2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series

American motorsport season November 2025 March 2016 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series NASCAR Nextel Cup Series 2004 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Champions | Seasons— thumb|Kurt Busch, driving the No. 97 car, won the 2004 Nextel Cup Series championship. thumb|Jimmie Johnson came in second behind Busch by 8 points. thumb|Jeff Gordon came in third behind Busch by 16 points. thumb|Kasey Kahne, the 2004 NASCAR Rookie of the Year. thumb|Chevrolet won the Manufacturer's championship with 22 wins. The 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series was the 56th season of NASCAR Nextel Cup Series in the United States and the 33rd modern-era Cup series season. The season began on Saturday, February 7, and ended on Sunday, November 21. Kurt Busch, who drove a Ford for Roush Racing, was the Nextel Cup champion. This was the first season that NASCAR utilized the Chase for the Nextel Cup format that began with the Sylvania 300 on Sunday, September 19. Under the format rules, the top 10 drivers (and any additional drivers within 400 points of the leader) by the end of the 26th race would be eligible to compete in a final 10-race playoff to determine the NASCAR Nextel Cup champion. Following the 26th race, the eligible drivers would have their points reset to bring the drivers closer together in the standings, with only five points separating each driver. The season would then continue as normal, with the driver with the most points at the end of the season becoming the champion. The NASCAR Manufacturers' Championship was won by Chevrolet when they captured 26 wins and 266 points. Ford finished in second place with 10 wins, and 224 points, while Dodge followed in third with 4 wins and 194 points.http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2004/data/standings_manufacturer.html Standings: 2004 Manufacturer Standings NASCAR; Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network September 12, 2009 This was the first year for the new series sponsorship. Mobile phone provider Nextel assumed sponsorship of the NASCAR championship series from cigarette brand Winston. Winston was the title sponsor of the Cup Series for 33 seasons, from 1971 to 2003. Nextel would become only the second title sponsor in Cup Series history. This was also the first year for Sunoco as it replaced Unocal 76 Brand as the official fuel of NASCAR. Sunoco would become only the second gas company to be NASCAR's official fuel since Unocal had been the official fuel since the sport's inception in 1948. The season was also marked by tragedy. On October 24, a charter airplane owned by Hendrick Motorsports crashed at Bull Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, near Martinsville Speedway. Ten people aboard the plane died, including four relatives of team owner Rick Hendrick, as well as Randy Dorton, Hendrick's chief engine builder. Jimmie Johnson, a Hendrick driver, had won the race, but the post-race victory ceremony was canceled as words spread of the incident. Teams and drivers Full-time schedule There were 37 teams that attempted every race in 2004. ManufacturerTeamNo. Car numberDriverCrew chief Chevrolet Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Tony Eury 15 Michael WaltripSlugger LabbeHaas CNC Racing0 Ward Burton 34 1-34Bootie Barker Mike Bliss 2 35-36 Hendrick Motorsports 5 Terry Labonte Jim Long 24 Jeff Gordon Robbie Loomis 25 Brian Vickers (R) Peter Sospenzo 48 Jimmie Johnson Chad Knaus Joe Gibbs Racing 18 Bobby Labonte Michael McSwain 18 1-18 Brandon Thomas 18 19-36 20 Tony Stewart Greg Zipadelli MBV Motorsports 01 Joe Nemechek Ryan Pemberton 10 Scott Riggs (R) Doug RandolphMorgan-McClure Motorsports4 Kevin Lepage 7 1-7Chris Carrier Jimmy Spencer 25 8-15, 17-32 Mike Wallace 4 33-36PPI Motorsports32 Ricky Craven 25 1-24, 27Harold Holly Bobby Hamilton Jr. 11 25-26, 28-36 Richard Childress Racing 29 Kevin Harvick Todd Berrier30 Johnny Sauter 13 1-13Kevin Hamlin Dave Blaney 8 14-15, 17-22 Jim Inglebright 1 16 Jeff Burton 14 23-36 31 Robby Gordon Chris Andrews Dodge BAM Racing 49 Ken Schrader David Hyder Bill Davis Racing 22 Scott Wimmer (R) Frank Stoddard Chip Ganassi Racing 40 Sterling MarlinTony Glover 41 Casey Mears Jimmy Elledge 42 Jamie McMurrayDonnie Wingo Evernham Motorsports 9 Kasey Kahne (R)Tommy Baldwin Jr. 19 Jeremy MayfieldKenny Francis Penske-Jasper Racing 2 Rusty Wallace Larry Carter 12 Ryan Newman Matt Borland 77 Brendan Gaughan (R) Shane Wilson Petty Enterprises 43 Jeff Green Greg Steadman 45 Kyle Petty Bill Henderson FordKirk Shelmerdine Racing72 Kirk Shelmerdine 32 1-15, 17-18, 20-21, 23, 25-36 Phil Harris Tom Hubert 2 16, 22 Ted Christopher 1 19 Brad Teague 1 24 Robert Yates Racing 38 Elliott SadlerTodd Parrott 88 Dale JarrettMike Ford Roush Racing 6 Mark MartinPat Tryson 16 Greg BiffleDoug Richert 17 Matt KensethRobbie Reiser 97 Kurt BuschJimmy Fennig99 Jeff Burton 22 1-22Bob Osbourne Carl Edwards (R) 13 23-30, 32-36Dave Blaney 1 31 Wood Brothers Racing 21 Ricky Rudd Ben Leslie 22 1-22 Michael McSwain 14 23-36 Limited schedule ManufacturerTeamNo. Car NumberDriverCrew ChiefRounds Chevrolet Bill McAnally Racing 61 Austin Cameron Doug George 1 16 Brewco Motorsports 27 David Green 1 26Competitive Edge Motorsports51 Kevin Lepage 9 12-15, 18-21, 23 Tony Raines 7 24, 26, 28, 31, 33-34, 36 Conely Racing 79 Stan Boyd 2 23, 27 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. 1 John Andretti Pete Rondeau 6 1-3, 12, 18-19 Ron Fellows 1 22 Martin Truex Jr. 3 28, 33, 36 Kenny Wallace 1 29Gary Keller Racing35 Mike Wallace 4 23, 25, 30-31 Kenny Hendrick 1 28 GIC-Mixon Motorsports 93 Geoff Bodine 2 34, 36 Haas CNC Racing 60 Jason Leffler 1 21 Hendrick Motorsports 84 Kyle Busch Gary DeHart 9 3, 7, 12, 19, 23, 25, 30-31, 33 Hollenbeck Motorsports 62 Larry Hollenbeck 2 23, 33Joe Gibbs Racing11 J. J. Yeley Doug Hewitt 4 23, 25, 33, 36 Ricky Craven 1 29 80 Mike Bliss 2 18, 26 Richard Childress Racing33 Mike SkinnerGil Martin 8 1, 9, 15, 23, 26-27, 29, 33Bobby Leslie 1 17 1 1 Kerry Earnhardt 6 9, 15, 17, 23, 29, 33 Johnny Sauter 2 26-27 MB2 Motorsports 36 Boris Said 4 16, 22, 25, 36 Michael Waltrip Racing00 Kenny Wallace 8 9, 17, 21, 23-24, 31, 33, 36McGlynn Racing Carl Long 5 14-15, 27, 29, 35 Ryan McGlynn 5 19, 26-27, 32, 3408 Ryan McGlynn 1 24 Carl Long 1 30 Morgan-McClure Motorsports 04 Eric McClure 2 9, 17DodgeArnold Motorsports50 Derrike Cope Mike Hillman 12 1-12 Mike Wallace 3 13, 17, 19 P. J. Jones 5 14-16, 18, 20 Todd Bodine 12 21-24, 26-27, 30, 32-36 Jeff Fuller 3 25, 28, 31BAM Racing59 Klaus Graf3 16, 22, 32Larry Foyt2 31, 33 701 36Bill Davis Racing23 Dave Blaney 6 1, 4, 7, 9, 12-13 Tony Raines 2 17, 21 Shane Hmiel 5 25-26, 30, 33, 36 Evernham Motorsports 91 Bill Elliott Sammy Johns 3 3, 7, 21 Chip Ganassi Racing 39 Scott Pruett 2 16, 22 Gary Trout Autosports 34 Geoff Bodine 1 21 Glenn Racing 46 Carl Long 5 2, 12, 19, 27, 32 Haefele Racing 75 Mike Garvey 5 28, 30, 32, 34, 36Penske-Jasper Racing06 Chad Blount Roy McCauley 1 29 Travis Kvapil 4 32-33, 35-36Phoenix Racing09 Johnny Benson Jerry Pitts 4 1, 3, 7, 9 Joe Ruttman 7 2, 4-6, 8, 10, 28 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 6 11-12, 17-19, 23 Tony Raines 1 13 Scott Pruett 1 21 Mike Wallace 4 24, 26-27, 29 Johnny Sauter 5 31, 33-36R&J Racing37 Todd Bodine Billy Poindexter 4 12-15 Chad Blount 2 17-18 Kevin Lepage 12 24-29, 31-36 Andy Hillenburg 2 20-21 Stanton Barrett 1 23 Sacks Motorsports 13 Greg Sacks 11 18, 20-21, 23, 26-28, 31-33, 36 Shepherd Racing Ventures 89 Morgan Shepherd Troy Kelly 14 3-16Darin Kummrow 17 17-24, 26-27, 30-36Terry Allen 2 25, 28 32 3-17, 19-28, 30-36Ultra Motorsports7 Jimmy SpencerBob Temple 1 1 Dave Blaney 1 11 Steve Park 1 12 Ware Racing Enterprises 52 Stanton Barrett 2 22, 24 A. J. Foyt Enterprises14 Larry Foyt Keith Koppenal 4 1-2, 7, 9Dave Charpentier 5 31, 33-36 4 1-2, 7, 9Ford ppc Racing John Andretti 5 31, 33-36Donlavey Racing90 Andy HillenburgJunie Donlavey 1 1 Kevin Ray 1 13 A. J. Henriksen 1 20Front Row Motorsports92 Brad Teague 1 26 Tony Raines 1 27 Stanton Barrett 1 28 Harrah Racing 78 Jeff Fultz 1 12Hover Motorsports80 Andy HillenburgStan Hover 8 2, 4-8, 12, 14 Randy LaJoie 1 11 Carl Long 4 20, 23, 29, 36 Tony Ave 2 22, 24 Ted Christopher 1 27 Derrike Cope 1 28 Mario Gosselin 3 32, 34-35 Andy Belmont 1 33 Pontiac Andy Belmont Racing 59 Andy Belmont 1 2DodgeFordMach 1 Motorsports96 Larry Gunselman Mike Steurer 1 17 Derrike Cope 1 25 Randy LaJoie 1 3398 Larry GunselmanMike Steurer 31 3-16, 18-24, 26-32, 34-36Sammy Johns 3 17, 25, 33 6 3, 13, 16, 22, 29-30 Todd Bodine10 4-5, 7-11, 18-20 Geoff Bodine 7 6, 12, 14-15, 27-28, 31 Bill Elliott 3 17, 25, 33 Derrike Cope 4 21, 23-24, 26 Chad Chaffin 1 32 Randy LaJoie 3 34-36ChevroletFordPontiacSCORE Motorsports02 Carl Long Ernie Cope 27 3-8, 10-13, 15, 21-36Ed Ash 1 16Jeff Buckner 3 18-20 1 3 Andy Belmont 3 4-5, 7 Hermie Sadler 24 6, 8, 10-13, 18-19, 21-36 Derrike Cope 1 15 Brandon Ash 1 16 Jason Jarrett 1 20ChevroletDodgeFordW. W. Motorsports94 Stanton BarrettTerry Allen 11 5-8, 10-14, 30, 34 Derrike Cope 4 17, 31, 33, 35 Brad Teague 1 32 Schedule No. Race title Track DateBudweiser ShootoutDaytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachFebruary 7Gatorade DuelsFebruary 121Daytona 500February 152Subway 400North Carolina Speedway, RockinghamFebruary 223UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las VegasMarch 74Golden Corral 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonMarch 145Carolina Dodge Dealers 400Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonMarch 216Food City 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolMarch 287Samsung / RadioShack 500Texas Motor Speedway, Fort WorthApril 48Advance Auto Parts 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayApril 189Aaron's 499Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaApril 2510Auto Club 500California Speedway, FontanaMay 211Chevy American Revolution 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondMay 15Nextel OpenLowe's Motor Speedway, ConcordMay 22Nextel All-Star Challenge12Coca-Cola 600May 3013MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes"Dover International Speedway, DoverJune 614Pocono 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondJune 1315DHL 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynJune 2016Dodge/Save Mart 350Infineon Raceway, SonomaJune 2717Pepsi 400Daytona International Speedway, Daytona BeachJuly 318Tropicana 400 presented by MeijerChicagoland Speedway, JolietJuly 1119Siemens 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonJuly 2520Pennsylvania 500Pocono Raceway, Long PondAugust 121Brickyard 400Indianapolis Motor Speedway, SpeedwayAugust 822Sirius Satellite Radio at The GlenWatkins Glen International, Watkins GlenAugust 1523GFS Marketplace 400Michigan International Speedway, BrooklynAugust 2224Sharpie 500Bristol Motor Speedway, BristolAugust 2825Pop Secret 500California Speedway, FontanaSeptember 526Chevy Rock & Roll 400Richmond International Raceway, RichmondSeptember 11 Chase for the Nextel Cup27Sylvania 300New Hampshire International Speedway, LoudonSeptember 1928MBNA America 400Dover International Speedway, DoverSeptember 2629EA Sports 500Talladega Superspeedway, TalladegaOctober 330Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra FoodsKansas Speedway, Kansas CityOctober 1031UAW-GM Quality 500Lowe's Motor Speedway, ConcordOctober 1632Subway 500Martinsville Speedway, RidgewayOctober 2433Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500Atlanta Motor Speedway, HamptonOctober 3134Checker Auto Parts 500Phoenix International Raceway, PhoenixNovember 735Mountain Dew Southern 500Darlington Raceway, DarlingtonNovember 1436Ford 400Homestead–Miami Speedway, HomesteadNovember 21 Races No.RacePole positionMost laps ledWinning driverManufacturer Winning manufacturerBudweiser ShootoutJeremy MayfieldTerry LabonteDale JarrettFordGatorade 125 #1Greg BiffleGreg BiffleDale Earnhardt Jr.ChevroletGatorade 125 #2Elliott SadlerElliott SadlerElliott SadlerFord1Daytona 500Greg BiffleTony StewartDale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet2Subway 400Ryan NewmanMatt KensethMatt KensethFord3UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400Kasey KahneMatt KensethMatt KensethFord4Golden Corral 500Ryan NewmanTony StewartDale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet5Carolina Dodge Dealers 400Kasey KahneKurt BuschJimmie JohnsonChevrolet6Food City 500Ryan NewmanKurt BuschKurt BuschFord7Samsung/Radio Shack 500Bobby LabonteKasey KahneElliott SadlerFord8Advance Auto Parts 500Jeff GordonJeff GordonRusty WallaceDodge9Aaron's 499Ricky RuddDale Earnhardt Jr.Jeff GordonChevrolet10Auto Club 500Kasey KahneJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet11Chevy American Revolution 400Brian VickersDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.ChevroletNextel OpenDave BlaneyJamie McMurraySterling MarlinDodgeNextel All-Star ChallengeRusty WallaceRyan NewmanMatt KensethFord12Coca-Cola 600Jimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet13MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes"Jeremy MayfieldTony StewartMark MartinFord14Pocono 500Kasey KahneJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet15DHL 400Jeff GordonJeff GordonRyan NewmanDodge16Dodge/Save Mart 350Jeff GordonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet17Pepsi 400Jeff GordonJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet18Tropicana 400 presented by MeijerJeff GordonTony StewartTony StewartChevrolet19Siemens 300Ryan NewmanRyan NewmanKurt BuschFord20Pennsylvania 500Casey MearsJimmie JohnsonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet21Brickyard 400Casey MearsJeff GordonJeff GordonChevrolet22Sirius Satellite Radio at The GlenJimmie JohnsonTony StewartTony StewartChevrolet23GFS Marketplace 400Jimmie JohnsonGreg BiffleGreg BiffleFord24Sharpie 500Jeff GordonDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet25Pop Secret 500Brian VickersMark MartinElliott SadlerFord26Chevy Rock & Roll 400Ryan NewmanJeremy MayfieldJeremy MayfieldDodge27Sylvania 300Jeff GordonKurt BuschKurt BuschFord28MBNA America 400Jeremy MayfieldRyan NewmanRyan NewmanDodge29EA Sports 500Joe NemechekDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet30Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra FoodsJoe NemechekJeremy MayfieldJoe NemechekChevrolet31UAW-GM Quality 500Ryan NewmanKasey KahneJimmie JohnsonChevrolet32Subway 500Ryan NewmanKurt BuschJimmie JohnsonChevrolet33Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500Ryan NewmanMark MartinJimmie JohnsonChevrolet34Checker Auto Parts 500Ryan NewmanDale Earnhardt Jr.Dale Earnhardt Jr.Chevrolet35Mountain Dew Southern 500Kurt BuschJeff GordonJimmie JohnsonChevrolet36Ford 400Kurt BuschGreg BiffleGreg BiffleFord Budweiser Shootout The exhibition Budweiser Shootout was held on February 7 at Daytona International Speedway. The starting lineup was decided by a random draw. Jeremy Mayfield drew the pole. Top ten results #88 - Dale Jarrett #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #29 - Kevin Harvick #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace #20 - Tony Stewart #5 - Terry Labonte #48 - Jimmie Johnson #01 - Boris Said Gatorade Twin 125s The Gatorade 125s qualifying races for the Daytona 500 were held on February 12 at Daytona International Speedway. Race one: top ten results #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #20 - Tony Stewart #42 - Jamie McMurray #15 - Michael Waltrip #99 - Jeff Burton #18 - Bobby Labonte #97 - Kurt Busch #77 - Brendan Gaughan #0 - Ward Burton #30 - Johnny Sauter Race two: top ten results #38 - Elliott Sadler #40 - Sterling Marlin #48 - Jimmie Johnson #6 - Mark Martin #29 - Kevin Harvick #17 - Matt Kenseth #01 - Joe Nemechek #21 - Ricky Rudd #2 - Rusty Wallace #12 - Ryan Newman 46th Daytona 500 2004 Daytona 500 The 46th running of the Daytona 500 was held on February 15. Greg Biffle won the pole. Top ten results #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.* #20 - Tony Stewart #22 - Scott Wimmer #29 - Kevin Harvick #48 - Jimmie Johnson #01 - Joe Nemechek #38 - Elliott Sadler #24 - Jeff Gordon #17 - Matt Kenseth #88 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Andy Hillenburg (#90) Dale Earnhardt Jr. won in his 5th attempt. He also scored the win on February 15, 6 years to the day that his father, Dale Earnhardt, won his only Daytona 500 in his 20th attempt. Subway 400 2004 Subway 400 The final Subway 400 was held on February 22 at North Carolina Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #17 - Matt Kenseth* #9 - Kasey Kahne #42 - Jamie McMurray #40 - Sterling Marlin #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #12 - Ryan Newman #2 - Rusty Wallace #97 - Kurt Busch #0 - Ward Burton #24 - Jeff Gordon - 2 laps down Failed to qualify: none Matt Kenseth scored the victory in a photo finish, barely beating rookie Kasey Kahne by 0.01 seconds. This was the final NASCAR Cup race held at Rockingham, which was dropped from the 2005 NASCAR schedule following the Ferko lawsuit and declining attendance. During the race, Carl Long went for a wild tumble down the back straight and Robby Gordon was turned into the wall and got on his side. The race also became the beginning of the focus of the season-long field-filler controversy. Joe Ruttman arrived at the track without a pit crew for a start and park, Andy Hillenburg was involved in a crash after running slow, and Kirk Shelmerdine was black-flagged for failing to maintain a minimum speed. NASCAR added a mandate of a full pit crew in an attempt to stop start and parking. NASCAR also announced, in light of the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy, at the drivers' meeting that a points penalty would also be assessed to anyone involved on a race team who uses inappropriate language. Previously, a fine had been assessed. UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 The UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 was held on March 7 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole. Top ten results #17 - Matt Kenseth #9 - Kasey Kahne #20 - Tony Stewart #42 - Jamie McMurray #6 - Mark Martin #38 - Elliott Sadler #41 - Casey Mears #18 - Bobby Labonte #97 - Kurt Busch #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: Larry Gunselman (#98) Kyle Busch made his Cup Series debut in this race, starting 18th and finishing 41st. Golden Corral 500 The Golden Corral 500 was held on March 14 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #9 - Kasey Kahne #48 - Jimmie Johnson #12 - Ryan Newman #17 - Matt Kenseth #20 - Tony Stewart #16 - Greg Biffle #88 - Dale Jarrett #24 - Jeff Gordon Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89) Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 The Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 was held on March 21 at Darlington Raceway. Kasey Kahne won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson #18 - Bobby Labonte #12 - Ryan Newman #31 - Robby Gordon #38 - Elliott Sadler #97 - Kurt Busch #6 - Mark Martin #29 - Kevin Harvick #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94) This was the last 400-mile race held at Darlington until 2020. Food City 500 The Food City 500 was held on March 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #97 - Kurt Busch* #2 - Rusty Wallace #29 - Kevin Harvick #40 - Sterling Marlin #17 - Matt Kenseth #49 - Ken Schrader #12 - Ryan Newman #42 - Jamie McMurray* #24 - Jeff Gordon #15 - Michael Waltrip Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89), Larry Foyt (#14) - Withdrew Larry Foyt attempted the race with the #14 team but the car was confiscated by NASCAR for failing opening day inspection for a non-approved roof that did not fit the car templates which led the team to withdraw.2004 NASCAR Penalties https://www.jayski.com/nascar-cup-series/2004-nascar-penalties/ Jayski February 25, 2020 April 21, 2004 This was Kurt Busch's fourth Cup Series victory in the last five Bristol races, including his third in a row, and third straight spring Bristol win. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was docked 25 driver points, fined $10,000, and placed on probation until June 1 for intentionally spinning himself out to force a caution. Jamie McMurray was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until August 31 after bumping Matt Kenseth in retaliation after the race ended. Hermie Sadler drove the #02 Pontiac in this race, marking the final ever race for Pontiac in the Cup Series. Dale Jarrett hit the wall with nearly five laps left. This Race was Red-flagged due to no overtime. The race restarted and Kurt Busch got his first win of the season. Samsung/Radio Shack 500 The Samsung/Radio Shack 500 was held on April 4 at Texas Motor Speedway. Bobby Labonte won the pole for the final time in his career. Top ten results #38 - Elliott Sadler #9 - Kasey Kahne #24 - Jeff Gordon #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #2 - Rusty Wallace #97 - Kurt Busch #41 - Casey Mears #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson #42 - Jamie McMurray Failed to qualify: Kyle Busch (#84), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Andy Hillenburg (#80), Andy Belmont (#02) Elliott Sadler edged out Kasey Kahne by a .028 of a second. This was the last race attempted for Pontiac in the series. Andy Belmont failed to make the race. Advance Auto Parts 500 2004 Advance Auto Parts 500 The Advance Auto Parts 500 was held on April 18 at Martinsville Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #2 - Rusty Wallace* #18 - Bobby Labonte #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #48 - Jimmie Johnson #12 - Ryan Newman #24 - Jeff Gordon* #42 - Jamie McMurray #17 - Matt Kenseth #40 - Sterling Marlin #88 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: Kirk Shelmerdine (#72) On lap 284, the concrete pavement in turn 3 broke up, creating a pothole. Jeff Gordon would run into the broken up part of the track, damaging his right-front fender. The race was red-flagged to repair the track, and while NASCAR would not grant the #24 team's request to be able to repair the car during the red flag, Gordon was able to fight back in the second half of the race for a sixth-place finish. Rusty Wallace broke a 106-race winless streak, dating back to Auto Club Speedway in April 2001. This would be Wallace's 55th and final career victory. With this win, he passed Lee Petty on the NASCAR win list. Aaron's 499 The Aaron's 499 was held on April 25 at Talladega Superspeedway. Ricky Rudd won the pole for the final time in his career. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon* #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #29 - Kevin Harvick #48 - Jimmie Johnson #31 - Robby Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #99 - Jeff Burton #41 - Casey Mears #42 - Jamie McMurray #18 - Bobby Labonte Failed to qualify: Larry Foyt (#14), Todd Bodine (#98), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72) The race ended under controversy when Brian Vickers crashed with four laps to go. At the same time, Jeff Gordon was about to be passed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. As Gordon's car was still ahead of Earnhardt Jr.'s, he kept the lead for the following caution. However, the race never was restarted, and Gordon won the race under the caution, prompting angered fans to throw beverage cups at his car while he celebrated his victory by doing doughnuts on the track. This led to the implementation of the green-white-checkered finish rule in order to avoid such situations in the future. This was Jeff Gordon's first restrictor plate win since this event in 2000. Gordon's win also ended Dale Earnhardt Incorporated's streak of Talladega victories at five, dating back to October 2001. Auto Club 500 2004 Auto Club 500 The Auto Club 500 was held on May 2 at California Speedway. Kasey Kahne won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #48 - Jimmie Johnson #12 - Ryan Newman #17 - Matt Kenseth #18 - Bobby Labonte #77 - Brendan Gaughan #5 - Terry Labonte #41 - Casey Mears #29 - Kevin Harvick #0 - Ward Burton Failed to qualify: none Chevy American Revolution 400 The Chevy American Revolution 400 was held on May 15 at Richmond International Raceway. Brian Vickers won the pole. Top ten results #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #48 - Jimmie Johnson #18 - Bobby Labonte #20 - Tony Stewart #17 - Matt Kenseth #24 - Jeff Gordon #6 - Mark Martin #25 - Brian Vickers #12 - Ryan Newman #15 - Michael Waltrip Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72) Nextel Open The Nextel Open was held on May 22 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Dave Blaney won the pole. Top ten results #40 - Sterling Marlin* #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #42 - Jamie McMurray #43 - Jeff Green #22 - Scott Wimmer #30 - Johnny Sauter #0 - Ward Burton #23 - Dave Blaney #49 - Ken Schrader* #50 - Derrike Cope Sterling Marlin and Ken Schrader advanced to the All-Star Challenge after this race; Marlin for winning the race, and Schrader for winning the fan vote. Kerry Earnhardt had initially won the fan vote, but as he failed to finish the event, Schrader moved on instead. Nextel All-Star Challenge The Nextel All-Star Challenge was held on May 22 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Rusty Wallace won the pole. Top ten results #17 - Matt Kenseth #12 - Ryan Newman #20 - Tony Stewart #15 - Michael Waltrip #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #24 - Jeff Gordon #9 - Kasey Kahne #38 - Elliott Sadler #2 - Rusty Wallace #6 - Mark Martin Coca-Cola 600 2004 Coca-Cola 600 The Coca-Cola 600 was held on May 30 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson* #15 - Michael Waltrip #17 - Matt Kenseth #42 - Jamie McMurray #38 - Elliott Sadler #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #41 - Casey Mears #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #20 - Tony Stewart #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: Steve Park (#7), Todd Bodine (#37), Carl Long (#46), Stanton Barrett (#94), Geoff Bodine (#98), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Jeff Fultz (#78), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Andy Hillenburg (#80) Jimmie Johnson won this race in dominating fashion, as he led 334 of the race's 400 laps. MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes" The MBNA America 400 "A Salute to Heroes" was held on June 6 at Dover International Speedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole. Top ten results #6 - Mark Martin* #20 - Tony Stewart #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #99 - Jeff Burton #10 - Scott Riggs #15 - Michael Waltrip 1 lap down #5 - Terry Labonte 1 lap down #19 - Jeremy Mayfield 1 lap down #22 - Scott Wimmer 2 laps down #29 - Kevin Harvick 2 laps down Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Todd Bodine (#37), Larry Gunselman (#98) Martin's victory snapped a 73-race winless streak, dating back to Charlotte in May 2002. Kasey Kahne was leading late in the race, when his car drove through oil from Casey Mears' car. Kahne hit the wall hard, and finished the race in 21st. Only five cars finished on the lead lap. Pocono 500 The Pocono 500 was held on June 13 at Pocono Raceway. Kasey Kahne won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #18 - Bobby Labonte #24 - Jeff Gordon #97 - Kurt Busch #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #5 - Terry Labonte #31 - Robby Gordon #42 - Jamie McMurray #41 - Casey Mears Failed to qualify: Stanton Barrett (#94), Andy Hillenburg (#80) This race ended under caution. A fan, upset that the race was ending under caution, threw a cooler at the flagstand and hit the backup flagman. Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth were called to the NASCAR hauler after the race following contact under caution.Caldwell Dave Auto Racing: Johnson Prevails Despite Pitfalls of Pocono 500 https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/14/sports/auto-racing-johnson-prevails-despite-pitfalls-of-pocono-500.html The New York Times January 26, 2020 June 14, 2004 DHL 400 The DHL 400 was held on June 20 at Michigan International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #12 - Ryan Newman #9 - Kasey Kahne* #88 - Dale Jarrett #48 - Jimmie Johnson #38 - Elliott Sadler #40 - Sterling Marlin #17 - Matt Kenseth #18 - Bobby Labonte #25 - Brian Vickers #15 - Michael Waltrip Failed to qualify: Kerry Earnhardt (#33), Carl Long (#00) Kasey Kahne got his fourth second-place finish of the season. Dodge/Save Mart 350 The Dodge/Save Mart 350 was held on June 27 at Infineon Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the pole and led 92 of the 110 laps en route to victory. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #42 - Jamie McMurray #39 - Scott Pruett #15 - Michael Waltrip #48 - Jimmie Johnson #36 - Boris Said #41 - Casey Mears #6 - Mark Martin #99 - Jeff Burton #38 - Elliott Sadler Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89) Pepsi 400 2004 Pepsi 400 The Pepsi 400 was held on July 3 at Daytona International Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon #48 - Jimmie Johnson #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #97 - Kurt Busch #20 - Tony Stewart #6 - Mark Martin #18 - Bobby Labonte #5 - Terry Labonte #25 - Brian Vickers #01 - Joe Nemechek Failed to qualify: Chad Blount (#37), Tony Raines (#23), Derrike Cope (#94), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Eric McClure (#04), Kenny Wallace (#00) The start of the race was delayed more than 30 minutes due to rain and the race started under yellow to help the track dry from the rain. 8 cars sported Coca-Cola C2 liveries, which were driven by John Andretti, Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart, Ricky Rudd, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Bill Elliott, and Jeff Burton. This was the second Pepsi 400 televised by Fox. Tropicana 400 The Tropicana 400 was held on July 11 at Chicagoland Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole for the 4th consecutive race. This was the first time since Darrell Waltrip in 1981 that a driver won 4 consecutive poles in a season. Top ten results #20 - Tony Stewart #48 - Jimmie Johnson #88 - Dale Jarrett #24 - Jeff Gordon #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #5 - Terry Labonte #40 - Sterling Marlin #01 - Joe Nemechek #15 - Michael Waltrip #29 - Kevin Harvick Failed to qualify: Todd Bodine (#98), Greg Sacks (#13), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72) This race is known for a pit road fight that occurred between crew members of Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart after Stewart spun Kahne, causing a crash that also collected multiple drivers. All of the pit crew, crew chiefs (Tommy Baldwin Jr. and Greg Zipadelli) and owners (Ray Evernham and Joe Gibbs) of the #9 and #20 were fined $50,000 for their actions. Stewart was not penalized. Siemens 300 The Siemens 300 was held on July 25 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #97 - Kurt Busch #24 - Jeff Gordon #12 - Ryan Newman #17 - Matt Kenseth #20 - Tony Stewart #15 - Michael Waltrip #42 - Jamie McMurray #9 - Kasey Kahne #88 - Dale Jarrett #19 - Jeremy Mayfield Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Kyle Busch (#84), Ryan McGlynn (#00) During the previous off-week, Dale Earnhardt Jr. suffered second-and third-degree burns on his neck, chin and legs in a fiery accident during a practice session for the American Le Mans Series Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway. Earnhardt would be relieved by his Busch Series driver Martin Truex Jr. for this race. Pennsylvania 500 The Pennsylvania 500 was held on August 1 at Pocono Raceway. Casey Mears won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson #6 - Mark Martin #9 - Kasey Kahne #16 - Greg Biffle #24 - Jeff Gordon #5 - Terry Labonte #31 - Robby Gordon #17 - Matt Kenseth #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #38 - Elliott Sadler Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Andy Hillenburg (#37), A. J. Henriksen (#90)* John Andretti served as a relief driver for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was still recovering from severe burns. Donlavey Racing made its last ever appearance in a NASCAR event this weekend, failing to qualify with driver A. J. Henriksen. Brickyard 400 2004 Brickyard 400 The Brickyard 400 was held on August 8 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Casey Mears won the pole. Top ten results #24 - Jeff Gordon* #88 - Dale Jarrett #38 - Elliott Sadler #9 - Kasey Kahne #20 - Tony Stewart #16 - Greg Biffle #42 - Jamie McMurray #29 - Kevin Harvick #91 - Bill Elliott #97 - Kurt Busch Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Hermie Sadler (#02), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Greg Sacks (#13), Andy Hillenburg (#37), Geoff Bodine (#34), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72) Jeff Gordon became the first 4 time NASCAR winner at the Brickyard oval, and the only driver to do so until Jimmie Johnson in 2012. This race marked the first time that the green-white-checkered finish rule came into play. The race was extended after Brian Vickers and Ryan Newman crashed on lap 158. The race still ended under caution when Ricky Rudd crashed on the final lap. John Andretti was on standby for Dale Earnhardt Jr. once again, although he was not needed this time as Junior ran the full distance. Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen The Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen was held on August 15 at Watkins Glen International. Jimmie Johnson started on the pole after qualifying was rained out and set to the current owners points. Top ten results #20 - Tony Stewart* #1 - Ron Fellows #6 - Mark Martin #41 - Casey Mears #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #29 - Kevin Harvick #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #21 - Ricky Rudd #17 - Matt Kenseth #97 - Kurt Busch Failed to qualify: Scott Pruett (#39), Boris Said (#36), Klaus Graf (#59), Stanton Barrett (#52) Tony Stewart put up a spectacular race, narrowly beating Ron Fellows for the win, despite suffering from severe illness. This was Jeff Burton's final start for Roush Racing before moving to Richard Childress Racing at Michigan the following week after he signed a three-year contract with Richard Childress Racing just before this race. Carl Edwards would take over the #99 car the following week, while Burton would move to the #30 RCR entry for the remainder of the season GFS Marketplace 400 The GFS Marketplace 400 was held on August 22 at Michigan International Speedway. Jimmie Johnson started on the pole after qualifying was rained out. Top ten results #16 - Greg Biffle #6 - Mark Martin #88 - Dale Jarrett #42 - Jamie McMurray #9 - Kasey Kahne #97 - Kurt Busch #24 - Jeff Gordon #17 - Matt Kenseth #20 - Tony Stewart #99 - Carl Edwards* Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#51), Kerry Earnhardt (#33), Kyle Busch (#84), Kenny Wallace (#00), J. J. Yeley (#11), Mike Wallace (#35), Stan Boyd (#79), Stanton Barrett (#37) All five Roush Racing cars finished in the top 10. This was Carl Edwards' first start in the Nextel Cup Series as well as his first ever top ten finish. Sharpie 500 The Sharpie 500 was held on August 28 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won the pole. Top ten results #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #12 - Ryan Newman #48 - Jimmie Johnson #30 - Jeff Burton #38 - Elliott Sadler #40 - Sterling Marlin #42 - Jamie McMurray #97 - Kurt Busch #17 - Matt Kenseth #88 - Dale Jarrett Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Stanton Barrett (#52), Brad Teague (#72), Tony Ave (#80), Ryan McGlynn (#00) Pop Secret 500 2004 Pop Secret 500 The inaugural Pop Secret 500 was held on September 5 at California Speedway. Brian Vickers won the pole. Top ten results #38 - Elliott Sadler* #9 - Kasey Kahne* #6 - Mark Martin #42 - Jamie McMurray #12 - Ryan Newman #99 - Carl Edwards #10 - Scott Riggs #88 - Dale Jarrett #31 - Robby Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: Morgan Shepherd (#89), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Hermie Sadler (#02), Kevin Lepage (#37), Mike Wallace (#35) Portions of this race were filmed for the movie Herbie Fully Loaded. Kasey Kahne got his fifth second-place finish of the season. This was the only time Elliott Sadler would win multiple races in one season in his Cup career. It also turned out to be the final win of his Cup career. Chevy Rock and Roll 400 The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 was held on September 11 at Richmond International Raceway. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #19 - Jeremy Mayfield* #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #24 - Jeff Gordon #80 - Mike Bliss #6 - Mark Martin #99 - Carl Edwards #09 - Mike Wallace #16 - Greg Biffle #42 - Jamie McMurray #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: Johnny Sauter (#33), Tony Raines (#51), Kevin Lepage (#37), Greg Sacks (#13), Hermie Sadler (#02), Brad Teague (#92), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Carl Long (#80) This race was notable when Jeremy Mayfield gained five positions from 14th to 9th and clinched the spot in the Chase. Making The Chase - Starting with this year, and every year following until 2017, the fall race at Richmond served as the end of the Cup Series' regular season and as the cut off for making the Chase for the Nextel Cup. The Chase field for 2004 consisted of the following drivers: 5050 points - #24 - Jeff Gordon 5045 points - #48 - Jimmie Johnson 5040 points - #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. 5035 points - #20 - Tony Stewart 5030 points - #17 - Matt Kenseth 5025 points - #38 - Elliott Sadler 5020 points - #97 - Kurt Busch 5015 points - #6 - Mark Martin 5010 points - #19 - Jeremy Mayfield 5005 points - #12 - Ryan Newman Chase for the Nextel Cup 2004 Chase for the Nextel Cup Sylvania 300 The Sylvania 300 was held on September 19 at New Hampshire International Speedway. With qualifying canceled due to rain, the starting lineup was set by owner points. Therefore Jeff Gordon started on the pole. Top ten results #97 - Kurt Busch #17 - Matt Kenseth #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #9 - Kasey Kahne #42 - Jamie McMurray #01 - Joe Nemechek #24 - Jeff Gordon #38 - Elliott Sadler #15 - Michael Waltrip #29 - Kevin Harvick Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), Martin Truex Jr. (#1), Johnny Sauter (#33), Greg Sacks (#13), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Carl Long (#46), Tony Raines (#92), Stan Boyd (#79) This was the first race of the new 10-race playoff format. Tony Stewart saw his championship hopes end after unintentionally getting caught up in a wreck caused by Robby Gordon. MBNA America 400 The MBNA America 400 was held on September 26 at Dover International Speedway. Jeremy Mayfield won the pole. Top ten results #12 - Ryan Newman* #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #88 - Dale Jarrett #97 - Kurt Busch #20 - Tony Stewart #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #42 - Jamie McMurray #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #48 - Jimmie Johnson Failed to qualify: Hermie Sadler (#02), Derrike Cope (#80), Greg Sacks (#13), Carl Long (#00), Kenny Hendrick (#35), Stanton Barrett (#92), Mike Garvey (#75) Ryan Newman won in dominant fashion, leading 325 of 400 laps and winning by a margin of 8.149 seconds. This race is known for a bizarre incident in which Matt Kenseth crashed into a tire barrier at the end of pit road. EA Sports 500 2004 EA Sports 500 The EA Sports 500 was held on October 3 at Talladega Superspeedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole. Top ten results #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.* #29 - Kevin Harvick #88 - Dale Jarrett #77 - Brendan Gaughan #97 - Kurt Busch #20 - Tony Stewart #01 - Joe Nemechek #41 - Casey Mears #31 - Robby Gordon #0 - Ward Burton Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Carl Long (#80) Dale Earnhardt Jr. was later penalized 25 points for uttering an obscenity during his post-race interview on NBC. This was the first play-by-play appearance for Bill Weber, due to Allen Bestwick's injury during a hockey match. This would DEI's last plate track win. Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods 2004 Banquet 400 The Banquet 400 presented by ConAgra Foods was held on October 10 at Kansas Speedway. Joe Nemechek won the pole. Top ten results #01 - Joe Nemechek* #21 - Ricky Rudd #16 - Greg Biffle #38 - Elliott Sadler #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #97 - Kurt Busch #42 - Jamie McMurray #88 - Dale Jarrett #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #77 - Brendan Gaughan Failed to qualify: Mike Garvey (#75), Mike Wallace (#35), Carl Long (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89) This would be Nemechek's 4th and final career Cup Series victory. Nemechek also joined Bobby Allison as the only two drivers to score his final Busch Series win and final Cup Series win in the same weekend. He won the Mr. Goodcents 300 the previous day. The three branches of the United States military that were sponsors at the time finished 1-2-3 (Army, Air Force, National Guard). Final win for MB2 Motorsports. UAW-GM Quality 500 The UAW-GM Quality 500 was held on October 16 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson #24 - Jeff Gordon #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. #97 - Kurt Busch #01 - Joe Nemechek #88 - Dale Jarrett #38 - Elliott Sadler #42 - Jamie McMurray #30 - Jeff Burton #20 - Tony Stewart Failed to qualify: Kenny Wallace (#00), Derrike Cope (#94), Mike Wallace (#35), Carl Long (#00), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Larry Foyt (#59), Hermie Sadler (#02), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Geoff Bodine (#98) Kasey Kahne led 207 laps and seemed to be en route to his first career Cup Series victory, but crashed out of the lead on lap 267 after blowing a tire. Subway 500 2004 Subway 500 The Subway 500 was held on October 24 at Martinsville Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson #42 - Jamie McMurray #12 - Ryan Newman #40 - Sterling Marlin #97 - Kurt Busch #19 - Jeremy Mayfield #43 - Jeff Green #29 - Kevin Harvick #24 - Jeff Gordon #2 - Rusty Wallace Failed to qualify: Carl Long (#46), Brad Teague (#94), Greg Sacks (#13), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Mike Garvey (#75), Klaus Graf (#59) The victory lane celebration was canceled after a tragic plane crash that took the lives of key personnel in the Hendrick Motorsports stable. Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 2004 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 The Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 was held on October 31 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Newman won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson* #6 - Mark Martin #99 - Carl Edwards #01 - Joe Nemechek #9 - Kasey Kahne #30 - Jeff Burton #25 - Brian Vickers #42 - Jamie McMurray #20 - Tony Stewart #16 - Greg Biffle Failed to qualify: Scott Riggs (#10), Scott Wimmer (#22), Kerry Earnhardt (#33), Johnny Sauter (#09), Hermie Sadler (#02), Mike Wallace (#4), Derrike Cope (#94), Randy LaJoie (#98), Greg Sacks (#13), Larry Foyt (#59), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Andy Belmont (#80), Larry Hollenbeck (#62), Kenny Wallace (#00) Johnson won the race just one week after a plane crash that killed ten people involved with Hendrick Motorsports. The four Hendrick cars drove a special paint scheme for the remainder of the season to honor those involved in the crash. Johnson became the first driver since Jeff Gordon (last 2 races in 1998 and the 1999 Daytona 500) to win 3 Cup races in a row. Five of the ten Chase drivers finished 33rd or worse in this race. Points leader Kurt Busch and teammate Matt Kenseth suffered blown engines and finished 42nd and 41st, Elliott Sadler had problems on pit road and finished 36th, Jeff Gordon suffered mechanical issues and finished 34th, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 33rd after crashing out late. Checker Auto Parts 500 The Checker Auto Parts 500 was held on November 7 at Phoenix International Raceway. Ryan Newman won the pole. The race at Phoenix was very cloudy and a short chance of rain in cold weather. Top ten results #8 - Dale Earnhardt Jr.* #12 - Ryan Newman* #24 - Jeff Gordon #29 - Kevin Harvick #9 - Kasey Kahne #48 - Jimmie Johnson #2 - Rusty Wallace #20 - Tony Stewart #18 - Bobby Labonte #97 - Kurt Busch Failed to qualify: Mike Garvey (#75), Tony Raines (#51), Stanton Barrett (#94), Mario Gosselin (#80), Ryan McGlynn (#00), Geoff Bodine (#93), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72) The race was extended to 315 laps / 315 miles due to a green-white-checkered finish. After two straight 33rd-place finishes at Martinsville and Atlanta, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his sixth race of the year, moving him up from fifth to third in the points standings with two races left in this season. Ryan Newman won the pole for the 4th consecutive race. As of 2020, Ryan Newman is the last driver to win 4 straight pole positions. Mountain Dew Southern 500 2004 Mountain Dew Southern 500 The Mountain Dew Southern 500 was held on November 14 at Darlington Raceway. Qualifying was canceled due to rain and the starting lineup was set by owner's points so Kurt Busch won the pole. Top ten results #48 - Jimmie Johnson* #6 - Mark Martin #24 - Jeff Gordon #42 - Jamie McMurray #9 - Kasey Kahne #97 - Kurt Busch* #99 - Carl Edwards #01 - Joe Nemechek #18 - Bobby Labonte #0 - Mike Bliss Failed to qualify: Kevin Lepage (#37), John Andretti (#14), Derrike Cope (#94), Carl Long (#00), Travis Kvapil (#06) With this win, Jimmie Johnson became the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to pull off the season sweep at 3 different tracks in one season. Along with Darlington, Johnson pulled off season sweeps at Pocono and Charlotte. This would be the last Darlington race with the "Southern 500" name until 2009. Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman were eliminated from Chase contention by being greater than 156 points behind the points leader. Ford 400 The Ford 400 was held on November 21 at Homestead–Miami Speedway. Points leader Kurt Busch won the pole. After Darlington, five drivers were still mathematically eligible for the championship, with Busch holding an 18-point lead over Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Mark Martin. All five were separated by 82 points. Top ten results #16 - Greg Biffle #48 - Jimmie Johnson #24 - Jeff Gordon #20 - Tony Stewart #97 - Kurt Busch* #77 - Brendan Gaughan #42 - Jamie McMurray #2 - Rusty Wallace #21 - Ricky Rudd #29 - Kevin Harvick Failed to qualify: Kyle Petty (#45), Johnny Sauter (#09), Mike Garvey (#75), Tony Raines (#51), Kevin Lepage (#37), Todd Bodine (#50), Larry Foyt (#70), J. J. Yeley (#11), Randy LaJoie (#98), Morgan Shepherd (#89), Kirk Shelmerdine (#72), Carl Long (#80), Geoff Bodine (#93) Despite finishing behind Johnson and Gordon, Kurt Busch won the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship by 8 points ahead of Johnson, the closest margin in Cup history until the 2011 season. Busch's championship run almost ended on lap 93, when the right-front wheel came loose while running in 2nd, and then broke off while entering pit road. Busch was able to bring the car to his pit stall without any major damage, and the caution caused by the lost wheel allowed him to stay on the lead lap. In victory lane, Busch dedicated his championship to the Hendrick family following the plane crash four weeks prior at Martinsville. Busch's championship victory would make him the 6th different champion in the last 6 years, a NASCAR Modern Era record, which would later be tied with the 2016-2021 seasons. 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 CAR LVS ATL DAR BRI TEX MAR TAL CAL RCH CLT DOV POC MCH SON DAY CHI NHA POC IND GLN MCH BRI CAL RCH NHA DOV TAL KAN CLT MAR ATL PHO DAR HOM Pts. Points 1 Kurt Busch 16 8 9 12 6* 1* 6 11 36 23 31 11 12 5 11 36 4 35 1 26 10 10 6 8 11 15 1* 5 5 6 4 5* 42 10 6 5 6506 2 Jimmie Johnson 5 41 16 4 1 16 9 4 4 2 2 1* 32 1* 4 5 2 2 11 1* 36 40 40 3 14 36 11 10 37 32 1 1 1 6 1 2 6498 3 Jeff Gordon 8 10 15 10 41 9 3 6* 1 1* 6 30 36 4 38* 1* 1* 4 2 5 1* 21 7 14 37 3 7 3 19 13 2 9 34 3 3* 3 6490 4 Mark Martin 43 12 5 14 7 23 17 34 6 11 7 36 1 36 34 8 6 24 14 2 25 3 2 13 3* 5 13 2 15 20 13 12 2* 15 2 11 6399 5 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1 5 35 1 10 11 4 3 2* 19 1* 6 3 6 21 11 3 22 31 25 27 5 21 1* 34 2 3 9 1* 9 3 33 33 1* 11 23 6368 6 Tony Stewart 2* 26 3 7* 17 24 8 14 22 16 4 9 2* 27 24 15 5 1* 5 35 5 1* 9 19 18 19 39 6 6 14 10 15 9 8 17 4 6326 7 Ryan Newman 31 6 27 5 3 7 39 5 11 3 9 35 24 30 1 14 12 34 3* 13 31 26 14 2 5 20 33 1* 16 33 14 3 17 2 34 30 6180 8 Matt Kenseth 9 1* 1* 6 31 5 16 8 42 4 5 3 22 21 7 20 39 12 4 8 16 9 8 9 22 28 2 32 14 17 11 16 41 36 20 19 6069 9 Elliott Sadler 7 18 6 29 5 14 1 12 28 22 12 5 18 12 5 10 26 21 15 10 3 15 32 5 1 17 8 20 22 4 7 32 36 38 23 34 6024 10 Jeremy Mayfield 25 11 14 2 9 17 34 36 21 14 22 8 8 2 19 30 22 5 10 9 11 7 11 22 16 1* 35 7 38 5* 30 6 26 21 19 35 6000 Chase for the Nextel Cup cut-off 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 CAL RCH NHA DOV TAL KAN CLT MAR ATL PHO DAR HOM Pts. Points 11 Jamie McMurray 36 3 4 37 21 8 10 7 9 15 38 4 15 9 37 2 37 13 7 30 7 13 4 7 4 9 5 8 17 7 8 2 8 24 4 7 4597 12 Bobby Labonte 11 25 8 18 2 33 25 2 10 5 3 13 25 3 8 33 7 18 17 29 15 11 26 16 20 16 18 14 35 16 17 18 20 9 9 12 4277 13 Kasey Kahne (R) 41 2 2 3 13 40 2* 21 30 13 28 12 21 14 2 31 25 36 8 3 4 14 5 21 2 24 4 42 27 12 32* 13 5 5 5 38 4274 14 Kevin Harvick 4 13 21 32 8 3 13 19 3 9 25 23 10 20 17 12 14 10 13 32 8 6 16 24 28 12 10 19 2 35 36 8 35 4 32 10 4228 15 Dale Jarrett 10 40 11 9 32 21 18 10 16 24 13 18 11 26 3 18 16 3 9 24 2 27 3 10 8 26 27 4 3 8 6 37 15 22 37 24 4214 16 Rusty Wallace 29 7 10 35 29 2 5 1 33 35 16 10 13 32 22 28 27 11 30 17 13 25 36 26 10 10 14 13 26 18 31 10 11 7 18 8 3960 17 Greg Biffle 12 23 40 8 12 12 31 35 15 33 21 21 26 11 23 13 31 20 35 4 6 35 1* 11 36 8 28 11 28 3 33 17 10 13 24 1* 3902 18 Jeff Burton 42 37 13 20 11 38 27 25 7 26 14 22 4 24 13 9 23 33 12 34 12 12 12 4 15 23 15 33 13 15 9 11 6 11 13 36 3902 19 Joe Nemechek 6 24 19 15 20 27 14 27 32 28 36 14 38 18 35 29 10 8 20 16 17 22 13 42 12 22 6 35 7 1 5 30 4 12 8 27 3878 20 Michael Waltrip 38 33 37 23 35 10 20 15 12 32 10 2 6 33 10 4 13 9 6 36 20 20 17 27 23 13 9 16 25 11 28 19 14 17 33 17 3878 21 Sterling Marlin 37 4 18 16 14 4 26 9 31 27 15 39 29 31 6 21 20 7 21 15 33 36 15 6 26 14 12 15 34 34 12 4 19 25 12 16 3857 22 Casey Mears 14 21 7 34 15 36 7 37 8 8 32 7 28 10 31 7 11 15 26 18 26 4 20 30 29 35 29 24 8 31 20 29 13 34 26 26 3690 23 Robby Gordon 35 36 30 17 4 19 23 30 5 12 24 20 14 8 33 34 19 17 25 7 22 16 25 12 9 32 32 30 9 28 18 23 16 35 15 29 3646 24 Ricky Rudd 18 19 28 31 33 37 22 20 17 17 11 26 30 19 12 35 17 32 39 12 28 8 24 40 17 21 37 12 12 2 16 14 12 19 16 9 3615 25 Brian Vickers (R) 39 16 23 21 23 35 12 13 27 29 8 15 23 13 9 22 9 14 34 14 29 30 22 20 13 37 22 38 36 19 40 27 7 18 21 18 3521 26 Terry Labonte 20 17 17 24 19 18 41 23 25 7 18 37 7 7 26 40 8 6 16 6 38 39 27 15 19 18 24 27 21 21 25 25 31 32 28 31 3519 27 Scott Wimmer (R) 3 15 39 27 16 13 33 29 18 30 30 28 9 35 14 25 32 23 18 11 32 19 18 36 21 38 36 23 31 36 26 20 DNQ 26 22 13 3198 28 Brendan Gaughan (R) 19 20 22 33 27 20 38 17 13 6 34 33 27 39 16 26 36 30 22 28 35 34 33 35 42 27 30 22 4 10 23 34 18 30 27 6 3165 29 Scott Riggs (R) 34 31 29 25 30 34 15 28 34 25 35 25 5 16 20 42 21 29 28 22 37 23 19 17 7 39 26 31 11 26 38 26 DNQ 14 25 15 3090 30 Jeff Green 33 28 34 19 24 29 35 24 19 37 37 27 31 15 27 27 30 28 24 33 14 17 23 29 27 25 19 21 39 29 35 7 21 23 14 37 3054 31 Ken Schrader 40 27 32 26 22 6 19 40 23 20 23 31 34 25 39 23 35 27 37 21 18 28 28 32 33 30 16 25 20 27 21 31 23 20 30 25 3032 32 Ward Burton 17 9 26 13 18 28 32 22 40 10 20 16 19 17 30 24 40 19 29 31 39 37 30 18 31 40 25 37 10 30 19 28 30 40 2929 33 Kyle Petty 21 39 12 28 34 25 21 18 24 39 27 38 37 37 18 32 24 26 27 19 23 18 29 37 35 34 21 17 29 38 27 22 29 28 35 DNQ 2811 34 Ricky Craven 23 35 25 22 36 22 28 16 43 18 26 24 16 34 29 16 38 38 38 20 24 32 35 34 17 30 2086 35 Jimmy Spencer 24 29 38 20 38 41 29 17 23 28 29 25 23 23 19 42 31 31 32 33 38 26 40 25 29 35 1969 36 Johnny Sauter (R) 26 14 24 30 26 15 24 31 14 21 19 40 20 DNQ DNQ 24 DNQ 39 29 DNQ 1430 37 Carl Edwards 10 33 6 6 20 18 42 22 QL 24 3 37 7 14 1424 38 Dave Blaney 15 11 11 39 40 17 33 29 15 15 37 33 27 21 24 QL 37 1347 39 Bobby Hamilton Jr. 17 42 42 41 19 38 38 11 29 43 23 15 36 38 16 31 21 1271 40 Derrike Cope 30 30 33 38 25 26 37 33 38 31 29 34 42 DNQ 40 41 38 40 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 1058 41 Todd Bodine 41 40 43 39 DNQ 34 33 DNQ DNQ 42 36 DNQ 41 38 41 41 43 23 43 23 39 43 39 43 39 DNQ 986 42 Morgan Shepherd Wth 42 DNQ 35 DNQ DNQ 32 41 36 39 DNQ 42 38 40 33 Wth 40 37 DNQ 38 34 41 DNQ DNQ 40 34 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 43 DNQ 925 43 Kevin Lepage 33 22 36 36 28 30 43 41 43 43 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ 36 DNQ 39 42 28 27 DNQ DNQ 915 44 Hermie Sadler 31 26 41 42 41 DNQ 40 43 DNQ 33 42 DNQ DNQ DNQ 31 DNQ 23 40 DNQ 38 DNQ 33 40 43 852 45 John Andretti 13 29 Wth 19 43 16 22 25 34 DNQ 20 818 46 Mike Wallace 35 41 32 DNQ 28 DNQ 7 34 18 DNQ DNQ DNQ 29 38 33 764 47 Kirk Shelmerdine DNQ 42 43 40 39 41 42 DNQ DNQ 42 DNQ DNQ 39 40 43 DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 37 DNQ 41 42 40 DNQ 43 DNQ 40 DNQ DNQ 42 DNQ 723 48 Bill Elliott 20 36 18 9 25 22 595 49 Mike Bliss 31 4 10 40 407 50 Kenny Wallace 37 DNQ 34 DNQ 25 32 DNQ DNQ 22 365 51 Shane Hmiel 39 29 24 24 41 349 52 Kyle Busch 41 DNQ 32 DNQ DNQ 24 37 34 43 345 53 Tony Raines 40 DNQ 30 39 Wth DNQ DNQ 28 43 Wth 40 DNQ DNQ 318 54 P. J. Jones 22 25 39 39 43 316 55 Boris Said 6 DNQ 30 28 302 56 Geoff Bodine 39 DNQ 28 32 DNQ 41 39 DNQ DNQ Wth Wth 278 57 Johnny Benson 27 31 40 29 QL 271 58 Carl Long 38 38 DNQ Wth 41 DNQ Wth 42 39 39 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ 267 59 Larry Gunselman Wth DNQ DNQ 37 34 43 33 42 248 60 Joe Ruttman 43 43 43 42 43 43 Wth 41 247 61 Kerry Earnhardt 35 Wth DNQ 28 DNQ 24 DNQ Wth 228 62 Stanton Barrett DNQ 32 Wth 41 40 DNQ DNQ 43 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ 224 63 Travis Kvapil 21 32 DNQ 39 213 64 Scott Pruett 3 42 DNQ 207 65 Andy Hillenburg DNQ 34 Wth 42 42 43 DNQ 42 Wth DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ 206 66 Larry Foyt 28 32 Wth Wth 30 DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 194 67 Ron Fellows 2 170 68 Randy LaJoie 43 DNQ 42 36 DNQ 126 69 J. J. Yeley DNQ 41 27 DNQ 122 70 Martin Truex Jr. QL DNQ 37 32 119 71 Greg Sacks DNQ 42 DNQ Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ 41 DNQ DNQ 42 114 72 Klaus Graf 17 DNQ DNQ 112 73 Tom Hubert 43 29 110 74 Jim Inglebright 19 106 75 Jeff Fuller 43 43 42 105 76 Andy Belmont Wth Wth 39 37 DNQ Wth Wth DNQ 98 77 Mike Skinner 22 97 78 Eric McClure 26 DNQ 90 79 Ted Christopher 36 43 89 80 Mario Gosselin 41 DNQ 41 80 81 Chad Blount DNQ 43 41 74 82 David Green 31 70 83 Tony Ave 31 DNQ 70 84 Austin Cameron 38 49 85 Chad Chaffin 39 46 86 Jason Jarrett 40 43 87 Brandon Ash 41 40 88 Jason Leffler 43 34 89 Steve Park DNQ 90 Jeff Fultz DNQ 91 A. J. Henriksen DNQ 92 Larry Hollenbeck DNQ Wth DNQ 93 Stan Boyd Wth Wth DNQ DNQ 94 Brad Teague DNQ DNQ DNQ 95 Ryan McGlynn Wth Wth Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ 96 Kenny Hendrick Wth DNQ 97 Mike Garvey Wth Wth DNQ DNQ DNQ DNQ Wth DNQ 98 Kevin Ray Wth 99 Damon Lusk Wth Wth 100 Steve Grissom Wth 101 Ted Musgrave Wth 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 CAL RCH NHA DOV TAL KAN CLT MAR ATL PHO DAR HOM Pts. Points Rookie of the Year The Rookie of the year battle in 2004 marked the first time since 1998 that a rookie driver did not visit victory lane. The winner of the battle was dark horse candidate Kasey Kahne, who went from a 41st-place finish at the season opening Daytona 500, to being narrowly defeated by Matt Kenseth the next week at Rockingham, and he never looked back, grabbing fourteen top ten finishes and thirteen top-five finishes, as well as a couple of pole positions. Pre-season favorites Scott Wimmer and Brian Vickers struggled, although Wimmer placed third in the Daytona 500, but neither made competitive strides during the season. Brendan Gaughan was a pleasant surprise, posting four top tens and finishing runner-up to Kahne for the award, while Scott Riggs only had two-top ten finishes. The only other rookie, Johnny Sauter, was released from his ride mid-season due to poor performance and never made a challenge for the top honor. See also 2004 NASCAR Busch Series 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 2004 Chase for the Nextel Cup References External links 2004 Nextel Cup drivers standingshttps://web.archive.org/web/20060825214709/http://www.racing-reference.info/raceyear?yr=2004&series=W August 25, 2006 Category:NASCAR Cup Series seasons