, and potentially save crews valuable time during the course of a race weekend.Engines will have to last all weekend https://www.newspapers.com/clip/23042036/ The Indianapolis Star 32 Newspapers.com October 15, 2001 August 22, 2018 Teams and drivers Complete schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberDriverCrew chiefChevroletAndy Petree Racing55 Bobby Hamilton 31 1-25, 31-36Charley Pressley 11 1–11 Jimmy Elledge 25 12–36Greg Biffle 4 26-29Ron Hornaday Jr. 1 30 Dale Earnhardt, Inc.1 Kenny Wallace 4 1-4 Paul Andrews 25 1–25 Steve Hmiel 10 26–36Steve Park 32 5-36 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Tony Eury 15 Michael Waltrip Slugger Labbe Hendrick Motorsports 5 Terry Labonte Jim Long 24 Jeff Gordon Robbie Loomis25 Jerry Nadeau 11 1-11Tony Furr 4 1–4 Brian Pattie 22 5–26 Peter Sospenzo 10 27–36Joe Nemechek 25 12-36 48 Jimmie Johnson (R) Chad Knaus Morgan-McClure Motorsports 4 Mike Skinner Chris Carrier Richard Childress Racing29 Kevin Harvick 35 1-7, 9-36 Gil MartinKenny Wallace 1 8 30 Jeff Green Todd Berrier 31 Robby Gordon Kevin HamlinDodge Bill Davis Racing 22 Ward Burton Tommy Baldwin Jr. 29 1–29 Frank Stoddard 7 29–3623 Hut Stricklin 23 1-21, 23-24Philippe LopezTom Hubert 1 22Kenny Wallace 10 25-29, 31, 33-36Scott Wimmer 1 30Geoff Bodine 1 32 Chip Ganassi Racing40 Sterling Marlin 29 1-29 Lee McCallJamie McMurray 6 30-31, 33-36Mike Bliss 1 3241 Jimmy Spencer 35 1-21, 23-36Doug Randolph Scott Pruett 1 22 Evernham Motorsports 9 Bill Elliott Mike Ford 19 Jeremy Mayfield Sammy Johns Petty Enterprises 43 John Andretti Brandon Thomas44Buckshot Jones 8 1-8Gary PutnamSteve Grissom 11 9-15, 17-19, 32Jerry Nadeau 13 16, 20-31Ted Musgrave 1 33Greg Biffle 2 34, 36Christian Fittipaldi 1 35 45 Kyle Petty Steven Lane Ultra-Evernham Motorsports7 Casey Atwood 34 1-34Kevin Cram 4 1–4 Buddy Barnes 6 5–10 Tony Furr 26 11–36 Ultra MotorsportsJason Leffler 2 35-36 Ford Brett Bodine Racing 11 Brett Bodine Jon Wolfe Haas-Carter Motorsports26 Joe Nemechek 7 1-6, 10Donnie Wingo Frank Kimmel 5 7-9, 11-12 Todd Bodine 21 13-14, 16-19, 21-35 Geoff Bodine 3 15, 20, 36 Jasper Motorsports 77 Dave Blaney Ryan Pemberton Penske Racing 2 Rusty Wallace Bill Wilburn 12 Ryan Newman (R) Matt Borland PPI Motorsports 32 Ricky Craven Mike Beam Robert Yates Racing 28 Ricky Rudd Michael McSwain 33 1-33 Raymond Fox Jr. 3 34-36 88 Dale Jarrett Jimmy Elledge 6 1–6 Todd Parrott 30 7-36 Roush Racing 6 Mark Martin Ben Leslie 17 Matt Kenseth Robbie Reiser 97 Kurt Busch Jimmy Fennig 99 Jeff Burton Frank Stoddard 25 1–25 Paul Andrews 10 26–36 Wood Brothers Racing 21 Elliott Sadler Pat TrysonPontiacA. J. Foyt Racing14 Stacy Compton 19 1-19Mike HillmanMike Wallace 16 20-21, 23-36P. J. Jones 1 22 Joe Gibbs Racing 18 Bobby Labonte Jimmy Makar 33 1-33 Michael McSwain 3 34-36 20 Tony Stewart Greg Zipadelli MB2 Motorsports10 Johnny Benson 31 1-10, 14-17, 20-36James InceJoe Nemechek 1 11Jerry Nadeau 3 12-13, 19Mike Wallace 1 18 36 Ken Schrader Newt Moore Limited schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberDriverCrew ChiefRoundsChevroletAndy Petree Racing33 Mike Wallace4 1-2, 9, 17 Kenny Wallace1 30BACE Motorsports 73 Tony Raines 1 1374 Chad Little3 10, 12-13 Tony Raines10 18, 21, 23, 25, 28-29, 33-36 Joe Varde1 22 Team Bristol Motorsports54 Kevin Grubb1 11BH Motorsports Ron Hornaday Jr.3 31, 33-34 David Green1 36FitzBradshaw Racing83 Kerry EarnhardtBob Temple3 30-31, 33 Ron Hornaday Jr.1 35 Haas CNC Racing 60 Jack Sprague Dennis Conner6 29, 31, 33-36Marcis Auto Racing71Dave MarcisBob Marcis1 1Dick Trickle4 2, 4, 6, 13Andy Hillenburg2 5, 8Jay Sauter2 7, 30Jim Sauter1 21Tim Sauter4 24, 26, 28, 34 72 Dwayne Leik1 1Michael Waltrip Racing00Jerry Nadeau 1 18 Buckshot Jones 1 3398Kenny Wallace 1 9 Innovative Motorsports 4 16-17, 21-22 NEMCO Motorsports 87 Ron Fellows 1 22 Norm Benning Racing 84 Norm Benning (R) 1 1Roadrunner Motorsports0Jim Inglebright1 16 SCORE Motorsports 02 Hermie Sadler (R) Jeff Buckner 11 1, 6, 8, 10-11, 24, 26-27, 31-32, 34, 36DodgeBAM Racing49 Shawna Robinson (R)Scott Eggleston8 1, 3-5, 7, 9-10, 17Ron Hornaday Jr.3 12, 18, 21Derrike Cope5 23-24, 33, 35-36Kevin Lepage1 28Stuart Kirby1 29Stacy Compton2 30-31 Bill Davis Racing 27 Scott Wimmer7 18, 21, 24, 28, 31, 33, 35Evernham Motorsports91 Dick Trickle1 9 Hank Parker Jr. (R)1 34 Casey Atwood1 36Chip Ganassi Racing 42Jimmy Spencer1 22Melling Racing92 Robert Pressley2 1, 30 Stacy Compton 1 23Orleans Racing62 Brendan Gaughan1 11 Austin Cameron2 16, 22 Price Motorsports 59 Randy Renfrow5 2, 8, 11-13 Jason Small 1 15 Carl Long (R) 5 31-34, 36 SR Racing 79 Carl Long (R) 1 20 Ultra Motorsports 07 Ted Musgrave 5 21, 25, 32, 35-36Ware Racing Enterprises51 Carl Long5 24-27, 29 Morgan Shepherd2 28, 30 Brian Rose1 33 Jerry Robertson1 35Mansion Motorsports85Carl Long (R) 4 1, 4, 12, 14 Ford1 2 CLR Racing 57Derrike Cope 1 3Ron Hornaday Jr.2 4, 7 Stuart Kirby2 18, 21Donlavey Racing90 Rick MastBobby King 11 1-11Hermie Sadler 3 12-14Gary Bradberry 1 15Ed Berrier 1 17Lance Hooper 1 24Jason Hedlesky 1 31 GIC Motorsports 93 Mike Harmon 2 35-36 Haas-Carter Motorsports66 Todd BodineLarry Carter 3 1-3Geoff Bodine 1 19Hideo Fukuyama 3 28, 32, 34Frank Kimmel 1 33 Hover Motorsports 80 Kirk Shelmerdine 1 1 McGlynn Racing Ryan McGlynn1 32 Jasper Motorsports 67 Boris Said Mark Harrah3 16, 22, 36Kirk Shelmerdine Racing 72Kirk Shelmerdine2 18, 32 275 19-20, 29, 32, 34 Phoenix Racing09 Geoff Bodine Marc Reno 8 1, 9, 17, 21, 26, 30, 33, 36 Otto Motorsports Shane Lewis 1 22Quest Motor Racing37 Derrike Cope 5 12-13, 15, 20-21 Kevin Lepage 1 27 Jeff Jefferson 1 35 38 Kevin Lepage 1 12 Roush Racing 16 Greg Biffle Randy Goss 4 1, 10, 23, 33 Shepherd Racing Ventures 89 Morgan Shepherd 8 18-19, 24-25, 27, 29, 32, 35Ash Motorsports46 Brandon Ash 1 16 Justin Bell 1 22 PontiacA. J. Foyt Racing 50P. J. Jones 1 21Gerhart Racing 59 Bobby Gerhart (R) 2 1, 9 Schedule No. Race title Track DateBudweiser ShootoutDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 10Gatorade 125sFebruary 141Daytona 500February 172Subway 400North Carolina Speedway, RockinghamFebruary 243UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las VegasMarch 34MBNA America 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonMarch 105Carolina Dodge Dealers 400Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonMarch 176Food City 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolMarch 247Samsung/RadioShack 500Texas Motor Speedway, Fort WorthApril 88Virginia 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 149Aaron's 499Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaApril 2110NAPA Auto Parts 500California Speedway, FontanaApril 2811Pontiac Excitement 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondMay 4–5No Bull SprintLowe's Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 18Winston OpenThe Winston12Coca-Cola Racing Family 600May 2613MBNA Platinum 400Dover International Speedway, DoverJune 214Pocono 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondJune 915Sirius Satellite Radio 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynJune 1616Dodge/Save Mart 350Infineon Raceway, SonomaJune 2317Pepsi 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 618Tropicana 400Chicagoland Speedway, JolietJuly 1419New England 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonJuly 2120Pennsylvania 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondJuly 2821Brickyard 400Indianapolis Motor Speedway, SpeedwayAugust 422Sirius Satellite Radio at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 1123Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer JackMichigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 1824Sharpie 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolAugust 2425Mountain Dew Southern 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonSeptember 126Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondSeptember 727New Hampshire 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonSeptember 1528MBNA All-American Heroes 400Dover International Speedway, DoverSeptember 2229Protection One 400Kansas Speedway, Kansas CitySeptember 2930EA Sports 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaOctober 631UAW-GM Quality 500Lowe's Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 1332Old Dominion 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayOctober 2033NAPA 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonOctober 2734Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400North Carolina Speedway, RockinghamNovember 335Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by PennzoilPhoenix International Raceway, PhoenixNovember 1036Ford 400Homestead–Miami Speedway, HomesteadNovember 17 Races No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer Winning manufacturerBudweiser ShootoutKurt BuschTony StewartTony StewartPontiacGatorade 125#1Jimmie JohnsonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevroletGatorade 125#2Kevin HarvickMichael WaltripMichael WaltripChevrolet1Daytona 500Jimmie JohnsonSterling MarlinWard BurtonDodge2Subway 400Ricky CravenMatt KensethMatt KensethFord3UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400Todd BodineTony StewartSterling MarlinDodge4MBNA America 500Bill ElliottTony StewartTony StewartPontiac5Carolina Dodge Dealers 400Ricky CravenJeff GordonSterling MarlinDodge6Food City 500Jeff GordonDale Earnhardt Jr.Kurt BuschFord7Samsung/Radio Shack 500Bill ElliottDale JarrettMatt KensethFord8Virginia 500Jeff GordonTony StewartBobby LabontePontiac9Aaron's 499Jimmie JohnsonDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet10NAPA Auto Parts 500Ryan NewmanKurt BuschJimmie JohnsonChevrolet11Pontiac Excitement 400Ward BurtonWard BurtonTony StewartPontiacWinston OpenJeremy MayfieldJeremy MayfieldJeremy MayfieldDodgeNo Bull SprintKen SchraderRyan NewmanRyan NewmanFordThe WinstonMatt KensethJimmie JohnsonRyan NewmanFord12Coca-Cola Racing Family 600Jimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonMark MartinFord13MBNA Platinum 400Matt KensethJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet14Pocono 500Sterling MarlinRicky RuddDale JarrettFord15Sirius Satellite Radio 400Dale JarrettDale JarrettMatt KensethFord16Dodge/Save Mart 350Tony StewartJeff GordonRicky RuddFord17Pepsi 400Kevin HarvickMichael WaltripMichael WaltripChevrolet18Tropicana 400Ryan NewmanRyan NewmanKevin HarvickChevrolet19New England 300Bill ElliottMatt KensethWard BurtonDodge20Pennsylvania 500Bill ElliottSterling MarlinBill ElliottDodge21Brickyard 400Tony StewartBill ElliottBill ElliottDodge22Sirius Satellite Radio at The GlenRicky RuddTony StewartTony StewartPontiac23Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer JackDale Earnhardt Jr.Kevin HarvickDale JarrettFord24Sharpie 500Jeff GordonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet25Mountain Dew Southern 500Sterling MarlinJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet26Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400Jimmie JohnsonRyan NewmanMatt KensethFord27New Hampshire 300Ryan NewmanRyan NewmanRyan NewmanFord28MBNA All-American Heroes 400Rusty WallaceJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet29Protection One 400Dale Earnhardt Jr.Jeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet30EA Sports 500Jimmie JohnsonDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet31UAW-GM Quality 500Tony StewartJamie McMurrayJamie McMurrayDodge32Old Dominion 500Ryan NewmanWard BurtonKurt BuschFord33NAPA 500Tony StewartKurt BuschKurt BuschFord34Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400Ryan NewmanMark MartinJohnny BensonPontiac35Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by PennzoilRyan NewmanKurt BuschMatt KensethFord36Ford 400Kurt BuschJoe NemechekKurt BuschFord Budweiser Shootout The exhibition Budweiser Shootout race, for drivers that won a pole position in the previous season or previously won the event, was held on February 10 at Daytona International Speedway. Instead of qualifying, the starting lineup was decided by random draw. Kurt Busch started on the pole. Top ten results #20 - Tony Stewart #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #24 - Jeff Gordon #36 - Ken Schrader #40 - Sterling Marlin #88 - Dale Jarrett #5 - Terry Labonte #18 - Bobby Labonte #1 - Kenny Wallace #66 - Todd Bodine Gatorade Twin 125s The Gatorade 125s qualifying for the Daytona 500 were held on February 14 at Daytona International Speedway. Race one: Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #36 - Ken Schrader #21 - Ricky Rudd #5 - Terry Labonte #40 - Sterling Marlin #97 - Kurt Busch #33 - Mike Wallace #22 - Ward Burton #88 - Dale Jarrett Race two: Top ten results #15 - Michael Waltrip #20 - Tony Stewart #25 - Jerry Nadeau #29 - Kevin Harvick #18 - Bobby Labonte #31 - Robby Gordon #71 - Dave Marcis #43 - John Andretti #1 - Kenny Wallace #4 - Mike Skinner Daytona 500 2002 Daytona 500 The 2002 Daytona 500 was held on Sunday, February 17. Rookie Jimmie Johnson won the pole. This was the first Daytona 500 after the death of Dale Earnhardt. Top ten results #22 - Ward Burton #21 - Elliott Sadler #09 - Geoff Bodine #97 - Kurt Busch #15 - Michael Waltrip #6 - Mark Martin #12 - Ryan Newman #40 - Sterling Marlin* #24 - Jeff Gordon #10 - Johnny Benson Failed to qualify: #41-Jimmy Spencer, #23-Hut Stricklin, #44-Buckshot Jones, #16-Greg Biffle, #90-Rick Mast, #59-Bobby Gerhart, #02-Hermie Sadler, #85-Carl Long, #84-Norm Benning, #80-Kirk Shelmerdine This race had a bizarre ending. As the field took the restart with 5 laps to go, a multi-car accident involving 5 cars took place at the start/finish line when a driver missed a gear, bringing out the caution flag once again. Headed down the front straightaway going into turn 1, Sterling Marlin went to the inside of Jeff Gordon battling for the lead and when they made contact, Gordon's car was sent spinning. This incident pushed the fender of Marlin's car into his tire. Sterling Marlin would beat Ward Burton back to the caution flag for the lead. As the red flag was thrown to give crews time to clean up the race track to try and ensure a green flag finish, NASCAR reviewed Marlin's move as it appeared he had gone below the yellow line on the inside to pass Jeff Gordon, which is now illegal on NASCAR restrictor-plate tracks. While under the red flag, Marlin got out of his race car and started pulling on his fender, in violation of NASCAR's rule of working on the car under the red flag. This penalty sent Marlin back to the end of the line for the restart, giving Ward Burton the race lead for when they went back to the green flag. This was the first Daytona 500 victory for Dodge since Richard Petty won in 1974. As of 2020, this is the only Daytona 500 in NASCAR History that 2 sets of 3 brothers all raced against each other: The Wallaces (Rusty, Mike, & Kenny), and The Bodines (Geoff, Brett, & Todd). The eldest brother of each set (Rusty and Geoff), finished ahead of the younger brothers. The Wallaces finished 18th (Rusty), 21st (Mike), & 30th (Kenny). The Bodines finished 3rd (Geoff), 16th (Brett), & 31st (Todd). All 6 drivers saw the checkered flag and finished the race. Dave Marcis made his final career start in this race, starting 14th and finishing 42nd with a blown engine. This was Marcis' 33rd Daytona 500 start, a record that still stands today. Subway 400 The Subway 400 was held on February 24 at North Carolina Speedway. Ricky Craven won the pole. #17 - Matt Kenseth #40 - Sterling Marlin* #18 - Bobby Labonte #20 - Tony Stewart #32 - Ricky Craven #99 - Jeff Burton #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace #55 - Bobby Hamilton #1 - Kenny Wallace Failed to qualify: Dick Trickle (#71), Randy Renfrow (#59), Carl Long (#85) Sterling Marlin would take over the points lead, and he would hold the top spot for 25 consecutive weeks. He would lose the lead at Loudon in mid-September. As of 2020, his streak of 25 straight weeks would be the longest in history for a driver to not win a NASCAR championship. UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 3 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Todd Bodine won the pole. Top ten results #40 - Sterling Marlin #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #6 - Mark Martin #12 - Ryan Newman #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson #88 - Dale Jarrett #9 - Bill Elliott #99 - Jeff Burton #41 - Jimmy Spencer Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#57) MBNA America 500 The MBNA America 500 was held on March 10 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #20 - Tony Stewart #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #48 - Jimmie Johnson #17 - Matt Kenseth #32 - Ricky Craven #2 - Rusty Wallace #22 - Ward Burton #6 - Mark Martin #40 - Sterling Marlin #12 - Ryan Newman Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday Jr. (#57), Carl Long (#85) An incident in the previous race with a spin by Sterling Marlin led to a new rule change. After 11 years, NASCAR changed pit road speeding penalties; if a driver was caught speeding on the approach to the pit stall, the penalty was no longer 15 seconds; rather, the penalty was a pit pass-through, which also became the penalty for speeding on the pit exit, instead of a stop-and-go. The stop-and-go was used only for repeat violations. Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held on March 17 at Darlington Raceway. Ricky Craven won the pole. Top ten results #40 - Sterling Marlin* #21 - Elliott Sadler #29 - Kevin Harvick #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #12 - Ryan Newman #48 - Jimmie Johnson #2 - Rusty Wallace #17 - Matt Kenseth #24 - Jeff Gordon #9 - Bill Elliott Failed to qualify: none Marlin had to start at the back after changing an engine in a happy hour. By the halfway point he was already in third place. Tony Stewart was shaken up after a grinding 11-car crash late in the race. Steve Park made his return to racing in this event after suffering injuries in the NASCAR Busch Series event at Darlington in September 2001. Park started a strong 4th, but crashed early and finished 39th. This was Marlin's last career Cup Series victory. Food City 500 2002 Food City 500 The Food City 500 was held on March 24 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #97 - Kurt Busch* #41 - Jimmy Spencer #28 - Ricky Rudd #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.* #18 - Bobby Labonte #17 - Matt Kenseth #48 - Jimmie Johnson #25 - Jerry Nadeau #2 - Rusty Wallace #29 - Kevin Harvick Failed to qualify: none Tony Stewart started the race 13th and led 74 laps, but was replaced by Todd Bodine during a caution due to some pain sustained from the wreck at Darlington the previous week. Bodine was able to finish the race in 15th. This was Busch's first career victory and was the continuation of what would later become a very heated rivalry between him and Spencer, which started at Phoenix in November 2001. This was also the first of what would be four victories in the next five Bristol Cup races for Busch. After the race, a heated incident occurred on pit road with Robby Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. from an incident earlier in the race when Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon, who was a lap down at the time, got together. At the end of the cool-down lap, Earnhardt Jr. ran into the side of Gordon's car entering pit road before Gordon retaliated by running into the back of him and turning him around in the middle of the pits. Samsung/Radio Shack 500 The Samsung/Radio Shack 500 was held at Texas Motor Speedway on April 8. Bill Elliott won the pole. The race was postponed from Sunday to Monday due to rain. Top ten results #17 - Matt Kenseth #24 - Jeff Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #28 - Ricky Rudd #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson #40 - Sterling Marlin #41 - Jimmy Spencer #9 - Bill Elliott #5 - Terry Labonte Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday Jr. (#57) Virginia 500 The Virginia 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on April 14. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #18 - Bobby Labonte* #17 - Matt Kenseth #88 - Dale Jarrett #20 - Tony Stewart #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #5 - Terry Labonte #28 - Ricky Rudd #6 - Mark Martin #99 - Jeff Burton #97 - Kurt Busch Failed to qualify: Randy Renfrow (#59) Kevin Harvick was ejected due to reckless driving in the Advance Auto Parts 250 Truck Series race the day before when he intentionally wrecked driver Coy Gibbs. Kenny Wallace drove the #29 in his place. Harvick was previously on probation for an incident at Bristol with Greg Biffle in the Busch Series race, leading to NASCAR's ejection. This was Labonte's first and only Cup Series victory on a short track. Aaron's 499 2002 Aaron's 499 The Aaron's 499 was held at Talladega Superspeedway on April 21. Jimmie Johnson won the pole. Top ten results #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #15 - Michael Waltrip #97 - Kurt Busch #24 - Jeff Gordon #40 - Sterling Marlin #88 - Dale Jarrett #48 - Jimmie Johnson #2 - Rusty Wallace #99 - Jeff Burton #45 - Kyle Petty Failed to qualify: Shawna Robinson (#49), Rick Mast (#90), Bobby Gerhart (#59), Dick Trickle (#91) The "Big One" took out at least 24 cars on lap 164. NAPA Auto Parts 500 2002 NAPA Auto Parts 500 The NAPA Auto Parts 500 was held at California Speedway on April 28. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson* #97 - Kurt Busch #28 - Ricky Rudd #9 - Bill Elliott #6 - Mark Martin #88 - Dale Jarrett #40 - Sterling Marlin #2 - Rusty Wallace #77 - Dave Blaney #15 - Michael Waltrip Failed to qualify: Brendan Gaughan (No. 62), Chad Little (No. 74), Hermie Sadler (No. 02) Dale Earnhardt Jr. was involved in a hard crash when Kevin Harvick cut down a tire and hit Earnhardt's car, sending him head-on into the outside wall. He suffered a severe concussion, but kept the injury a secret for several months and did not miss any races. This is now prohibited because of Earnhardt's 2012 admission of concussions after a Talladega crash in the playoffs. Current rules require drivers to pass concussion protocol after incidents. The win was Johnson's first career Winston Cup victory. Greg Biffle made his Cup Series debut in this race, driving a fifth Roush Racing entry. Biffle started 29th and finished 13th. Pontiac Excitement 400 The Pontiac Excitement 400 was scheduled to be run at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night on May 4th, but rain ended up stopping the race after 66 laps; the remainder was run the next day. Ward Burton won the pole. Top ten results #20 - Tony Stewart #12 - Ryan Newman #99 - Jeff Burton #6 - Mark Martin #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #17 - Matt Kenseth #24 - Jeff Gordon #44 - Steve Grissom #32 - Ricky Craven #41 - Jimmy Spencer Failed to qualify: Kevin Grubb (#54) Jerry Nadeau would part ways with Hendrick Motorsports after this race. In his last start with the team, Nadeau crashed out and finished 41st. Joe Nemechek would drive the #25 Chevy for the rest of the season. Joe Nemechek replaced Johnny Benson in the #10 Pontiac in this race after Benson suffered broken ribs in a Busch Series accident the night before. Jerry Nadeau would drive the car for the next three weeks. This race marked the final career start for Rick Mast. Following the death of TLC band member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes in a car accident, autopsy photos of the accident were leaked to the media. As a similar controversy had taken place following autopsy photos following Dale Earnhardt's death, the Dale Earnhardt, Inc. drivers (Dale Earnhardt Jr.; Michael Waltrip and Steve Park) painted a single black stripe next to the left headlight decal of their cars as both a tribute to Lopes and an act of protest of the leaked photos. The Winston 2002 The Winston Ryan Newman held off Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win The Winston. He also won the No Bull 5 Sprint earlier that day. Winston Open: Top five results #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #36 - Ken Schrader #12 - Ryan Newman #23 - Hut Stricklin #45 - Kyle Petty No Bull Sprint: Top five results #12 - Ryan Newman #45 - Kyle Petty #36 - Ken Schrader #23 - Hut Stricklin #41 - Jimmy Spencer The Winston: Top ten results #12 - Ryan Newman #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #17 - Matt Kenseth #97 - Kurt Busch #48 - Jimmie Johnson #20 - Tony Stewart #31 - Robby Gordon #29 - Kevin Harvick #32 - Ricky Craven #9 - Bill Elliott Coca-Cola Racing Family 600 2002 Coca-Cola Racing Family 600 The Coca-Cola Racing Family 600 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 26. Jimmie Johnson won the pole. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin* #17 - Matt Kenseth #32 - Ricky Craven #28 - Ricky Rudd* #24 - Jeff Gordon #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson* #15 - Michael Waltrip #9 - Bill Elliott #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: Chad Little (#74), Carl Long (#85), Derrike Cope (#37), Randy Renfrow (#59) Jimmie Johnson led a race-high 263 laps, but spun out Hut Stricklin in turn 3 while leading on lap 359, bringing out the final caution. Johnson dropped to 9th on the restart, while Martin won the race off pit road and led the rest of the way. This was Mark Martin's first win in 73 races since Martinsville back in April 2000. Not only did Martin snap his winless drought, but he also won his first and only Winston No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus in his 9th attempt. He became eligible for this race after finishing in the Top 5 at Las Vegas two months prior. He is also the first and only driver not named Jeff or Dale to win the bonus. In this race, Ricky Rudd would become NASCAR's new Iron Man by making his 656th consecutive start, passing Terry Labonte's record of 655 starts. Rudd's streak would end in November 2005 with 788 consecutive starts, a record that would stand until being broken by Jeff Gordon in September 2015. MBNA Platinum 400 The MBNA Platinum 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on June 2. Matt Kenseth won the pole position. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson #9 - Bill Elliott #99 - Jeff Burton #12 - Ryan Newman #88 - Dale Jarrett #24 - Jeff Gordon #32 - Ricky Craven #31 - Robby Gordon #55 - Bobby Hamilton #21 - Elliott Sadler Failed to qualify: Derrike Cope (#37), Hermie Sadler (#90), Randy Renfrow (#59) Pocono 500 The Pocono 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on June 9. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Sterling Marlin started on the pole. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #6 - Mark Martin #48 - Jimmie Johnson #40 - Sterling Marlin #24 - Jeff Gordon #99 - Jeff Burton #20 - Tony Stewart #15 - Michael Waltrip #2 - Rusty Wallace #77 - Dave Blaney Failed to qualify: none Sirius 400 The Sirius 400 was held at Michigan International Speedway on June 16. Dale Jarrett won the pole. Top ten results #17 - Matt Kenseth #88 - Dale Jarrett #12 - Ryan Newman #15 - Michael Waltrip #24 - Jeff Gordon #10 - Johnny Benson #2 - Rusty Wallace #28 - Ricky Rudd #6 - Mark Martin #97 - Kurt Busch Failed to qualify: none Dodge/Save Mart 350 The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held at Infineon Raceway on June 23. Tony Stewart won the pole. Top ten results #28 - Ricky Rudd* #20 - Tony Stewart #5 - Terry Labonte #97 - Kurt Busch #30 - Jeff Green #21 - Elliott Sadler #6 - Mark Martin #9 - Bill Elliott #12 - Ryan Newman #43 - John Andretti Failed to qualify: Brandon Ash (#46), Stacy Compton (#14) Jerry Nadeau nearly won the race when his rear-end gear failed, causing him to stop his #44 car with less than 3 laps to go. The lead changed to Ricky Rudd, who held on to win. This was Ricky Rudd's first win at Sonoma since winning the inaugural race in 1989. This was Rudd's last career Cup series victory. Pepsi 400 The Pepsi 400 was held at Daytona International Speedway on July 6. Kevin Harvick won the pole. Top ten results #15 - Michael Waltrip #2 - Rusty Wallace #40 - Sterling Marlin #41 - Jimmy Spencer #6 - Mark Martin #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #26 - Todd Bodine #48 - Jimmie Johnson #22 - Ward Burton #09 - Geoff Bodine Failed to qualify: Ed Berrier (#90), Steve Grissom (#44) The Big One occurred with 25 laps remaining when Dale Jarrett got down low and spun back up into traffic, blocking the entire track and collecting 13 other cars. Fox was airing MLB regional games that day, and both of the scheduled late afternoon games ran long. Viewers who had been watching the FOX telecast of the San Francisco Giants/Arizona Diamondbacks game (Giants won 3-2) joined this race just in time for the green flag to start. Those who were watching the Los Angeles Dodgers/St. Louis Cardinals game (Dodgers won 4-2 in 11 innings) joined the race under caution on lap 4. Johnny Benson was involved in a hard crash on lap 8, rebreaking the ribs he broke at Richmond in May, and forcing him to miss two more races. Tropicana 400 The Tropicana 400 was held at Chicagoland Speedway on July 14. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #29 - Kevin Harvick* #24 - Jeff Gordon #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson #12 - Ryan Newman #97 - Kurt Busch #9 - Bill Elliott #31 - Robby Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday Jr. (#49), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Tony Raines (#74), Scott Wimmer (#27) One lap after the restart with 70 laps to go, Kevin Harvick steered the car to the apron and made a good pass but he lost it when passing on the apron and spun out into the grass in turn 1 that caused three other cars to lose control and spin out. He took the lead just 46 laps later and had enough gas to win the race for the second straight year and end a 35-race winless streak. New England 300 The New England 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 21. Bill Elliott won the pole. Top ten results #22 - Ward Burton* #30 - Jeff Green #88 - Dale Jarrett #2 - Rusty Wallace #12 - Ryan Newman #26 - Todd Bodine #31 - Robby Gordon #97 - Kurt Busch #29 - Kevin Harvick #21 - Elliott Sadler Failed to qualify: none This was the final Cup Series victory for Ward Burton, and for Bill Davis Racing. With this win and the Daytona 500 win, 2002 was the only season in Ward Burton's career that he won multiple races in a season. Matt Kenseth dominated the last part of the race, as well as leading the most laps, but ended up with a flat tire while leading with 10 laps to go, and unfortunately finished 33rd, the last car one lap down. Pennsylvania 500 The Pennsylvania 500 was held at Pocono Raceway on July 28. Bill Elliott swept both qualifying and the race. The race was shortened to 175 laps due to darkness, because of two lengthy red flags – one for rain and one for fence repairs after Steve Park (who barrel-rolled multiple times) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrecked on the first lap. Top ten results #9 - Bill Elliott #97 - Kurt Busch #40 - Sterling Marlin #88 - Dale Jarrett #12 - Ryan Newman #29 - Kevin Harvick #20 - Tony Stewart #17 - Matt Kenseth #5 - Terry Labonte #28 - Ricky Rudd Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#79) Brickyard 400 2002 Brickyard 400 The Brickyard 400 was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 4. Tony Stewart won the pole. This was the first race to feature Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barrier at Indianapolis that was used to make racing accidents safer. Top ten results #9 - Bill Elliott #2 - Rusty Wallace #17 - Matt Kenseth #12 - Ryan Newman #29 - Kevin Harvick #24 - Jeff Gordon #1 - Steve Park #31 - Robby Gordon #48 - Jimmie Johnson #88 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: Ron Hornaday Jr. (#49), Derrike Cope (#37), Scott Wimmer (#27), Tony Raines (#74), Jim Sauter (#71), Stuart Kirby (#57), P. J. Jones (#50) Tony Stewart is the only driver to start at the pole in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400. Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen The Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen was held at Watkins Glen International on August 11. Ricky Rudd won the pole. Top ten results #20 - Tony Stewart #12 - Ryan Newman #31 - Robby Gordon #14 - P. J. Jones #28 - Ricky Rudd #41 - Scott Pruett* #99 - Jeff Burton #26 - Todd Bodine #15 - Michael Waltrip #6 - Mark Martin Failed to qualify: Austin Cameron (#62), Shane Lewis (#09), Justin Bell (#46), Jimmy Spencer (#42) Tony Stewart led the most laps with 34. Robby Gordon controlled the race early leading for 21 laps. On the final restart, Tony Stewart appeared to have restarted too early and despite this won the race. A cloud of controversy over the restart tainted the finish of the race. Ryan Newman's team owner Roger Penske protested, but Stewart's win was upheld by officials days later. Scott Pruett picked up his career-best finish at that point in time, substituting for Jimmy Spencer, who DNQ'd in a third Chip Ganassi entry. Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer Jack The Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer Jack was held at Michigan International Speedway on August 18. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #20 - Tony Stewart #29 - Kevin Harvick #99 - Jeff Burton #6 - Mark Martin #40 - Sterling Marlin #48 - Jimmie Johnson #10 - Johnny Benson #30 - Jeff Green #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. Failed to qualify: Greg Biffle (#16) Melling Racing made its last Cup Series start in this race, starting 23rd and finishing 30th with Stacy Compton. Sharpie 500 The Sharpie 500 was held at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 24. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #29 - Kevin Harvick #17 - Matt Kenseth #97 - Kurt Busch #40 - Sterling Marlin #41 - Jimmy Spencer #18 - Bobby Labonte #14 - Mike Wallace Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Carl Long (#51), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Tim Sauter (#71) This race is remembered for Jeff Gordon using the "Bump and Run" to get underneath and past Rusty Wallace to end a winless drought that dated back to the end of 2001. The race was also marred with on-track confrontations, including Ward Burton who threw heel pads at Dale Earnhardt Jr. after Earnhardt Jr. wrecked him on lap 405. Robby Gordon was also penalized for two laps after spinning out Jimmie Johnson on a restart. Mountain Dew Southern 500 2002 Mountain Dew Southern 500 The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held at Darlington Raceway on September 1. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Sterling Marlin started on the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon* #12 - Ryan Newman #9 - Bill Elliott #40 - Sterling Marlin #88 - Dale Jarrett #22 - Ward Burton #97 - Kurt Busch #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson #99 - Jeff Burton Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#51) With this win, Jeff Gordon would tie Cale Yarborough as a 5-time winner of the Southern 500, the most of all drivers. Jeff Gordon would become the 7th driver in NASCAR history to win 60+ NASCAR races. Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 The Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 was held at Richmond International Raceway on September 7. Jimmie Johnson won the pole. Top ten results #17 - Matt Kenseth #12 - Ryan Newman #30 - Jeff Green #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #26 - Todd Bodine #6 - Mark Martin #28 - Ricky Rudd #22 - Ward Burton 1 lap down #77 - Dave Blaney 1 lap down #19 - Jeremy Mayfield 1 lap down Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#51) Bobby Hamilton suffered injuries in the Craftsman Truck Series race held the Thursday before and would miss the next five Cup races. Greg Biffle drove Hamilton's #55 for the first four races while Ron Hornaday Jr. drove in the fifth. There was a charity golf cart race sponsored by Students Against Violence which teamed the drivers with their respective Looney Tunes character, Jeff Green won the race paired with Daffy Duck.Chevrolet Invites SAVE to Select NASCAR Events to Increase SAVE Awareness http://www.nationalsave.org/main/chevy.php Students Against Violence 2012-02-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20090908184933/http://www.nationalsave.org/main/chevy.php 2009-09-08 dead Jeff Gordon fell out of his golf cart and suffered a bruised hand but still participated in the race. During the pre-race, the pace car blew an engine and laid oil down turns 3 and 4. On the first few laps, several drivers went sliding and Jeff Burton, Jimmy Spencer, and Sterling Marlin, the points leader and competing in the No Bull wrecked on lap 7. Marlin would suffer several injuries from that wreck but raced until Kansas when a more serious injury occurred. New Hampshire 300 The New Hampshire 300 was held at New Hampshire International Speedway on September 15. Ryan Newman won the pole. The race was shortened to 207 laps due to rain. Top ten results #12 - Ryan Newman* #97 - Kurt Busch #20 - Tony Stewart #10 - Johnny Benson #18 - Bobby Labonte #32 - Ricky Craven #88 - Dale Jarrett #15 - Michael Waltrip #48 - Jimmie Johnson #17 - Matt Kenseth Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#51) This was Ryan Newman's first career Cup Series points victory After finishing 21st, Sterling Marlin would lose the points lead for the first time after leading the standings for 25 consecutive weeks. As of 2020, his streak of 25 straight weeks would be the longest in history for a driver to not win a NASCAR championship. Mark Martin would lead the points following this race. MBNA All-American Heroes 400 The MBNA All-American Heroes 400 was held at Dover International Speedway on September 22. Rusty Wallace won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson #6 - Mark Martin #88 - Dale Jarrett #17 - Matt Kenseth #20 - Tony Stewart #99 - Jeff Burton #97 - Kurt Busch #12 - Ryan Newman #32 - Ricky Craven 1 lap down #10 - Johnny Benson 1 lap down Failed to qualify: Scott Wimmer (#27), Brett Bodine (#11), Morgan Shepherd (#51) Hideo Fukuyama made his Cup series debut in this race, becoming the first Japanese driver to start a NASCAR Cup Series points race.http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/motor/2002-09-19-notes_x.htm Japanese driver gunning for first USA Today 2002-09-19 2013-06-05 Jenkins, Chris With this victory, Johnson ties Tony Stewart's record for most wins in a season as a rookie in the Cup series, with three. Protection One 400 The Protection One 400 was held at Kansas Speedway on September 29. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #12 - Ryan Newman #2 - Rusty Wallace #25 - Joe Nemechek #9 - Bill Elliott #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #17 - Matt Kenseth #20 - Tony Stewart #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #48 - Jimmie Johnson 1 lap down Failed to qualify: Brett Bodine (#11), Kirk Shelmerdine (#27), Carl Long (#51) On lap 148, Sterling Marlin crashed hard into the outside wall exiting turn 2. Although he was checked and released from the infield care center, Marlin was later diagnosed with a neck injury that would cause him to miss the rest of the season. Points leader Mark Martin finished 25th with a blown engine, handing the points lead to Jimmie Johnson, the first time that a Rookie driver has led the points standings in NASCAR history. EA Sports 500 2002 EA Sports 500 The EA Sports 500 was held at Talladega Superspeedway on October 6. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Jimmie Johnson started on the pole. The race was caution-free for the third time in five years at Talladega. Top ten results #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #20 - Tony Stewart #28 - Ricky Rudd #97 - Kurt Busch #30 - Jeff Green #1 - Steve Park #12 - Ryan Newman #15 - Michael Waltrip #88 - Dale Jarrett #22 - Ward Burton Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#51), Geoff Bodine (#09), Robert Pressley (#92)*, Kerry Earnhardt (#83) In a bizarre event, during the pace laps, Mark Martin had a steering problem and crashed into Jimmie Johnson. Martin was black-flagged prior to the race start so NASCAR could verify his steering was working properly, while Johnson did not pit until the conclusion of the first green flag lap. Due to the caution free race, neither driver was able to recover from the incident. Jamie McMurray began driving duties for Sterling Marlin in this race. This was his first career start. He finished in 26th All Hendrick Motorsports engines failed during the race (Jeff Gordon, Joe Nemechek, Jimmie Johnson, Terry Labonte, as well as the Hendrick affiliated cars of Johnny Benson and Ken Schrader) With both Johnson and Martin having problems, Tony Stewart would take the points lead for the first time after this race. As of 2018, this would be the last time ever that a NASCAR Cup race would go flag to flag green (or caution free). Pressley's DNQ marked the last appearance of Melling Racing in NASCAR, as the team would never attempt another race, and would shut down in 2003. This was the final race for the Winston No Bull 5 program. UAW-GM Quality 500 2002 UAW-GM Quality 500 The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway on October 13. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Tony Stewart started on the pole. Jamie McMurray, subbing for an injured Sterling Marlin, won his first race in his second career start. Top ten results #40 - Jamie McMurray #18 - Bobby Labonte #20 - Tony Stewart #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace #48 - Jimmie Johnson #99 - Jeff Burton #12 - Ryan Newman #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #77 - Dave Blaney Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#59), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Scott Wimmer (#27), Jack Sprague (#60), Kerry Earnhardt (#83), Ron Hornaday Jr. (#54) Rain caused the start of the race to be delayed over 3 hours. After the rain stopped, NASCAR decided to start the race under yellow for the first 5 laps as the track continued to dry. The late finish contributed to a large jump in ratings for the NBC telecast. NASCAR decided to move the fall race at Charlotte from Sunday afternoon to Saturday night for 2003. This race marked the last start for Donlavey Racing in a Cup Series points race, finishing in last place with driver Jason Hedlesky. Old Dominion 500 The Old Dominion 500 was held at Martinsville Speedway on October 20. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #97 - Kurt Busch #10 - Johnny Benson #28 - Ricky Rudd #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #22 - Ward Burton #48 - Jimmie Johnson #32 - Ricky Craven #88 - Dale Jarrett #2 - Rusty Wallace #6 - Mark Martin Failed to qualify: Brian Rose (#51), Carl Long (#59), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Ryan McGlynn (#80), Kirk Shelmerdine (#27) NAPA 500 The NAPA 500 was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 27. Qualifying was rained out, so points leader Tony Stewart started on the pole. The race was shortened to 248 laps due to rain. Top ten results #97 - Kurt Busch #25 - Joe Nemechek #88 - Dale Jarrett #20 - Tony Stewart #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #24 - Jeff Gordon #40 - Jamie McMurray #6 - Mark Martin #17 - Matt Kenseth #12 - Ryan Newman Failed to qualify: Geoff Bodine (#09), Frank Kimmel (#66), Scott Wimmer (#27), Greg Biffle (#16), Buckshot Jones (#00), Jack Sprague (#60), Kerry Earnhardt (#83), Ron Hornaday Jr. (#54) Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 The Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400 was held at North Carolina Speedway on November 3. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #10 - Johnny Benson* #6 - Mark Martin* #97 - Kurt Busch #99 - Jeff Burton #24 - Jeff Gordon #4 - Mike Skinner #18 - Bobby Labonte #17 - Matt Kenseth #32 - Ricky Craven #30 - Jeff Green Failed to qualify: Tony Raines (#74), Tim Sauter (#71), Carl Long (#59), Ron Hornaday Jr. (#54), Hideo Fukuyama (#66) This would be Johnny Benson's only Winston Cup Series win. Mark Martin failed post-race inspection after an illegal left front spring was discovered. Martin was penalized 25 driver points, and Jack Roush was penalized 25 owner points. First win for MB2 Motorsports. Checker Auto Parts 500 The Checker Auto Parts 500 was held at Phoenix International Raceway on November 10. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #17 - Matt Kenseth #2 - Rusty Wallace #24 - Jeff Gordon #6 - Mark Martin* #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #97 - Kurt Busch #77 - Dave Blaney #20 - Tony Stewart* #88 - Dale Jarrett #21 - Elliott Sadler Failed to qualify: Ted Musgrave (#07), Jack Sprague (#60), Brett Bodine (#11), Jerry Robertson (#51), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Jeff Jefferson (#37), Lance Hooper (#47), Mike Harmon (#93) Tony Stewart left Phoenix with an 89-point lead over Mark Martin. Stewart had to finish 22nd or better to clinch his first championship the following week at Homestead if Martin led the most laps and won the race. Mark Martin's appeal to regain the 25 points back from his penalty at Rockingham was denied during qualifying for the following race at Homestead, the season finale. If the penalty was withdrawn, the points gap between Stewart and Martin would've been 64 points. Ford 400 The Ford 400 was held at Homestead–Miami Speedway on November 17. Kurt Busch won the pole. Top ten results #97 - Kurt Busch #25 - Joe Nemechek #99 - Jeff Burton #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #12 - Ryan Newman #9 - Bill Elliott #48 - Jimmie Johnson #21 - Elliott Sadler #55 - Bobby Hamilton Failed to qualify: David Green (#54), Brett Bodine (#11), Hermie Sadler (#02), Tony Raines (#74), Boris Said (#67), Carl Long (#59), Geoff Bodine (#09), Mike Harmon (#93) Tony Stewart clinched the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship after finishing in 18th place, the lowest for a driver to win the championship in the season finale since 1995 when Jeff Gordon finished 32nd. Tony Stewart would be the last driver to win the championship in the season finale before the Playoffs Era. 2002 would be the last time in NASCAR history that a driver would win the title with less than 5,000 points to his total. 2002 would also be the only season in the 36 race era (2001–Present) that a driver won the title with less than 5,000 points. As of 2021, Tony Stewart is the only driver in NASCAR history to win the championship after finishing last in the first race of the season (43rd in the Daytona 500). After 16 straight seasons with at least one victory from 1986 to 2001, Rusty Wallace failed to keep his winning streak alive in 2002. Full Drivers' Championship List of NASCAR points scoring systems (key) Bold – Pole position awarded by time. Italics – Pole position set by owner's points. * – Most laps led. Pos Position Driver DAY CAR LVS ATL DAR BRI TEX MAR TAL CAL RCH CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH NHA DOV KAN TAL CLT MAR ATL CAR PHO HOM Points 1 Tony Stewart 43 4 5 1* 36 15 5 3* 29 29 1 6 11 7 16 2 39 3 39 7 12 1* 2 24 8 30 3 5 8 2 3 11 4 14 8 18 4800 2 Mark Martin 6 21 3 8 29 11 3 8 37 5 4 1 41 2 9 7 5 9 16 13 28 10 5 23 11 6 16 2 25 30 16 10 8 2* 4 4 4762 3 Kurt Busch 4 12 20 11 28 1 23 10 3 2* 27 31 12 40 10 4* 31 6 8 2 41 41 39 6 7 19 2 7 31 4 12 1 1* 3 6* 1 4641 4 Jeff Gordon 9 7 17 16 9 31 2 23 4 16 7 5 6 5 5 37 22 2 29 12 6 22 19 1* 1* 40 14 37 1* 42 4 36 6 5 3 5 4607 5 Jimmie Johnson (R) 15 28 6 3 6 7 6 35 7 1 31 7* 1* 3 14 35 8 4 15 15 9 16 7 34 9 13 9 1* 10 37 6 6 22 37 15 8 4600 6 Ryan Newman (R) 7 14 4 10 5 37 40 41 43 14 2 41 4 32 3 9 27 5* 5 5 4 2 31 36 2 2* 1* 8 2 7 8 15 10 23 18 6 4593 7 Rusty Wallace 18 8 11 6 7 9 11 16 8 8 25 10 17 9 7 27 2 25 4 40 2 17 24 2 22 15 19 15 3 13 5 9 17 27 2 14 4574 8 Matt Kenseth 33 1* 14 4 8 6 1 2 30 20 6 2 40 35 1 39 30 14 33* 8 3 33 11 5 37 1 10 4 7 14 34 19 9 8 1 40 4432 9 Dale Jarrett 14 42 7 13 40 29 24* 4 6 6 38 19 5 1 2* 15 35 11 3 4 10 37 1 28 5 31 7 3 39 9 14 8 3 12 9 15 4415 10 Ricky Rudd 38 18 13 20 12 3 4 7 14 3 39 4 19 17 8 1 15 19 17 10 18 5 12 39 30 7 12 14 20 3 39 3 32 20 13 19 4323 11 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 29 26 16 2 4 4* 42 5 1* 36 36 35 30 12 22 30 6 10 23 37 22 35 10 3 16 4 11 24 6 1* 9 4 5 34 5 21 4270 12 Jeff Burton 12 6 9 21 11 26 39 9 9 19 3 40 3 6 20 29 33 39 12 16 29 7 4 13 10 39 20 6 29 11 7 17 12 4 12 3 4259 13 Bill Elliott 11 11 8 35 10 21 9 31 19 4 14 9 2 30 11 8 17 7 34 1 1* 21 22 17 3 16 23 18 5 19 35 42 33 39 30 7 4158 14 Michael Waltrip 5 40 22 40 15 30 28 13 2 10 24 8 21 8 4 22 1* 42 20 18 16 9 15 22 24 36 8 12 26 8 11 18 11 19 20 41 3985 15 Ricky Craven 17 5 31 5 41 13 14 30 18 37 9 3 7 14 15 19 23 20 21 17 33 34 17 16 14 21 6 9 38 15 36 7 21 9 34 24 3888 16 Bobby Labonte 34 3 12 37 21 5 30 1 41 34 32 14 16 25 24 13 32 18 13 11 11 23 13 9 15 32 5 41 22 25 2 12 13 7 39 29 3810 17 Jeff Green 19 17 33 41 25 27 16 22 16 11 13 20 38 34 18 5 21 12 2 26 19 12 9 35 12 3 26 13 17 5 29 32 24 10 35 38 3704 18 Sterling Marlin 8* 2 1 9 1 19 7 12 5 7 11 11 13 4 21 43 3 16 14 3* 27 30 6 7 4 43 21 21 33 3703 19 Dave Blaney 25 22 18 17 30 17 15 17 31 9 29 21 29 10 13 20 28 17 35 22 15 18 18 33 29 9 25 11 21 31 10 20 19 17 7 43 3670 20 Robby Gordon 13 24 37 18 34 20 41 34 33 12 37 16 8 19 33 11 29 8 7 25 8 3 21 20 17 28 17 17 13 12 38 23 20 11 27 26 3632 21 Kevin Harvick 36 19 25 39 3 10 25 QL 28 35 40 34 28 39 27 14 11 1 9 6 5 14 3 4 40 18 33 30 11 27 22 31 40 26 17 20 3501 22 Kyle Petty 41 37 30 15 14 12 21 20 10 17 23 13 20 13 12 17 19 24 37 27 25 29 27 15 13 17 39 16 15 16 20 37 14 30 32 31 3501 23 Elliott Sadler 2 31 28 19 2 41 17 28 40 39 21 33 10 15 26 6 12 21 10 21 35 43 27 42 19 34 35 25 18 36 19 34 18 16 10 9 3418 24 Terry Labonte 20 16 38 14 23 16 10 6 20 21 33 12 15 38 31 3 14 13 22 9 13 31 33 30 31 41 30 38 12 38 21 22 25 32 26 28 3417 25 Ward Burton 1 13 21 7 31 25 43 14 15 18 30* 42 37 33 42 40 9 41 1 14 30 20 29 37 6 8 38 43 43 10 33 5* 16 40 19 12 3362 26 Jeremy Mayfield 39 29 2 23 16 14 18 11 36 38 5 39 35 36 36 28 13 34 19 38 39 15 16 25 20 10 24 20 9 20 28 28 27 21 25 33 3309 27 Jimmy Spencer DNQ 20 10 26 37 2 8 21 17 27 10 25 23 21 28 36 4 32 11 32 31 DNQ 34 8 18 42 15 35 24 21 32 24 30 31 23 42 3187 28 John Andretti 37 15 36 36 22 34 22 42 38 24 20 15 32 31 23 10 24 22 25 23 26 11 20 19 42 29 22 29 14 18 23 13 43 18 14 39 3161 29 Johnny Benson 10 23 32 27 33 39 13 19 39 15 20 6 16 43 30 37 25 8 12 34 35 4 10 23 40 18 2 23 1 16 13 3132 30 Ken Schrader 26 35 26 24 35 22 34 36 24 43 15 18 36 16 25 38 25 40 24 20 14 28 14 14 26 26 13 22 28 41 31 26 42 22 37 27 2954 31 Mike Skinner 23 36 34 28 20 23 12 25 23 31 28 24 22 37 30 12 37 23 38 29 36 40 28 29 38 22 43 19 32 28 24 33 26 6 24 36 2886 32 Bobby Hamilton 32 9 43 29 13 28 31 27 22 30 17 23 9 27 37 31 16 15 26 19 23 19 23 11 23 27 25 35 38 29 10 2832 33 Steve Park 39 24 20 24 34 22 34 38 39 23 32 23 34 27 32 43 7 39 41 26 36 11 29 26 30 6 15 16 15 24 21 17 2694 34 Joe Nemechek 40 33 19 25 17 43 25 12 30 43 41 29 18 36 33 41 24 20 38 35 27 21 25 32 23 4 39 40 41 2 28 33 2* 2682 35 Casey Atwood 35 39 41 32 26 18 35 38 26 28 22 17 14 11 39 21 20 28 36 28 38 27 42 18 28 24 34 32 42 34 30 21 38 29 37 2621 36 Brett Bodine 16 30 35 38 38 36 38 26 13 23 19 27 34 24 34 24 38 30 27 33 42 32 38 32 39 20 36 DNQ DNQ 29 26 38 34 36 DNQ DNQ 2276 37 Jerry Nadeau 28 25 15 30 18 8 32 39 32 26 41 28 27 34 37 18 36 24 26 32 21 41 27 28 42 27 24 13 2250 38 Todd Bodine 31 32 29 18 18 26 7 26 6 34 8 26 43 33 5 42 40 34 23 37 30 41 42 22 QL 1987 39 Kenny Wallace 30 10 27 22 32 21 42 29 32 36 25 14 18 27 16 33 25 36 13 11 23 1868 40 Hut Stricklin DNQ 27 24 43 32 35 27 15 11 40 16 22 26 22 17 33 26 36 31 31 17 36 38 1781 41 Mike Wallace 21 38 42 41 38 39 43 40 10 32 12 31 28 19 35 17 27 31 43 28 11 1551 42 Stacy Compton 27 43 39 31 27 38 19 18 27 41 26 37 24 28 35 DNQ 18 35 30 30 22 42 1527 43 Geoff Bodine 3 12 19 10 43 34 40 38 DNQ 39 DNQ 32 803 44 Steve Grissom 25 33 8 32 25 26 40 31 28 40 769 45 Hermie Sadler DNQ 32 29 DNQ 18 Wth DNQ 29 DNQ 23 37 41 35 41 DNQ 688 46 Jamie McMurray 26 1* 7 15 40 22 679 47 Rick Mast DNQ 34 40 33 24 33 29 37 DNQ 32 35 576 48 Greg Biffle DNQ 13 DNQ 33 27 33 36 DNQ 25 25 570 49 Buckshot Jones DNQ 41 23 12 19 40 26 33 DNQ 559 50 Ted Musgrave 21 27 29 28 DNQ 16 452 51 Tony Raines 31 DNQ DNQ 43 35 31 41 29 DNQ 43 DNQ 382 52 Shawna Robinson (R) 24 42 34 42 36 DNQ 42 40 361 53 Derrike Cope DNQ DNQ DNQ 38 35 DNQ 37 41 37 38 34 361 54 Frank Kimmel 33 40 35 42 26 43 DNQ 292 55 Morgan Shepherd Wth 40 42 DNQ 43 41 DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ DNQ 202 56 Scott Wimmer DNQ DNQ 40 DNQ 17 DNQ DNQ 42 192 57 Jack Sprague Wth 35 DNQ DNQ 35 DNQ 30 189 58 Ron Hornaday Jr. DNQ DNQ 36 DNQ DNQ 32 DNQ DNQ DNQ 36 Wth 177 59 Boris Said 41 13 DNQ 164 60 P. J. Jones DNQ 4 160 61 Scott Pruett 6 150 62 Kevin Lepage 43 40 36 132 63 Jason Leffler 31 35 128 64 Mike Bliss 14 121 65 Tim Sauter DNQ 37 34 DNQ 113 66 Dick Trickle DNQ 42 42 DNQ 42 111 67 Robert Pressley 22 DNQ 97 68 Tom Hubert 24 91 69 Ron Fellows 25 88 70 Jay Sauter 37 43 86 71 Stuart Kirby 43 DNQ 37 86 72 Hideo Fukuyama 39 43 DNQ 80 73 Kirk Shelmerdine DNQ Wth DNQ 42 41 DNQ DNQ DNQ Wth 77 74 Lance Hooper 31 Wth 70 75 Andy Hillenburg 43 43 68 76 Jim Inglebright 32 67 77 Chad Little DNQ DNQ 33 64 78 Hank Parker Jr. 33 64 79 Carl Long (R) DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ Wth 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 39 DNQ DNQ 46 80 Jason Small 41 40 81 Christian Fittipaldi 41 40 82 Dave Marcis 42 37 83 Austin Cameron 42 DNQ 37 84 Joe Varde 42 37 85 Randy Renfrow DNQ DNQ 43 DNQ DNQ 34 86 Gary Bradberry 43 34 87 Jason Hedlesky 43 34 88 Norm Benning DNQ 89 Dwayne Leik DNQ 90 Bobby Gerhart DNQ DNQ 91 Brendan Gaughan DNQ 92 Kevin Grubb DNQ 93 Brandon Ash DNQ 94 Ed Berrier DNQ 95 Jim Sauter DNQ 96 Shane Lewis DNQ 97 Justin Bell DNQ 98 Kerry Earnhardt DNQ DNQ DNQ 99 Brian Rose DNQ 100 Ryan McGlynn DNQ 101 Jerry Robertson DNQ 102 Jeff Jefferson DNQ 103 David Green DNQ 104 Mike Harmon Wth DNQ 105 Dennis Setzer QL Pos Position Driver DAY CAR LVS ATL DAR BRI TEX MAR TAL CAL RCH CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI DAR RCH NHA DOV KAN TAL CLT MAR ATL CAR PHO HOM Points Rookie of the Year Because he had more wins, a teammate/mentor in Jeff Gordon, and the higher position in points, Jimmie Johnson was the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. But in the end, his rival Ryan Newman was named the victor. Newman's one win seemed mild to Johnson's record-tying three victories and even leading the championship standings at one point, but Newman broke the record for pole positions. The rookie points system is separate from the championship system, and only a driver's 15 best finishes counted towards the award. Newman's 15 best finishes were better than Johnson's, despite Johnson having the better run in championship points. Shawna Robinson and Carl Long, the only other racers who declared for the award, did not run enough races to remain eligible. See also 2002 NASCAR Busch Series 2002 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 2002 ARCA Re/Max Series 2002 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series References Category:NASCAR Cup Series seasons